This is for Crystal Lakes, not Crystal Peak (which is at 6600 ft.). I did this as a day hike on Oct. 3rd with unseasonable warm 72 degree temperature. Allow 3-4 hours round for the 6 mile round trip hike. It rises from highway 410 at 3500 ft. to 5800 ft. at the second lake. While the destination is gorgeous, …
This was a great day to go on this hike 9/29/04 We didn't start the hike until after 4pm So we knew we had to tackle the trail quickly in order to finish by dark. We did the trail counter clockwise and also took the high trail that drops you off on top of Panarama Point. This was one of …
Freemont is one of my favorite places on the mountain. I was actually up there earlier today, On the way down it was dark. It was the first time I made the hike back in te dark, The trails look extremly diffrent at night. A friend and I started at sunrise, around 3:30pm and made it to the lookout at …
Plenty of trails start in valley bottoms, climb through forested mountainsides, and emerge into sparse ridgetops with pretty views. This hike, however, does just these things in an excellent location. Similar routes to the south and north provide views either to the south, toward Rainier, or to the north toward Glacier Peak and Mt. Baker. This is the only trip …
Probably the most challenging hike I've done in the Northwest, Camp Muir is one of those day hikes that becomes an adventure. The tough slug through the snow -- even in mid-summer -- can take many people by surprise (as it did the reviewer on this site). This is a hike that requires some planning and very thoughtful packing when …
I've hiked this twice, most recently with my 12-year-old niece who is an avid and experienced hiker for her age. I would suggest that those hiking with children not attempt to summit, but agree in advance to do a turn-around after about 1.5 miles up where there is a well put together exhibit about fallen trees.(Or, alternately, climb "Little Si" …
September 13, 2004 Started out of Sunrise around noon on a rainy and snowy! day. Had the trail all to myself. Saw one other person! The wind was blowing strong and on the way up, close to Frozen Lake and on up to the bend around the ridge the frozen rain was beating on my face. Wish I had goggles …
The trails are excellently maintained. Views from the top are great. The trails are moderately graded so not too strenuous. Just a long, sustained hike till the meadows where the trails are relatively gentle. Well worth the hike. The rangers at Verlot Ranger Station (the closest ranger station to Mt Dickerman) are wonderfully helpful in providing information regarding this or …
I just did Annette Lake in mid-September, and it's a very peaceful hike which can be easily completed in under 4 hours. The winds make the lakeside pretty cool so bring an extra fleece or light jacket so you can hang around and enjoy the lake and waterfalls. Two sights make this three star versus two. The first is a …
They don't get much easier than this if you are in good shape. One way to spice this hike up is to find an alternate and more scenic route to the top. The best place to start is where the rock climbers on the far right. :) There is a fun trail that leads to the top, but it's moderately …
This is a fun hike to do with a group of reasonably fit people. The keys are bring 2 liters of water for each person and make sure everyone has something to eat. A good conversation makes trekking through the not-so-scenic forest much more enjoyable. The trails are in impeccable shape compared to most other places. If it's your first …
A good hike that was not as steep as I expected. The view was fabulous and the down hill trip was nice and easy. Very, very crowded trail, lots of families and dogs. Spent about an 1 1/4 hrs going up at a slow pace and 45 min coming down.
My son (age 11) and I did this hike today. We climbed the trail in the clockwise direction and enjoyed great vistas throughout. Adams, Hood and St. Helens all easily viewed from Panorama Point. The snow field just after was challenging for me--we had no axes or poles--but my son was more open to slipping and sliding and loved it. …
I do this hike frequently since it is near my home and it is a great short notice workout. I usually carry 50 pounds and get to the summit in just under 1 hour. On a clear day the view of Rainier is awesome and a great reward for slogging through the rocky forested switchbacks. My concern is that I …
We camped on the eastern shore of Goat Lake on August 13, 20004, and hiked up to Gobbler's Knob. The hike in was nice, but there is a big downed tree blocking the trail about a quarter mile from Lake Christine. Had to take off the packs to go under. Saw very few people. The view from the knob was …
A tough hike, especially coming down the steep switchbacks and rock scrambles. But the basin is worth the effort. I liked the unique waterfalls below the basin and the stream that connects Foggy Lake with the lakelet below it, flowing through a fault in the rocks. There was fog at Foggy Lake! Some snow patches in the basin on 8/21/2004. …
did this hike with the kids ( 9yo and 6 yo) ,they really enjoyed the walk. the hike is not too strenuous and interesting along the way. good views at the top
I hiked this last weekend and it's definitely a worthwhile hike if you feel like you're up to it. After about 2-3 hours of hiking switchback after switchback you come out into some open areas and things start to get a little more interesting. There are a few glimpses through the trees of the view on the way up but …
At some point, the road to this trailhead will get washed out beyond repair, and there will be no detour cut in the small temperate rain forest through which it passes. Bummer. The view of the glacier with Rainier's peak above it is something you won't get this close to an urban area anywhere else, and any endorphins left unreleased …
This is a very beautiful hike. The hike up to Bridal falls is easy except for the last 1/2 mile which is steep but there are steps to make it easy. It's worth hiking to the falls if you are hiking this trail. You can then decide to goto Lake Serene or hike back. The hike up for lake Serene …
You'll want your breakfast to have hit your bloodstream by the time you turn off the Pratt Lake trail, and you'll want to be in better shape than me. I had to sit down there for a bit. The description of the hike as having three sections is fair enough, but the third section, above the trees, deserves some subsections. …
Trail is 2.7 miles (5.4 miles round trip) and climbs 1300'. The trail begins parallel to and above the Mtn. Loop Hwy. Then it crosses 22 Creek and climbs through switchbacks west of the creek. Several spots afford views of waterfalls as the creek flows north from the lake. One talus field is about 2/3 the way in and from …
Very well-maintained trails, incredible, strenuous half-day hike. My BIG complaint is the crowds. Yeah, it's a Saturday but the trails were chock full of people and ultimately made for a so-so experience. Going up, we're bombarded with amazingly inconsiderate tourists who never thought to give the right of way to those ascending the mountain. (Hey Parents, consider this is an …
Hiked this one on 8/10/04. Views are spectacular and worth the climb. The upper half of the route is rocky and has little shade. It was a warm day and a number of hikers didn't bring enough water. Remember, there's no Starbucks at the peak...
Today (08/08/04) I had the choice of going to a wild party (Sea Fair) or going on a Hike, I decided for the healthier one. I guess I couldn't have a better day for it, it was beautiful and the views from the top where awesome....you could even see the peak of Rainier. It is a steep hike but definitely …