Hike of the Week: Crystal Lakes

Upper Crystal Lake from high above on the PCT connector trail

Crystal Lakes

Crystal Lakes reveal another side to Mount Rainier National Park



by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

September 9, 2005

Quick Facts
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: To Upper Lake 6.0 miles, To PCT 8.0 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: To Upper Lake 2,300 feet, To PCT 2,900 feet
Access: From Seattle, head east to Enumclaw, then follow SR 410 to Mount Rainer NP (75 miles). Trailhead is located on left side of road, approximately 4.5 miles from park boundary.
Notes: Dogs are prohibited.
Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier East no. 270

Tucked in the quiet northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park are the two Crystal Lakes. Wedged in an alpine bowl far away from the park's hubbub, the area feels secluded, yet is only three miles from the road. The Lower Lake is ringed by a forest of yellow cedar and sub-alpine fir, while the Upper Lake is embraced by expansive meadows. This is the "dry corner" of the park-well within Rainier's rainshadow. The lakes are usually snow-free by June.
Wildflowers grace the open slopes above the lakes, well before their brethren at Paradise or Sunrise take bloom. Scores of elk and a wayward coyote can often be spotted in the sprawling, surrounding, open country. Eagles and hawks ride thermals above the lakes-looking for marmots and ground squirrels below.
Set up camp at one of the developed campsites and then take to the high country for expansive views. Beyond the Upper Lake, a lightly-traveled, but good trail heads for a gap along the ridge to intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail. Along the way, you'll be afforded with views of Mount Rainier hovering over the craggy peaks that flank the lakes to the south.
The best views in the region are from the old lookout site on 6,595' Crystal Peak. Find the start of the three mile trail about a mile down the trail from the Lower Lake. From the wide open summit, you'll have a vertigo-inducing view straight down to the lakes and a jaw-slacking panoramic punch of "the Mountain." The White River roars in the distance. It’s the only commotion you'll hear on this great little hike, located deep within the rain shadow of Rainier.