Crystal Lakes — Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011

Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River

Originally I headed up to Mt. Rainier with two others to hike the Summerland trail this morning. However, upon getting to the Sunrise entrance, the rangers had closed it for some reason. After turning around, we remembered that a ranger had suggested the Crystal Lakes hike to us a few weeks before. We parked at the trailhead, which was quite full but not too full considering it was about 2 pm when we set out. This trail was quite impressive from the start. It steeply climbs along the mountainside with about 3 places you can stop for an excellent view of Mt. Rainier. I'm not sure I have ever hiked a trail that had so much to see along the way. It definitely made up for missing out on Summerland. About half way up to the lakes the wildflowers are in full bloom on eitherr side of the trail and they are absolutely gorgeous. We skipped the bottom lake and went straight to the top. There weren't too many people to impede on our relaxing lunch, just TONS of bugs. If you're going to do this hike, be sure to bring some bug spray. After a short lunch and dipping our feet in the cool water, we decided to head back because the bugs were so bad. We stopped at the lower lake on the way down. Not much to see there...but it has a toilet you can use :) All in all, I would say this is a wonderful hike and it definitely made for a great workout!