Crystal Lakes — Monday, Aug. 16, 2021

My mom and I arrived at 9 and reached the top in a little under two hours. We went at a slow and steady pace and chit chatted the whole way and before you know it we were at the top. I know it can get a bit dull doing those switchbacks in the forest…
The lake was beautiful as ever and we had nice blue skies! I was worried there would be mosquitoes from reading trip reports but I think I saw one the whole time! There was a bit of a breeze which I’m sure helped. We ate lunch on some rocks then continued up to sourdough gap. It’s definitely worth it to keep going. The view just part way up the trail of the lake and Mount Rainier is amazing. There was a ton of people up by the gap, I think it was a hiking group though, so we snapped a pic of sheep lake then turned right around and headed back to Crystal lake for another break and snack.
The hike back down the switchbacks seemed harder then going up! It just felt longer as it always does…
Overall great hike!