The Pinnacles Trail from Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Trail Name: Pinnacles Trail
Enter/Exit: Cottonwood Canyon State Park Pinnacles Trailhead
Trip type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate due to distance and animals (snakes and spiders)
Distance: 9.5 round trip
Elevation: 120’
Guide: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Cottonwood_Canyon_Pinnacles_Hike
Review: Cottonwood Canyon State Park outside of Wasco Oregon is a new state park with wonderful amenities. It sits along the banks of the John Day River and offers camping, hiking, day use and cabins.
The Pinnacles trail follows the western bank of the river for 4.5-5 miles and starts at the northern part of the State Park. The trail is a mix of gravel, sand and dirt (mud in the winter) and has multiple backpacking/bikepacking opportunities once you pass the “Hunting OK” sign. River access is not always easy so plan your water appropriately.
As you hike along you are likely to see various kinds of wildlife and rock formations (Pinnacles for which the trail is named). At any point you are able to turn around and head back to the trailhead. The last half mile or so of the trail in involves a small bit of bushwacking before the trail seemingly just disappears entirely. The walk back offers different views upriver with views of the lost corral across the river (another fun hike) and often beautiful blue skies above the canyon. The State Park offers potable water and pit toilets (if not full bathroom depending on time of year) at the campground. This is an easy trail if you keep the milage short just be sure to pack plenty of water and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. Cheers!
Rating: Bring a Friend
Rating Guide:
-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person.
-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day.
-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night.
-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.
-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it is so good!
