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Day Hike - Crystal Peak (Mount Rainier)

Trip

Day Hike - Crystal Peak (Mount Rainier)

Sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the White River Valley, with potential to see six volcanoes from the summit on a clear day.

Contacts

Kurt Mallery
Kurt Mallery
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 8.3 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,098 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,595 ft
  • Pace: 2 mph

Crystal Lakes Trailhead at 8am

We’ll hike at a moderate, conversational pace and take 5 min breaks every hour. Before signing up, please assess your conditioning to keep the trip enjoyable for everyone.

This hike is unique in that it has the most conifer species found on any single hike in our state (15 of 18). The trail climbs under evergreen canopy the first 1.3 miles to the Crystal Lakes junction. Turning right, we follow the less-traveled peak trail and cross Crystal Creek. At 5,200' the trail breaks open to sloped wildflower meadows. We eventually reach a rocky outcropping that used to have a fire lookout tower built in 1934, removed in the 1970’s. There will be a longer lunch break at the summit to enjoy amazing views all around. WTA Hike Description

Trailhead parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. More details will be provided to participants after registration closes.

Route/Place

Crystal Peak (Mount Rainier)

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 Essentials

Trip Reports