Crystal Lake via Sourdough Gap

The hike to Crystal Lake via Sourdough Gap and Sheep Lake is a fantastic day trip, but if you can, we recommend booking a site at either Sheep Lake or Upper Crystal Lake and turning this into a multi-day trip. With vast meadows of wildflowers and great views of Crystal Mountain and Yakima Peak, this is a fun outing.

The trail begins from the parking area and follows the Pacific Crest Trail heading north. Hike near the road for a while, then the trail veers to the left and begins to gain elevation more steadily. There’s a junction with a spur trail- stay right.

As you approach Sheep Lake, stay to the right. Cross the stream at the foot of the lake and keep right where the trail to the backcountry camping area branches off. The trail winds to Sourdough Gap, where you’ll stay left at the next junction.

The trail reaches Crystal Lake and follows the lakeshore to the camping sites on the northwest corner. You can either retrace your steps or loop around the whole lakeshore before departing.