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I hiked this trail many years ago, yet never considered it an alternate route to Barrett Spur, until now. Sure, you can use the Pinnacle Ridge trail to reach any number of wonderful places on the north side of Mt. Hood, such as Dollar Lake, Wyeast Basin, and Elk Cove. But, I've decided to present this hike as an alternative route to Barrett Spur, especially for those living on the eastern side of the Cascades.

The trail isn't as popular as many other trails leading to the alpine regions of Mt. Hood, but it is well worth the time and effort to enjoy its own unique characteristics. Just getting to the trailhead is a worthwhile adventure, even it you didn't hike. The drive up to Laurance Lake is spectacular, and then the drive up the canyon and ridge to the Pinnacle Ridge trailhead presents some of the most outstanding views of Mt. Hood.

Like all the other approaches to the mountain, in season you will be presented with a wonderful display of avalanche lilies, then lupine and paintbrush, plus many other beautiful wildflowers. If there is a disadvantage in using this trail to reach the timberline, it is the beginning elevation. At only 3700 feet, it is 900 feet lower than the Vista Ridge trailhead, so you are faced with climbing this additional elevation. Nevertheless, for variety and possible ease of location it is still a viable alternative.

The first two and a half miles of this trail takes you through fairly dense forests. Right at the base of the Pinnacles, you do see the rock formation, but for the most part you have no views until you reach the soggy meadow areas about a half mile before the Timberline Trail. In season this is a favorite playground of the common mosquito and it will be only delighted to relieve you of part of your blood supply. So, go prepared for combat!

Even in late July you are likely to run into snow before reaching the Timberline Trail, but the junction is well marked, and just bear left and head east on your hunt for the elusive Dollar Lake. I say that because it seems to be one of the best unkept secrets of the mountain, and I say secret, because no one seems to want to mark the path you need to follow to find the lake. I'm still not quite sure how come I always do find it, because the place where you leave the Timberline trail simply is not marked, indicated, flagged, signed or otherwise apparent to the average hiker.

So, how do I explain to you how to find it? As you hike east along the Timberline Trail, you will break out into a fairly open area where you have outstanding views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier to the north. The trail leaves the confines of the larger trees and takes you into a bit of a draw, as it sweeps gently to the left. It is here that the unmarked user trail leaves the Timberline Trail on your right and heads up that very draw. Almost immediately you will see the users trail or trails. Depending on the snow conditions the trail varies just a bit. If you don't see or find this elusive trail, you will come to a very open area, and then the trail makes a steep right turn and begins to head downhill. This will tell you that you've missed the Dollar Lake trail, and need to backtrack.

When you do find the users trail to Dollar Lake, follow it up the draw and through the trees to the lake. There are obvious places all around this area to camp if you want to stay overnight. To climb Barrett Spur, which will be right in front of Mt. Hood as you view it from Dollar Lake, just follow the very obvious user trail leading from the lake up the mountain. Having said that, please heed a word of warning.

I take no implied or stated responsibility for your attempt to climb Barrett Spur.

Also, be aware that a forest fire burned much of this area in recent years.

The ascent of this rocky ridge can be dangerous to limb if not to life. This is not a child's game and should be treated with the absolutely greatest caution and respect. BE CAREFUL if you insist on going up there.