Crystal Peak (Mount Rainier)

A strenuous, 8 mile round trip hike with 3,100 feet of elevation gain. The trail is steep, with lots of switchbacks, leading to an old lookout site with views of Mount Rainier. A scramble with Chinook Peak is also a good option.

Getting There

Drive SR-410 to 36 miles south of Enumclaw, enter Mount Rainier National Park, and continue 4 miles to the trailhead and parking areas on the north and south sides of the should of the highway (3,200 ft).

On the Trail

Crystal Peak (6,595  ft)

8.0 miles round trip, 3,100 feet of elevation gain

Hike 1.3 miles on the Crystal Lakes Trail, turn right onto the Crystal Peak Trail, and continue 2.5 miles to the summit of Crystal Peak (6,595 ft).

Scramble Route

Chinook (6,904 ft) & Crystal (6,595 ft) Peaks

9.0 miles round trip, 3,800 feet of elevation gain, difficulty: Strenuous 4, Technical 2

Hike 1.3 miles on the Crystal Lake, turn right onto the Crystal Peak Trail, and leave the trail near the long southern switchback. Aim for the saddle to the west of Chinook Peak, south of Point 6706, and pick a way through the terrain to the summit of Chinook Peak that does not involve Class 3 rock scrambling. Then follow the ridge to Crystal Peak and return via the Crystal Peak and Crystal Lake Trails.

  • Neither summit is named on the USGS map.
  • The steep open slope means this should only be attempted when snow is stable.
  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Scrambling
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Strenuous, Strenuous 4, Technical 2
  • Length: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft
  • 6,595 ft
  • Land Manager: Mount Rainier National Park
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
  • USGS White River Park
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Day Hike - Crystal Peak

Day Hiking Trip
**Preference given to 2024 Olympia Conditioning Hiking Series participants** Trip will open for registration to
Difficulty: Strenuous, Strenuous 4, Technical 2
Sun, Sep 29, 2024
No Prerequisites
6 participants 1 leader
Registration opens Sep 9
Olympia Branch
Mandi Maycumber
Qualified Youth Leader
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Crystal Peak
  • Chinook & Crystal Peaks
  • Chinook Peak
Resources

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