Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
Discover striking sandstone pinnacles and breathtaking valley views on this accessible hike just off Highway 2.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover striking sandstone pinnacles and breathtaking valley views on this accessible hike just off Highway 2.
"Gorgeous views of unique rock formations, the Enchantment Mountains and town of Cashmere."
🚗 Easy Highway Access
Conveniently located right off Highway 2, making it a perfect quick stop.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating steep, sandy, and potentially slippery trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Sandstone Pinnacles
Throughout the park
Marvel at the striking Swauk sandstone formations that dominate the landscape.

Panoramic Valley Views
Summit trails
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding mountains.

Rock Climbing Opportunities
Pinnacle formations
A popular spot for climbers to scale the impressive sandstone crags.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Pass Required
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Highway Access
Conveniently located right off Highway 2, making it a perfect quick stop.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating steep, sandy, and potentially slippery trails.
🎟️ Discover Pass Needed
Don't forget your WA State Discover Pass for parking; no pay machine on site.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome, but be mindful of trail conditions for them too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Highway Access
Conveniently located right off Highway 2, making it a perfect quick stop.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating steep, sandy, and potentially slippery trails.
🎟️ Discover Pass Needed
Don't forget your WA State Discover Pass for parking; no pay machine on site.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome, but be mindful of trail conditions for them too.
📸 Capture Golden Hour
Visit during golden hour for stunning light and incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning panoramic views and unique sandstone formations at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park, making it a worthwhile stop. However, some find the trails very steep and slippery, cautioning that it may not be ideal for young children or those with mobility issues. Ticks have also been noted as a concern.
"Was a little hit and dry while we were there so our feet tended to slip on the sand covering the rocks. Great views of the valley and the pinnacles are a cool feature of the landscape. Had it been about 20 degrees cooler, we would have done the whole loop. As it was, we did about half of it. Follow the main trail switchbacks if you are afraid of slipping. There are a bunch of cutovers that people have cut that are much steeper."
Michael Stout
"Gorgeous views of unique rock formations, the Enchantment Mountains and town of Cashmere. Make sure to go counterclockwise and it is easier easiest to return the same route for an out and back. We did the complete loop however coming down was extremely steep and unsafe at some areas due to slides. Not ideal for kids due to very steep trail trails and unsecure ground. We also noticed several ticks along the way. Keep your eyes out for marmots too. Enter through the cute garden gate just past the restrooms. Be sure you already have a WA State Discovery Pass since there's no pay machine."
Richie D.
"Nice moderate hike. We did the clockwise loop. Wear proper shoes because some parts of the trail are slippery. Beautiful view. Restroom is clean."
Oksana Borisova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park is conveniently located just off Highway 2, about 10-15 minutes from Leavenworth, WA. It's an easy roadside stop with parking available.
Yes, it's very easy to find as it's right off the main highway. Look for signs indicating the park entrance.
From Leavenworth, head west on Highway 2. The park entrance will be on your right shortly after passing through Peshastin.
Public transportation options are limited in this area. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the park, often noted as clean and accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking. You can purchase a day pass for $10 or an annual pass.
Discover Passes can be purchased online, at some state park offices, and at various retail outlets. It's recommended to have one before you arrive as there's no pay machine on-site.
Yes, Washington State Parks offers Discover Pass Free Days throughout the year. Check the official Washington State Parks website for dates.
State parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for any specific hours or closures.
No, there is no pay machine on-site, so you cannot pay for parking with cash. You must have a valid Discover Pass.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The park's main attraction is its unique collection of Swauk sandstone crags, known as the Peshastin Pinnacles, offering stunning views and climbing opportunities.
The park offers about 1.5 miles of trails, many of which are very steep and can be slippery due to sand and loose ground. It's a moderate hike with significant elevation gain.
Due to the steepness and potentially unstable ground, some reviewers suggest it might not be ideal for young children. Adult supervision is crucial.
Visitors have reported seeing marmots and ticks. It's always wise to be aware of local wildlife and take precautions.
Absolutely! The unique rock formations and panoramic views, especially during golden hour, make it a fantastic spot for landscape photography.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the pinnacles and valley views.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the sandstone formations, panoramic vistas of the Wenatchee Valley, and action shots if you're there when climbers are active.
The summit trails offer the most expansive views. Look for vantage points that showcase the scale of the pinnacles against the valley backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, and a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the rock formations or distant mountains.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Washington State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a cooler day and bringing plenty of water. The presence of ticks is also something to be aware of, so check your children thoroughly after your visit. The park's accessibility right off the highway makes it a convenient stop for a quick leg stretch, but be prepared for a more challenging hike than its short distance might suggest.
🧗♀️ Rock Climbers
Climbers should be aware of the sandstone's nature and potential for erosion. Always practice safe climbing techniques and be mindful of the environment. The park's accessibility makes it a convenient spot for a climbing session.
📸 Photographers
Capture the unique textures of the rock, the vastness of the landscape, and the interplay of light and shadow. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for encompassing the grandeur, while telephoto lenses can isolate interesting details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For those who complete the loop, coming down can be particularly treacherous, with some areas experiencing slides. Following marked trails is highly recommended to prevent further erosion and ensure safety. While the park is dog-friendly, keep your pets on a leash and be mindful of the terrain.
Tick Awareness
Be aware that ticks can be present in the park, especially during warmer months. It's advisable to wear long pants and use insect repellent. Check yourself and your pets for ticks after your visit.
The Geology of the Pinnacles
The sandstone's composition makes it a popular destination for rock climbers, who are drawn to the challenge and beauty of scaling these natural towers. The formations offer a distinct visual contrast to the lush valley below and the rugged mountains beyond, creating a captivating landscape for visitors and photographers alike.
These pinnacles are a testament to the geological history of the region, offering a glimpse into the forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest. Their unique texture and shape make them a memorable sight for anyone passing through the area.
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