Crystal Lakes (Mount Rainier)

Trip

Day Hike - Crystal Lakes (Mount Rainier)

An interesting hike up to two alpine lakes close to Mt. Rainier

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft

9:00 AM at USDA Forest Service Office in Enumclaw. Directions will be sent to participants once registration closes.

 

This is a moderate, forest to meadow hike of 6 miles round trip with 2,600 feet of elevation gain. If it’s a clear day we will view Mount Rainier before entering a beautiful basin with wildflower meadows, and views of surrounding peaks and ridges.

On the way up we will visit the little lower Crystal Lake and perhaps have lunch on a ledge above the upper lake. We will return by the same route. The trail should may all be snow free by the end of June but packing traction devices would be a good idea along all the 10 essentials.

The hike will be taken at a moderate pace (av. 2 mph) and a good level of fitness and stamina is required. Please note: rising 2,600 ft. over 3 miles (one way) at this pace is challenging. Please contact the leader before registering if you have not recently done such a hike and have any doubt about your fitness and stamina to keep up. Also, if you are a fast hiker and feel 2mph with several stops along the trail is going to be insufficient of a work-out for you please consider if this is a good trip for you! 

Contact the leader with any questions:

Chris Ensor ctrails@comcast.net 206-794-5198

 

Route/Place

Crystal Lakes (Mount Rainier)



  • Trails Illustrated Mount Rainier National Park

    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270

    Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
  • See full route/place details.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
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