Parish Hikes

   

Hike #3: Crystal Lakes Hike

The hike to Crystal Lakes in Mt. Rainier National Park is a visual winner. Starting in a deep forest, the trail to the second Crystal Lake eventually breaks into large open flower meadows. The full hike is a 6 mile round trip that gains 2,300 feet in elevation.

Superb setting
The two Crystal lakes are cradled in a large, high alpine valley, surrounded on three sides by rugged cliffs. Depending on climate conditions, the meadows between the two lakes form a massive flower garden. Hopefully, on hike day, we will be rewarded with a wondrous wild flower display that includes blue and white lupine, yellow daisies, bear grass, avalanche lilies, and brightly colored paintbrush.

Take your pick of turn around points
Be ready for "up" - lots of it. From the moment the trail starts it switch-backs relentlessly upward all the way to the upper lake. The nice thing is that on the way down, the trail is just as persistent in its descent. The tread underfoot is soft and easy. This is typical of well-maintained national parks trails.

Less energetic hikers should try to make it at least three quarters of a mile. At this point there is a break in the cooling trees and Mt. Rainier is out in full splendor. Stop here for an early lunch and enjoy the view before returning to your car. Medium energetic folks might want to go to the halfway point. Here the trail forks. Be sure to keep on the path marked "Crystal Lakes." Go two switch-backs (5 to 7 minutes) past the trail divide and an amazing Mt. Rainier view will completely enthrall you. In fact, this is the best view of the mountain on the entire hike. From the top of the mountain to the ragged flow of the White River, the view is simply overwhelming. This would be a good place to spend time before heading back down.

Those who still have energy will want to try for the lakes. Believe it or not, the trail is less steep from this point on. When you get to the first lake, do not tarry long. Keep going the final half mile through open meadows to the larger upper lake. Bring insect repellent since there is the possibility of mosquitoes, especially at the enclosed first lake. Parish hikers usually rest on the large rock formation just to your left once you have reached the lake. Please avoid sitting or even walking on the wildflowers. Do not pick flowers. The meadows are very fragile.

How to get there
The Crystal Lakes hike is 43 miles from church. Go to Enumclaw and take Highway 410 east (410 west will take you to Buckley). The highway wends through lovely scenery, much of it part of the enormous White River Tree Farm. Keep on going past the entrance to Crystal Mountain Resort. Drive under the log arch that marks the Mt. Rainier National Park boundary and keep on going.

There used to be several brown buildings containing road equipment that clued people in to the trailhead location. The buildings are now gone and have been replaced by a parking area surrounded by large boulders. A small 14 inch square sign with a walking man on it and an arrow point to the trail. The sign is on the left side of the road and is hard to see if the light is dappled, so keep your eyes open! Other parked cars should clue a person in to the fact that a trail exists here. If you get to the junction that takes you to Sunrise and White River Campground, you have gone too far. Turn around and drive back down the road a short distance. There are no toilets at the trailhead so be prepared to use the bushes, if necessary.

There can be a lot of slow traffic on Highway 410. Allow more time than usual to get to the parking area. Sometimes 35 miles an hour is the fastest you can go on weekends. Nerves will be spared by an early departure from home. In fact, Fr. Chuck recommends getting to the trailhead about an hour early and enjoying a peaceful tailgate breakfast.

What to bring
Even if the day is cool, it is more comfortable to hike in shorts. Do bring a light jacket, long sleeve shirt and wind shell to put on while stopping to rest or eat. Mountain weather can change rapidly and a warm morning can turn into a very cool afternoon.

Bring healthy snacks. Candy doesn't do much for energy. Protein is much better. Each person should have a water supply. The trail is dry, therefore a full canteen is essential. Do not try to get by with a can of soda. When hiking it is necessary to take frequent sips of water. Soda only makes a person thirstier and once the can is open cannot be easily carried. There is no Park fee for this hike. However, pets, even on a leash, are not allowed. As always, if the weather seems uncertain on hike day, call the parish tape recorder at 360-886-2229 by 6am for a hike status message.