pinnacle peak

Experience an awe-inspiring and exhilarating full-day trek that takes you through breathtaking alpine terrain. Traverse limestone ridges as you ascend to the magnificent summit of Pinnacle Peak, reaching a staggering elevation of 1912 meters. Prepare for an ascent of 690 meters, rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding alpine peaks. Extend your adventure by embarking on a captivating ridgewalk to the south and west, immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of this untamed landscape. Download the WNMS Hiker’s Guide for more information.

The limestone rocks at this location protect the fossils of creatures that lived in the sea long ago. You can find trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, blastoids, ammonoids, clams, bryozoans, and many types of burrows made by small invertebrates. One interesting thing is that you can easily recognize the extinct corals, which come in two forms: solitary (rugose) and colonial (tabulate). As you get closer to the top of Pinnacle Peak, you'll come across a special rock layer that displays a lot of coral fossils.

For the return journey, it is recommended to follow the same route as the ascent. If the weather conditions are favorable, you have the option to extend your hike by heading south from the pinnacle of Pinnacle Peak towards an unnamed peak or a ridgetop to the west, or even venturing towards the beautiful Windfall Lake. These alternative paths offer challenging terrain and are suitable only for physically fit and well-prepared hikers. However, they reward you with unparalleled ridge-walking experiences and additional vistas of the mesmerizing peaks to the south and west.

The rocks you see along the way are from the Mississippian Period, which happened about 359 to 323 million years ago. In some places in the world, rocks from this time period have preserved the remains of ancient forests and have a lot of coal. But in the Tumbler Ridge area, the rocks from this time were formed differently. They were made from small pieces of dirt and sand that settled at the bottom of a warm and shallow sea.

Capture breathtaking photographs of the magnificent mountain vistas from the summit of Pinnacle Peak. The awe-inspiring views offer endless opportunities for stunning photography, showcasing the grandeur of surrounding mountain peaks.

This is not a developed trail, but rather a route. It is only suitable for strong, experienced hikers with good route-finding skills. The alpine ridges are often windy, and fog may roll in unexpectedly. Take a GPS, map and compass, and be prepared to use them. This route is in bear country; travel in groups and make noise. Please pack out what you packed in. Don’t wait until it’s too late, 911 rescues are free in BC