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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
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State:
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Washington (WA)
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Distance:
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7.8 mi
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Difficulty:
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7 / 10
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Rating:
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 1 rating(s)
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-Mapped by Alan Bauer
TO TRAILHEAD: From Enumclaw, WA, drive SE on WA 410 to the national park boundary. Continue 4.5 mi. to trailhead on L. Park on either side of the road.
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Datum: |
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CPT01
| Dist: 3.75 mi |
Points: 220 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Crystal Peak Track
CPT001
Location: 46.922363°, -121.533791°
Head E, cross creek, and begin hoofing it up a steep hill
CPT002
Location: 46.919067°, -121.521881°
Turn R onto lesser-traveled trail; embrace the short flat section before it climbs again. L turn goes to the popular Crystal Lakes
CPT003
Location: 46.916859°, -121.521706°
Cross creek. In spring, magenta-colored petals spike from calypso orchids in this mossy forest. Older forests provide just the right mix of moisture and shade for these fragile and rare wildflowers
CPT004
Location: 46.909275°, -121.528076°
Rest spot with first views
CPT005
Location: 46.905602°, -121.527489°
Trees gradually give way to succulent huckleberries and sweet-smelling wildflowers. Postcard views run down the White River Valley to Mt. Rainier, 11 miles away
CPT006
Location: 46.898033°, -121.524406°
Switchback: Ignore the boot path that continues straight, and head N
CPT007
Location: 46.901993°, -121.523125°
Keep going uphill; Crystal Peak is dead ahead
CPT008
Location: 46.906406°, -121.521179°
Sharp switchback; begin last (but steep) scramble to the summit
CPT009
Location: 46.906330°, -121.519020°
Photo op: Crystal Peak offers full-circle views to Mts. Rainier and Adams, Crystal Lakes, and the Tatoosh Range. Rocky Mountain elk bugle below. Adjust trekking poles for 3,200-ft. descent, and return to trailhead
Ascending Crystal Peak
Location: 46.903854°, -121.526939°
Brilliant fall colors surround hikers on the climb to Crystal Peak. © Alan Bauer
Trailside Views of Mt. Rainier
Location: 46.902748°, -121.522148°
Mt. Rainier provides a striking backdrop to Crystal Peak's golden-hued slopes. © Alan Bauer
White River Valley
Location: 46.903801°, -121.521515°
Postcard-worthy views of Mt. Rainier from the trail. © Alan Bauer
Mt. Rainer over the White River Valley
Location: 46.904854°, -121.521255°
Rainier's sunlight-reflecting ice cap as seen from the blazing-orange hillsides above the White River Valley. © Alan Bauer
Summit Views
Location: 46.906376°, -121.519020°
The summit of Crystal Peak offers prime views of Upper Crystal Lake. © Alan Bauer
