Crystal Lake Trail to Sourdough Gap

The hike to Crystal Lake is a lovely adventure with a moderate physical challenge. You’ll enjoy a blue alpine lake and Mount Rainier peeking up overhead.

Begin by crossing Crystal Creek on a log bridge and start switchbacking almost immediately. You’ll hike through shaded sub-alpine forest for the first portion of the trail.

After 1.3mi, you’ll reach a junction with Crystal Peak Trail. While Crystal Peak is a great objective, it’s 2.5mi of steep hiking from here, making it a bit much for a quick side trip. Continue along a few more switchbacks and cross an old avalanche chute.

Watch for an opening in the trees that overlooks Mount Rainier. This is the best view of the mountain on the hike, so snap some photos and enjoy it. Further on, you’ll reach a signed T-junction. The trail to the left goes to Crystal Lake, and the right to Lower Crystal Lake. Lower Crystal Lake is only 100 yards from here, so you can quickly pop by even if you’re hiking to the upper lake.

Wildflowers line the trail to the upper lake, which is 0.7mi from the T-junction. Enjoy the rugged stone walls surrounding the lake and the Three Way Peak, which has a little window through a rock formation.

Continue to Sourdough Gap on the same trail by walking along the left-hand side of the lake. This gives you a birds-eye view of the lake and better views of Rainier. Then, retrace your steps to the parking lot.