Pinnacles Overlook

Pinnacles Overlook is a viewpoint at the end of Pinnacles Road, off East Rim Drive, looking into Wheeler Creek Canyon. Tall, narrow volcanic spires rise from its pale slopes. It's a rewarding detour if you want a close look at Crater Lake's volcanic geology; the classic view is at the road end, so you can decide there whether to walk farther. Reaching it adds a six-mile drive from the East Rim Drive junction.

An easy trail follows the canyon rim past more views of the pinnacles. Some visitors find the strongest formations close to the parking area and feel the later stretch adds little, while others enjoy the walk, so look from the start before deciding how far to go. Parking at the trailhead is limited. The park describes the path as accessible to all-terrain wheelchairs.

These pinnacles began as vents in volcanic material from eruptions of Mount Mazama. Gas and steam escaped through fumaroles and cemented some of the surrounding ash. Water later wore away the softer valley deposits, leaving the tougher vent structures standing as isolated spires. They are exposed volcanic vents, rather than ordinary rock towers.