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Mount Rainier National Park: Crystal Peak
This rugged 7.7-mile dayhike in the park's wild, remote northeast corner climbs more than 3,000 feet to five-star views unfolding in all directions.
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| Author: | Backpacker Magazine |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Washington (WA) |
| Distance: | 7.7 mi |
| Difficulty: | 7 / 10 |
| Rating: |
 1 rating(s)
|
-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.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Mount Rainier National Park: Crystal Peak
| Distance: 3.87 mi | Points: 289 |
Points of Interest
CPT001
Location: 46.922363, -121.533791Head E, cross creek, and begin hoofing it up a steep hill
CPT002
Location: 46.919067, -121.521881Turn 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, -121.521706Cross 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, -121.528076Rest spot with first views
CPT005
Location: 46.905602, -121.527489Trees 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, -121.524406Switchback: Ignore the boot path that continues straight, and head N
CPT007
Location: 46.901993, -121.523125Keep going uphill; Crystal Peak is dead ahead
CPT008
Location: 46.906406, -121.521179Sharp switchback; begin last (but steep) scramble to the summit
CPT009
Location: 46.906330, -121.519020Photo 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, -121.526939Brilliant fall colors surround hikers on the climb to Crystal Peak. © Alan Bauer
Trailside Views of Mt. Rainier
Location: 46.902748, -121.522148Mt. Rainier provides a striking backdrop to Crystal Peak's golden-hued slopes. © Alan Bauer
White River Valley
Location: 46.903801, -121.521515Postcard-worthy views of Mt. Rainier from the trail. © Alan Bauer
Mt. Rainer over the White River Valley
Location: 46.904854, -121.521255Rainier's sunlight-reflecting ice cap as seen from the blazing-orange hillsides above the White River Valley. © Alan Bauer
Summit Views
Location: 46.906376, -121.519020The summit of Crystal Peak offers prime views of Upper Crystal Lake. © Alan Bauer
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