Meadow & Crystal Lakes
A moderate to strenuous loop hike in the Glacier Peak Wilderness that links two seldom visited, high mountain lakes. In 14 miles round trip it ascends 3,000 feet of elevation gain in and 300 feet out. Enjoy views of Mount Pugh, White Chuck Mountain and Sloan Peak.
driving directions
Drive the Mountain Loop from Darrington 9 miles to end of pavement and turn left on Forest Road 23, the White Chuck River Road. Drive 6 miles to the end and turn left again on Forest Road 27. Continue 2.4 miles to the small trail head sign on the right (2,550 ft).
on the trail
The Meadow Mountain Trail follows an old road grade 5 miles to the former trail head with on and off views of Mount Pugh, White Chuck Mountain, Sloan Peak and other peaks along the Mountain Loop Highway. It then switchbacks up 2 miles of good tread to the open meadows below Meadow Mountain. At 7 miles the Meadow Lake Trail branches left 0.7 miles to Meadow Lake. Behind the lake a faint path leads up and over a ridge less than a mile to Crystal Lake. From here, steep but good trail drops 5.3 miles back to the trailhead.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Length: 14.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,300 ft
- 5,100 ft
-
Land Manager:
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Glacier Peak Wilderness, Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
- Parking Permit Required: None
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Mountain Loop Highway No. 111SX
- Green Trails Sloan Peak No. 111
- Trails Illustrated Glacier Peak Wilderness
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