Peshastin Pinnacles State Park - a rocky hillside with trees and bushes under a cloudy blue sky
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Peshastin Pinnacles State Park

4.5
·200 reviews·Cashmere, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Peshastin Pinnacles State Park - a rocky hillside with trees and bushes under a cloudy blue sky

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover striking sandstone pinnacles and breathtaking valley views on this accessible hike just off Highway 2. TikTokInstagram

4.5
(200 reviews)

"Gorgeous views of unique rock formations, the Enchantment Mountains and town of Cashmere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Sandstone Pinnacles

Unique Sandstone Pinnacles

Throughout the park

Marvel at the striking Swauk sandstone formations that dominate the landscape.

TikTokInstagram
Panoramic Valley Views

Panoramic Valley Views

Summit trails

Soak in breathtaking vistas of the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding mountains.

TikTokReddit
Rock Climbing Opportunities

Rock Climbing Opportunities

Pinnacle formations

A popular spot for climbers to scale the impressive sandstone crags.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Discover Pass Required

A Washington State Discover Pass is needed for parking. You can purchase a day pass for $10 or an annual pass. Check for Discover Pass Free Days to save money! InstagramReddit

Trail Conditions & Footwear

Trails can be steep and slippery, especially when dry or after slides. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be cautious of loose sand and ticks. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Golden Hour
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park just outside of Leavenworth WA is a bucket list hike for sure!! #leavenworthwa #peshastinwa #washingtonstate #hiking #fitness #panoramic #views #fyp
@notyouraveragebritt
62 likes • 861 views

🚗 Easy Highway Access

Conveniently located right off Highway 2, making it a perfect quick stop. InstagramReddit+1

👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Essential for navigating steep, sandy, and potentially slippery trails. Reddit+1

Pinnacle state park - cool rocks 🪨 #peshastin #pinnaclestatepark #rocks #washington #pnw #fall #hiking #trails
@nomi_red
72 likes • 463 views
Washington 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 🪨 Figured I’d turn my last post into a reel because I wanna remember these scenes from Saddle Rock. We got lucky with some spectacular lighting on this hike but I preferred Peshastin Pinnacles State Park’s rock formations to these. I am still so stoked to have seen this in person! Glad we beat the rain too 😅 #washingtonrocks #rockformations #saddlerock #stayandwander #optoutsi...
staceyswanderlust
55 likes • 644 views

🎟️ Discover Pass Needed

Don't forget your WA State Discover Pass for parking; no pay machine on site. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome, but be mindful of trail conditions for them too. Instagram

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park is an epic roadside stop on hwy 2, just 10 minutes from Leavenworth! It’s an ideal place to get out to stretch your legs, snap some pics, observe wildlife and take in the panoramic views! Here are some tips for visiting. 😍⬇️ 📍 Cashmere, WA 🥾 1.5 miles RT 🏔️ 400 ft Elevation Gain 🚗 Bring your Discover Pass 🐶 Dog friendly ⚠️ Go left when you enter the gate, and be ca...
n.sisson
483 likes • 44.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Highway Access

Conveniently located right off Highway 2, making it a perfect quick stop. InstagramReddit+1

👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes

Essential for navigating steep, sandy, and potentially slippery trails. Reddit+1

🎟️ Discover Pass Needed

Don't forget your WA State Discover Pass for parking; no pay machine on site. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Leashed dogs are welcome, but be mindful of trail conditions for them too. Instagram

📸 Capture Golden Hour

Visit during golden hour for stunning light and incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(200 reviews)

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

Unique rock formations
Panoramic valley views
Convenient highway access

What People Dislike

Steep and slippery trails
Tick presence
Not ideal for young children

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. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it's very easy to find as it's right off the main highway. Look for signs indicating the park entrance. Instagram

From Leavenworth, head west on Highway 2. The park entrance will be on your right shortly after passing through Peshastin. Instagram

Public transportation options are limited in this area. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park. Instagram

Yes, there are restrooms available at the park, often noted as clean and accessible. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, a Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking. You can purchase a day pass for $10 or an annual pass. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

Yes, Washington State Parks offers Discover Pass Free Days throughout the year. Check the official Washington State Parks website for dates. Instagram

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. TikTok

No, there is no pay machine on-site, so you cannot pay for parking with cash. You must have a valid Discover Pass. Reddit

🎫 🥾 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. InstagramReddit+1

Due to the steepness and potentially unstable ground, some reviewers suggest it might not be ideal for young children. Adult supervision is crucial. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing marmots and ticks. It's always wise to be aware of local wildlife and take precautions. Reddit

Absolutely! The unique rock formations and panoramic views, especially during golden hour, make it a fantastic spot for landscape photography. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the pinnacles and valley views. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

The summit trails offer the most expansive views. Look for vantage points that showcase the scale of the pinnacles against the valley backdrop. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in Washington State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park offers a unique landscape, but the steep and potentially slippery trails might not be ideal for very young children. Reddit If you do bring kids, stick to the main switchback trails for a safer experience and keep a close eye on them. The unique rock formations can be fascinating for older children, and the panoramic views are a great reward. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

Peshastin Pinnacles is a well-known destination for rock climbers, offering a variety of routes on its sandstone formations. The crags provide a unique climbing experience with stunning views as a backdrop. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Peshastin Pinnacles State Park is a dream location, especially during golden hour. Instagram The dramatic sandstone formations, combined with the sweeping views of the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding mountains, offer endless photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails

The trails at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park are known for their steepness and can be challenging, especially when dry. Most trails are around 1.5 miles roundtrip, but the elevation gain is significant. Many visitors opt for an out-and-back hike on the main trail switchbacks for a safer ascent and descent. Reddit+1 There are also unofficial cutovers that are much steeper and can be unsafe due to erosion and loose ground. Reddit It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear with good grip, as the sandy surface can be slippery. Reddit

For those who complete the loop, coming down can be particularly treacherous, with some areas experiencing slides. Reddit 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

The Geology of the Pinnacles

The striking geological features of Peshastin Pinnacles State Park are composed of Swauk sandstone. These unique rock formations are ancient sedimentary deposits that have been sculpted by natural forces over millennia. The park protects a collection of these crags, which rise dramatically above the surrounding orchards and the Wenatchee Valley. Instagram

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. Instagram+1 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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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