Day Hike - Crystal Mtn Trail with Gondola return

Leader's notes From the base of the Crystal Mountain ski complex we will hike up the Silver Creek trail to Henskin Lake where we will join the Crystal Mountain trail. We will continue to hike up through the old Jim Town mining area and below Powder Bowl to the summit at 6,872 ft. This is a moderate 6-mile one-way ascent of 2,472 ft elevation gain. The first and last mile and a half are quite steep and require good fitness and stamina. We will probably take lunch at Elizabeth Lake. On a clear day at the summit we will enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Ranier and hopefully Mt. Hood, Adams and St. Helens to the south and Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak to the north. We will ride the Mt. Rainier Gondola back to the base area. The cost of the gondola ride down is a reduced group rate of $18 ($13 for 17 years and under and 70 and over) per person. This will be payable to me (cash or check) at our meeting place. Contact Details: Chris Ensor, ctrails@comcast.net 206-794-5198

Meeting place and time 8:00 AM at Maple Valley Park & Ride