Ice Is Melting and Flowers Are Blooming Along Crystal Lakes

At Mount Rainier National Park, trails at Sunrise and Paradise remain snowy, but fortunately there are other trails inside the park where you won’t need an ice axe. If you’re getting itchy feet, this is a good time to check out Crystals Lakes, where the trail melts out earlier than most and flowers are blooming.  

Even the drive to the trailhead is scenic with views of the White River and places to stop along the way, including Wapiti Woolies in Greenwater (huckleberry ice cream!).   

This is one of the most popular hikes in the region, so be prepared for company (the best time to hike is mid-week if you prefer to avoid crowds). The upper lake provides more solitude with groves of subalpine trees and rock outcroppings scattered throughout flower-scented meadows.  

The trail begins on the south (left) side of Highway 410 and immediately crosses Crystal Creek on a footbridge.  The first stretch is a moderately steep climb through shady forest. Pause as you climb to catch your breath and/or enjoy views at overlooks of semi-hidden Crystal Creek and occasional views of Mount Rainier. Stop to admire the lowland wildflowers as well; in mid-July trilliums and yellow violets were still in bloom and vanilla leaf was off to a good start.   

At 1-1/2 miles (4,600 feet) you’ll reach a signed trail junction (signed). The trail (right) climbs to Crystal Peak, site of a former lookout with views of Crystal Lakes, Mount Rainier and surrounding ridges and peaks. The trail to Crystal Lakes continues straight.   

The trail levels out near Lower Crystal Lake as the forest gives way to meadows. The lower lake is the smaller of the lakes and perches on the edge of the forest with a nearby pit-toilet and two designated campsites.

In mid-July, snow patches lingered, but we were able to follow tracks through the snow to the upper lake. You shouldn’t need snowshoes or traction devices to get to the upper lake. By now the snow should be mostly gone – if you reach a point where you are uncomfortable, there are several rock outcroppings with views that make a good turnaround point. By August the snow should be mostly gone, replaced by rock and flower gardens near the upper lake.

We made the upper lake our turnaround in what could only be described as a beautiful setting. The sun was warm, the surrounding peaks and ridges still held patches of snow forming a dramatic outline against the sky. In mid-July the lake was thawing and ice patches formed photogenic patterns. Where melt-water covered ice, the water was a pale shade of blue. By the time you read this the lake should be mostly thawed out if not completely.  

A few Canadian gray jays kept us company and we enjoyed watching the antics of chipmunks as they scurried across the snow, dashing from rock to rock.  

Western pasqueflower, glacier lilies and spring beauties were blooming near the upper lake. In the forest, be on the lookout for Canadian dogwood (commonly known as bunchberry), vanilla leaf and yellow violets.  

When the snow is gone, you can you can climb to a small waterfall above the upper lake. Avoid walking on meadows; step on rocks where you can. Bring the map to identify surrounding peaks, including Three-Way Peak, Sourdough Gap, Crystal Mountain and Crystal Peak.

To get there - from Enumclaw, drive State Route 410 (east) toward Chinook Pass. At the Mount Rainier National Park boundary continue 4.5 miles to the trailhead (about 35 miles from Enumclaw). Park on either side of the highway (elevation 3,500 feet). No facilities.

Trail data: It is six miles round-trip with 2,300 feet elevation gain to Upper Crystal Lake. The map is Green Trails No. 270 Mount Rainier East.

Additional Information: For road and trail conditions call Mount Rainier National Park at 360-569-2211 or visit their website.