I treated myself to a post-Fourth hike in Mount Rainier National Park. I summitted Crystal Peak (elev. 6595) at about 8:30 am. I left the car to go up the trail about 6:15. Round trip mileage was just over 8 miles.
The first 1.5 miles of this hike share the trail with those going to Crystal Lakes and beyond. There is a signed junction for the Crystal Peak trail and I took that route.
The entire hike is a fairly steady climb. There are a few sections, short, that are flat. And there are a few, also short, that are steeper than average. But overall, it is a steady up, up, up the entire way. That is, until you get within a couple of hundred yards of the summit, and then it is a very steep semi-scramble. The summit itself is a great 360 degree summit, with one side a cliff:
Summit Cliff
The views from up there are forever:
The wildflowers are out in droves lately:
This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have done and I guarantee I will be back. However, it is about 90 miles from home. I left at 4am, got there by six and spent little time getting geared up. I was back at the car by 10:30, having spent at least 15 minutes on the top.
Perfect weather, I was first up (encountered about a dozen people going up as I was going down) and had the summit to myself. It was never broiling hot; that early, the mountain itself blocks the most intense sun.
Great workout, beautiful hike – sweet!
