Directions: Drive about 40 Miles up highway 410 from Enumclaw to Chinook Pass. The trail begins adjacent to the rest area.
Trail Notes: This hike is a mild way to make your way to Crystal Lakes. Having done Crystal Lake and Crystal Peak in the past this hike seemed like an attractive way to view things from a difficult perspective without being overly difficult. Something I think my sister could appreciate
So we left Seattle and found ourself at the trail head in about two hours. Leaving the car, the skies were a bit overcast but the temperature was just right for hiking. The trail itself starts off quite mild and continues near level for about 40 mintues. Keeping you company as you walk along the trail are the Cascades to the south. The views aren't exceptional, but nice enough.
After about 40 minutes the trail getts steeper and judging from my sisters guess about how long it would take to gain the ridge, looks pretty steep. In truth, this climb is quite nice. Making your way to the saddle which takes about 20-30 minutes you enter Mt. Rainier National Park. We decided to hike down towards Crystal Lake so as to get a better view of Crystal Lake and Crystal Peak.
After lunch we turned around and began our return trip, meeting a Park Ranger at the saddle and several unhappy people who found out that while dogs are okay in National Forest they are not allowed in National Parks.
This hike offeres the easiest way to get to Crystal lake, and compared to the alternate approach also has better views. Additionally, if you are doing a day hike to Crystal Lake one might consider doing this as a straight through from the normal Crystal Lake trail, to Chinook pass. I would think that hike would be a moderate +. As it stands this trail is quite easy for what it delivers.
Photos 49
Highest rated first
