Crystal Peak — Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025

Sunday was the perfect day for the annual Crystal Mountain Fall colors hike and nature did not disappoint.  The trail head is right off of Highway 410 and a little hard to see so look for cars parked on both sides of the highway, right before the turnoff to Sunrise.  There was plenty of parking on both sides.  The trail climbs immediately at a steady pace up to the junction of the Lake and Peak trails and beyond.  The trail to the peak is on the right. There were few hikers along the way so solitude was to be had the entire day.  Leaving the junction and crossing the creek, the trail climbs steadily all the way top the summit.  The trail climbs through a forested area for about 1/3rd of a mile and then opens up to incredible fall colors, the entire rest of the way.  There were still huckleberries for a sweet snacks along the way.  Reds, yellow, oranges were brilliant and such a motivator for numerous pictures making the upward hike a non distractor.  After the switch back the tail heads back to the peak and after a quick scramble the summit is there for the taking.  From the summit, Crystal Lake is and 360 degrees views are there for the taking.  There was no one else on the summit so solitude was an additional reward It was quite windy on top and the smoke from the various fires in the state shield the views of Mt Rainier that typically are unbelievable.  Regardless the brilliant fall colors made the trip a rewarding success.  There were no bugs.  Fall colors are there for the taking for the next week or so and well with the hike