29. Crystal Peak, 6595' (H)

Crystal Peak is an old lookout site. There are lovely views of Rainier from upper portions of the hike. For many years the trail was officially unmaintained, but in recent years the Park Service has maintained it. The peak is named for glass-like formations found on the mountain, though we have not seen them.

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Driving

Drive SR 410 4.1 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff, to the Crystal Lakes trailhead. Park on either side of the road. Park entrance fee is not required.

Route

Leave from the Crystal Lakes trailhead (3520'). The trail divides at 4600', with the left branch going to Crystal Lakes (see Silver King) and the right branch heading south to Crystal Peak. Head south across the west slope of Crystal Peak. The trail breaks into the open around 5200'. At approximately 5800' the trail does a 140-degree turn and heads northerly to the old lookout site on the peak.

Comments

The higher slopes of the hike beyond 5200' have considerable avalanche risk, so it is best to do this hike once the snow is gone or much stabilized. This hike is unique in that it has the most conifer species found on any single hike in our state. There are 18 conifer species found in Washington State, and this hike has 15 of them. Most can be found at the 4600' trail junction (a yew tree—actually a bush—can be found 70 yards up the Crystal Lakes Trail from the junction). The only Washington conifer species not on this hike are western larch, mountain larch, and Sitka spruce. (Full disclosure: The only lodgepole pine we found was actually on the trail to Lower Crystal Lakes.)

Mickey's list of conifers found on this hike:

4600': Yew (see above), Engelmann spruce, red cedar, western hemlock, silver fir, Douglas fir, western white pine, subalpine fir

4730', just past scree field: Alaska cedar

5190': Noble fir and a lot of mountain hemlock in the area

5200': Ponderosa pine, grand fir (a grand fir was also noted at 4350')

Near summit: Whitebark pine

In late August and early September, you will find copious huckleberries from 5200' to 5800', with lovely mountain ashes adjoining the trail.

Vital Statistics: Crystal Peak

• Skill: Hike

• Beauty: 7

• Effort: 2

• Round-trip distance: 7.6 miles

• Elevation gain: 3000'

• Total time: 5 hours

• Best season: April through September or first snow

• Equipment: Hiking gear