Our route, Crow Lake Way Trail #953, begins in the American River valley, crosses into the Norse Peak Wilderness, switchbacks steadily upwards through forests, then traverses along a hogback ridge. As we hike up, we'll gain views of the river below, Mt. Rainier and American Ridge, and--directly across from us and close by--the dramatic pinnacles of the Fifes Peaks, remnants of a volcanic caldera that exploded 25 million years ago. We’ll continue to a broad divide above the Crow Creek drainage, about 4 1/2 miles up the trail. Mountain goats, deer, and elk inhabit the area, and there’s a good likelihood that we’ll spot some. The trail is well-maintained but likely to be dusty in places (it’s often used by horse parties). The trailhead is on Highway 410 about 12 miles east of Chinook Pass. Drive time from the Grady Way P&R at 207 S 7th St in Renton to the trailhead: 2+ hours.