Easily walkable and maintained, can by rocky at points so don’t trip and closed toe shoes are best. Bugs are still there so bring your fave bug spray. Spring is still going and there is still little creek that feeds the lake.

Park off 410. No toilet at TH. Plenty of parking available when we arrived at 10am. Trail goes up and up and is mostly in shade in the morning and afternoon. The day was hot, the bugs were definitely annoying. Lots of bites from flies and skeets despite my frequent use of bug spray. 

The wildflowers are past peak and still beautiful!

This is a popular trail, but people were spread out enough to not feel crowded. We passed the turn off to the lower lake and went straight for the upper lake. We continued on to Sourdough Gap but didn't head down to Sheep Lake because we didn't want to hike the 500' back up to the Gap in the heat of the afternoon sun. 

There was a strong breeze at the Gap that kept us cool and the bugs at bay, though no shade. We took a long break back at the lake in the shade, along with many bugs, then hiked the trail around the lake back to the start. 

The two campsites are in great shape and unused. We didn't check out the toilet. We did dip our feet in the lake before heading down. Stopped for ice cream and sorbet at Wapiti Woolies on the way home. Highly recommended.

Parked at 9:30 and spots available in lot and across the highway. Trail is in great shape and wildflowers blooming! Hiked past Sourdough Gap to the overlook of Upper Crystal Lake and good Rainier view. Had a dog, so couldn’t go down to Upper Crystal Lake since from there, the trail is in park boundary. No bugs or crowds. Sheep Lake is perfect for a refreshing swim on the way back.

Parking: Arrived about 9:30 am. Main lot was full. Got the last spot in lot on opposite side of road. Parking along-side road heading W up the pass filled quickly after we arrived.

Wildflowers: Lots and beautiful.

Bugs: None, but it was cool and breezy. Clear skies, so a perfect day.

Outhouses: Short line at outhouse at Tipsoo. Longer line at TH. Only 1 or 4 was open for use. :(

Views: Saw Mt. Adams & St. Helens on way up to the gap. Stunning views of Rainier from the road parking on Hwy 410 as you head back down toward Tipsoo parking lot.

The trail was surprisingly peaceful for a Friday. We arrived around 3:30 PM, and while the parking lot was quite full, most people seemed to be headed to the popular Naches Peak Loop.

Three bathrooms were out of commission, we noticed as we walked by. Also, the entire drive to the trailhead was on paved road — any car can make it.

Our route was an out-and-back to Sheep Lake, Sourdough Gap, and Upper Crystal Lake — and it did not disappoint.

Trail Conditions:

The trail is in excellent condition, and the wildflowers were at peak bloom — with the most variety and abundance I’ve ever seen on a hike. Truly stunning from start to finish.

Sheep Lake:

We passed quite a few campers around Sheep Lake. There were some bugs, but nothing unbearable — definitely manageable with repellent or long sleeves.

Sourdough Gap:

The real magic began on the ascent to Sourdough Gap — an absolutely breathtaking stretch of trail. Panoramic views open up here, and it feels like stepping into another world. It was breezy up top, which made for perfect conditions on a warm day. We heard other hikers mention spotting marmots, though we didn’t see any ourselves.

Upper Crystal Lake:

As we descended toward Upper Crystal Lake, the temperature noticeably spiked — it felt like a heat pocket. The bugs were much more intense here, especially mosquitoes, but it didn’t stop us from taking a refreshing quick swim in the lake.