Crystal Lakes Trail

 

Crystal Lakes Trail

• Distance, round trip: 6 miles
• Elevation gain: 2300 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 3 hours
• Wilderness camps: Lower Crystal Lake, Upper Crystal Lake

Trailhead Location

The trailhead is located on SR 410 approximately 4 miles north of Cayuse Pass toward the north park boundary. The trail starts on the east side of the road near Crystal Creek.

Trail Description

The first 1.5 miles of trail climbs through the forest on a series of switchbacks which provide a good look at Mount Rainier until the view is eclipsed by Crystal Peak. The next mile leads to forested Lower Crystal Lake, the smaller of the two lakes. The lovely open basin containing Upper Crystal Lake lies 0.5 mile beyond the lower lake.

Along the Trail

By late July and early August the meadows explode with a wide variety of colorful subalpine wildflowers. Please stay on trail to protect the meadows! Watch for elk and mountain goats grazing on the surrounding slopes and ridges anytime throughout the summer and early fall. A side trip to Crystal Peak (five miles round-trip on an unmaintained trail) is well worth the effort. On a clear day five volcanoes can be seen from this 6615 feet former fire lookout site. Start early in the day if you plan on hiking to the peak as the trail traverses a shadeless south-facing slope which can be very hot and dry during summer.

Backpacking

There are wilderness camps both at Lower and Upper Crystal Lakes. Camp in designated sites only. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

 

Hiking Safety