Pinnacle Lake Trail

Another great trip on the Mountain Loop Highway near Verlot. We will be working to improve the very popular Pinnacle Lake trail. This will include some annual maintenance, tread restoration and drainage improvement. This trail needs and deserves all the help we can give it, so come out and join us for a day or two.

Look for a large Alaskan cedar, unique in such a low elevation, along the short hike to tree-rimmed Bear Lake. At 2 miles, you'll reach Pinnacle Lake, surrounded by heather fields and glacier-polished rock. This popular trail has marshy areas and brush that requires a lot of maintenance. The beginning is a little steep, with switchbacks that are being constantly maintained. Views of the lakes are nice.

Driving directions:
From Seattle, drive north on I-5 to Everett and take exit 194 onto US 2. Drive 2 miles east on US 2 to Highway 204, which exits to the left (north). Follow Highway 204 to Highway 9. Turn left (north) on Highway 9 and follow it just past Lake Stevens to Highway 92. Turn right and follow Highway 92 8 miles to Granite Falls. At the end of town turn left (north) onto the Mountain Loop Highway. Drive approximately 16 miles from Granite Falls (4.5 miles past the Verlot Information Station). Turn right (south) on the Schweitzer Creek Road 4020 and continue 2.3 miles to the Bear Lake Road 4021. Turn right onto 4021 and continue for 3.4 miles to the trailhead. Follow trail #661 for 0.2 miles and then take the left fork. (Driving time from Seattle: approximately 2 hours including 6 miles on gravel roads.)