We arrived at the parking area early and easily found a place to park. It was sunny and warm, so we were grateful for the shaded hike up to the tree line. The trail is relentlessly steep but has just the right number of switchbacks to make the grade consistent and a bit of a calf-burner.
The lower Crystal Lake was prettier than we expected. We paused there for a photo and then continued to the upper lake. There's a great view of Rainier just off of one of the switchbacks on the way up. Arriving at the upper lake we were wowed by the beauty of that place. After lunch, we continued up to Sourdough Gap and were very glad we did. The views of the lake and Rainier were spectacular and on the other side of the gap, we could see Mt. Adams, Hood, and the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Warning: on the way up to the gap, right near the top of the second ridge, there is a snowfield to cross. We had hiking poles to steady ourselves and make it safer. A fall here could result in injury and the need for a helicopter ride to the hospital. If you don't have poles or an ice ax it might be a good idea to stop at the first ridge and enjoy the views of Rainier and Crystal Lake. The snowfield will soon be gone (probably by early August), making this warning moot until another season when the snow flies again.
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