Pinnacles

Spires of hardened volcanic matter are exposed via erosion along a canyon.

NPS Photo Mimi Gorman

Quick Facts

Location:

These pinnacles are at the end of Pinnacles Road, 6 miles (9.7 km) from the junction of East Rim Drive and Phantom Ship Overlook.

Designation:

Pinnacle Trail

Amenities

3 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

What are they?

The final eruption of Mount Mazama blew volcanic material miles into the air. This was followed by the ejection of gas-charged matter through vents in fractures around the mountain which weakened and ultimately caused the upper mountain to collapse. Rather than rising upwards, the volcanic matter ejected through vents flowed rapidly downhill, filling surrounding valleys to a depth of 300 ft (100 m). Once the flows stopped, trapped gases escaped through fumeroles, and surrounding material hardened. As the streams reclaimed the valley the erosion-resistant spires were exposed. 

Where can I see them?

The classic view is located in Wheeler Creek Canyon at the end of Pinnacles Road from East Rim Drive. A 0.8 (1.3 km) trail is an easy walk along the rim of the valley where the pinnacles are visible.

These can only be seen when East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road are open. When the roads are closed, look for the pinnacles in the Annie Creek watershed and canyon from several view points along South Hwy 62.