Crystal Lakes Trail
This true wilderness hike leads you through dense old-growth forest, across slide areas, and then into a lush open valley that eventually takes you to a pair of lakes.
Plan Around Crystal Lakes Trail
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Crystal Lakes Trail Details
This true wilderness hike leads you through dense old-growth forest, across slide areas, and then into a lush open valley that eventually takes you to a pair of lakes. Find the trailhead 4 miles north of Cayuse Pass on State Route 410, on the east side of the road near Crystal Creek. You'll catch a few good views of Mount Rainier at the start of the route, as the trail switchbacks up through forest, but then spectacular Crystal Peak dominates the view. Don't stop when you reach Lower Crystal Lake, the smaller of the two lakes and located in the forest. March along for another .5 miles until you reach Upper Crystal Lake in an open bowl often filled with blooming huckleberries and subalpine wildflowers come summertime. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and even bears on summer days. If you're feeling extra ambitious, add another 5 miles roundtrip to hike up Crystal Peak, from which you can see five volcanoes from the fire lookout. Trail stats: 6 miles; 2,300 feet of elevation gain; 3 hours.
Difficulty
High
Distance
6 miles
Estimated time
3 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Crystal Lakes Trail
Compare nearby parks around Crystal Lakes Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Crystal Lakes Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Crystal Lakes Trail while the map context is still fresh.
1.1 mi away
Crystal Mountain Ski Area
Crystal Mountain, the largest ski resort in Washington State, features 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and more than 50 named runs.
1.9 mi away
White River Wilderness Information Center
Provides climbing and wilderness camping permits, and offers park and trail information.
2.8 mi away
Naches Peak Loop Trail
This easy 3.5-mile loop, which includes the Tipsoo Lake Trail, offers stunning views of Mount Rainier's eastern flank.
2.9 mi away
Chinook Pass
The 5,432-foot-high Chinook Pass is located on State Route 410 in between the towns of Enumclaw and Naches.
3.0 mi away
Pacific Crest Trail
A sliver of the 2,650-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) cuts in and out of Mount Rainier National Park.
