The sandstone spires of Peshastin Pinnacles have attracted rock climbers since the 1940's. By 1965, the climbing routes were well enough established to be listed in a published guide book. However, the land was privately owned, and in 1986 the owners' insurance providers convinced the owners to close the area to the public due to liability concerns.
During the next few years, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust facilitated numerous meetings and negotiations between the landowners and other interested organizations and agencies. Eventually, with the help and support of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and other concerned organizations, the Trust for Public Land purchased the Pinnacles from the owners. The Trust for Public Land then sold the property to Washington State Parks. In June, 1991 CDLT’s Don Fager led the dedication ceremony as Peshastin Pinnacles State Park opened to the public, with Governor Lowry in attendance. Thanks in part to the efforts of the CDLT, thousands of climbers and hikers now enjoy recreation and scenic vistas of the Wenatchee River valley in this very unique state park.