Crystal Lakes, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section I - White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass & The King — Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

Boy Howdy! This one sure made up for monday's so-so outing. Took the PCT north from Chinook Pass to Sheep Lake. Easy going with little gain or loss on a wide, smooth trail. The 4 inches of snow did little to disguise this boulevard. Beyond Sheep, the trail climbs to Sourdough Gap and the views expand with each step. All the big ones and all the rest. What could'nt ya see? Mt. Rainier? But in about 5 minutes I'd have the greatest view of Rainier this side of the Pecos. Beyond the Gap on the PCT to a sidetrail over another gap with views down to the Crystal Lakes and the awesome Rainier. Took some pictures and went back over the unnamed gap to continue toward Bear Gap, 3 miles north on the PCT. I just wanted to see into the ski area, and realized I could do this way before Bear Gap. So I headed up to a saddle and there it was, Crystal Mountain! After looking for awhile it hit me, I'd been right next to The King. The Green Trails maps join together right there, I guess I missed it. So I turned around and headed for The King. Not wanting to go all the way around I chose another saddle which got me to above Crystal Lakes and without further adieu I was on top of the world. The view of Rainier and the White River from here is unparalleled. Now let's not forget everything else you can see, its the highest peak for miles around. Lounged in the sun for an hour, taking pictures and watching the trucks go up and down the ski area roads. On the way back ran into a couple of guys from Yakima enjoying one of the last best days. To car from top in 1:45. Total trip 12+ miles and 3000'.