Crystal Lakes — Monday, Jun. 22, 2020

Got to the TH at 630am. Didn’t see another soul all the way to the upper lake! The trail has a pretty consistent gain until you reach the subalpine area. Then it fluctuates a little all the way to the upper lake. Starting in the subalpine area is also where there isn’t as much shade, which continues all the way to the upper lake and on to Sourdough Gap. Bring sun protection! There are a couple of snow patches as you approach the upper lake, but not a big deal at all. There’s no snow around the upper lake, but some quite watery areas if you continue on towards Sourdough Gap. The steep push up to Sourdough Gap still has snow. I put on microspikes and started up, but decided that the state of the snow and the steep grade made it unsafe. So I turned back. Enjoyed a wonderful peaceful break with a lovely peek a boo view of Rainier all to myself. Eventually, a couple other hikers came my way, heading towards Sourdough Gap.
The bugs weren’t awful, but definitely out and about.
The trail was busier on the way down and the parking appeared full upon my return.