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CHS 1 Hike - Crystal Lakes (Mount Rainier)

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Crystal Lakes (Mount Rainier)

Starting at Hwy 410, we'll hike up through the forest to meadows with sightings of Mount Rainier and ending at a beautiful lake basin with wildflower meadows, and views of surrounding peaks and ridges. CHS 1 hike led at a pace of 1.5-2.0 mph.

Contacts

Cindy Hoover
Cindy Hoover
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,500 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

We'll meet at the trailhead off of Hwy 410 at 8:30 and be ready to hike at 8:45.  Note that this hike location is dependent on the opening of Hwy 410, which as of this writing is on track to open on Memorial Day weekend.  If the highway does not open in time, an equivalent destination will be chosen.  

For the status of 410, see https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/highways-bridges/passes/chinook-and-cayuse/home 

The trail is quite steep at times, but we will be taking our time on the steeper parts.  The lakes and views are worth it!   If the snow level allows, after getting to the north side of Upper Crystal Lake, we'll head up another mile, joining the PCT, to get to Sourdough Gap.

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.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
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