Henskin Lake — Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025

Today was a first time hike to Henskin Lake within the Crystal Mountain ski area. We drove into the Crystal parking area at 9:20 and got front row parking. A few folks were in line for the gondola and a few more were using the restrooms below the Ski lodge, but mostly uncrowded. It was mostly sunny skies and 53 degrees when we headed up the marked trail in front of the yurt.  After hiking once hike a week at Mt Rainier it was a nice switch to have the trail entirely to ourselves.  We only saw 2 other hikers the entire time we were out, while enjoying a lunch /rest break at Henskin Lake.  The entire trail was hard packed, dry and dusty. Our route was signed from the parking area and leads up left of the Yurt to the Blue Bell Trail, Bullion Basin and onto the Silver King Trail until the intersection up to the Henskin Lake and PTC spur trails.   The Blue Bell Loop trail was littered with grapefruit sized rocks and slit.  One we headed up the Bullion Basin Trail and started on Silver Creek (an old service road for a 1/2 mile or so), trail conditions improved greatly. The real wooded trail starts after the Gold Hill ski run. The trail goes by an old mineshaft, covered with a metal grate and complete with a Halloween skeleton.  An unexpected sight that brings a smile to your face.  Wildflowers were in bloom throughout and still looked in full bloom along creeks and streams.  We saw paint brush, fire weed, pearly everlasting, fireweed, lupine, arnica, monkey pod, daisy, arnica and more. After reading recent trip reports we were prepared  for and expected hordes of mosquitos but they weren’t too bad.  Our lunch spot on the north end of the lake was back a few feet in the sun and we had no bugs. We celebrated an “on the Trail Birthday for ageless Barb during our lunch break.  The lake was pretty shallow so it was fun to see small fishing jumping out of the water for bugs.  The north shore had hundreds of tadpoles swimming frantically within 5’ of the shoreline.  Dragon flies were buzzing about as well, but that was it for wildlife sightings.  No birds or mammals today.  We retraced our steps back to the parking area and walked up just before 2:00.  The upper parking area was 1/4 full, so more folks out and about.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.