Crystal Peak — Tuesday, Jun. 11, 2024

Though too many clouds prevented us from seeing any mountain peak beyond Rainier but it was a perfect, quiet day to ascend Crystal Peak. Only three other hikers, in two groups, were heading to the summit so easy to have the top to yourself to enjoy the solitude and views. Would have liked to see the other peaks but Rainier simply stood out in its beauty.

Based on @GialiaJ’s trip report of June 1 we came prepared for snow fields but found only four short sections that were easily navigated with just trekking poles. None-the-less, glad to see that report and would rather carry equipment not needed then find myself wanting. Most of the upper trail is west facing so the snow must have melted out with the recent sunny afternoons.

The trail is great! Most of the trail is packed dirt which is easy on the feet. There is one short talus field that is easy to cross and a pseudo scramble at the top to reach the summit. Great view of Sourdough Gap and Crystal Lake from the peak. The lake is still frozen but looks to be melting along the shoreline.

As our last training hike ahead of the Enchantments we carried heavy packs and didn’t want to add the lakes to our out and back to the summit. Gaia tracked the hike at 7.9 miles with 2950 feet of elevation gain.