For a sunny and summer Friday it was a pleasant surprise to find parking at the trailhead when we got there around 8:30am, it was the last official spot! There are privies at the TH and they were usable but could use some cleaning.
The trail starts right behind the privies and goes along 410 climbing very slowly. After the first mile and half or so it kicks in gear and starts climbing steadily though still fairly comfortable. The trail is in good shape and while there are usual rocks and roots, they were very manageable in my trail runners. It passes through small meadows and under the trees eventually ending up in a subalpine area that holds the Sheep Lake. The lake seemed pretty shallow though we did not wade into it. The wildflowers were already on display on the trail, but they were out here in numbers making for a great photo stop. We continued climbing up from there to a notch in the mountain and reached what is called Sourdough Gap in about another mile plus. The trail descends from there on a rocky and narrow path heading towards Crystal Lake which comes into view in about half mile 400-500' ft below the meadow you are in. There are plenty of nooks and rocks with great view of the lake. We stopped in the meadow teeming with the wildflowers and view of the lake to enjoy our lunch in gentle breeze. Our group did not go down to the lake, but it was probably less than a mile from our vantage point. If you have time and energy, it will be totally worth it. We headed back the same way we came and made it down to the starting point at around 2pm. A great pay off for around 5 hours and 7 miles of moderate hiking effort.
Afterwards some of us took off on Naches Loop trail that passes near this TH and that 4-mile loop was spectacular. Whole hillsides were ablaze in wildflowers in vibrant colors across acres of land including just by side of the trail. These flowers won't be around for too long so if you can make a beeline to see them on this trail and near Tipsoo Lake where the trail starts and ends. This trail is nearly flat and very kid friendly.
Comments