Summerland - Panhandle Gap
2 days ago
Mountain goats frequent the gap
9 this month · 65 reports
Crystal Lakes
Mount Rainier Area
updated 2 days ago
Crystal Lakes trail is currently in excellent condition, with no snow reported as of September 23. The road is suitable for all vehicles, and parking can be busy, especially on weekends, though spaces are often available on the opposite side of the road September 20 or on the road itself. Hikers are experiencing pleasant temperatures and clear air quality, with early hints of fall color appearing, particularly at the upper lake. The trail features rocks and roots that require attention, and some sections can become dusty due to dry conditions. Chipmunks are active and can be bold around the lakes.
Generated from 48 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Crystal Lakes
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Fall colors are just beginning to appear, with noticeable hints in the lower forest and brighter colors at the upper lake as of September 20. Some reports mention dying hellebore and pearly everlasting, suggesting the season is changing. Overall, colors are starting but not yet at their peak.
The trail is generally in good condition with no major blowdowns reported. However, there are rocks and roots to watch out for throughout the hike, and some sections can be dusty from dry conditions.
Parking can be busy, especially on weekends. While the main lot might fill up, spaces are often available on the opposite side of Highway 410 September 20 or on the road itself. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot.
Chipmunks are present and have been observed to be over-friendly and fearless, sometimes begging for food. Grey Jays have also been noted as aggressive 'camp robbers' trying to snatch food. No significant wildlife sightings like bears or goats have been consistently reported in recent trips.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh2 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Decided on a fairly easy hike today. Much to our surprise, no one was at the Lake for over 45 minutes. One person took up residents with a chair and a Jetboil with a coffee brewer. Defiantly not his f...
Fresh5 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
We got to the TH just before 9am. The parking on the trail side of 410 was full. Spaces were available on the opposite side of 410. The trail is in great shape! of course there's rocks and roots to ke...
Recent2 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Arrived at about 9am with plenty of parking still available. The hike is steady and constant upwards to the lake basin. We didn't see too many people on the way up. Nor did we see a lot of wildlife. W...
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
I'm not sure if we squeezed in a late summer hike or an early fall hike, but it was hot so let's go with summer. Parking at the main Tipsoo Lake lot which was a cool and breezy mid 50s I was mislead ...
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Trail wasn't too crowded but wow this parking area is busy! Nice trail with a pretty mellow grade in most areas. Berries are gone and fall colors are just barely starting, a few PCT hikers passing thr...
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
We did Crystal Lake via Sourdough Gap, starting at Chinook Pass. It was rainy on the drive from from Seattle, and we considered just doing Eastside Trail (under the trees).The rain had let up, and we ...
Recent4 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Backdoor hike to Upper Crystal Lake via Sheep Lake/Sourdough Gap. Beautiful trip, just under 3 hours each way at a very leisurly pace. You could crank it out much faster than that, if determined to ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Mid-week hike up to Crystal Lakes with a small Mountaineers group. We started at the trailhead closer to 8am, and made quick work of the switchbacks up through the forest section. The trail gets busy ...
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
This hike is much prettier than it has a right to be, especially being so accessible. The lot had plenty of space on a Monday afternoon and the trail to Sheep Lake was mostly frequented by families ba...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
This was a tough one. 8.6 miles and 3k elevation gain. Lost the number of switchbacks. First stop al Lower Crystal, then another half mi. to Upper Crystal. After lunch and dipping my feet in the lake,...