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Mount Rainier National Park: Crystal Peak

This rugged 7.7-mile dayhike in the park's wild, remote northeast corner climbs more than 3,000 feet to five-star views unfolding in all directions.

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INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm.

PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations requests accepted by fax or mail, starting on March 15th of each year ($20/reservation). Download form at nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservation-information.htm.

CONTACT Mt. Rainier National Park, (360) 569-2211; nps.gov/mora

-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 12.4

Waypoints

CPT001

Location: 46.922363, -121.533791

Head E, cross creek, and begin hoofing it up a steep hill

CPT002

Location: 46.919067, -121.521881

Turn R onto lesser-traveled trail; embrace the short flat section before it climbs again. L turn goes to the popular Crystal Lakes

CPT003

Location: 46.916859, -121.521706

Cross creek. In spring, magenta-colored petals spike from calypso orchids in this mossy forest. Older forests provide just the right mix of moisture and shade for these fragile and rare wildflowers

CPT004

Location: 46.909275, -121.528076

Rest spot with first views

CPT005

Location: 46.905602, -121.527489

Trees gradually give way to succulent huckleberries and sweet-smelling wildflowers. Postcard views run down the White River Valley to Mt. Rainier, 11 miles away

CPT006

Location: 46.898033, -121.524406

Switchback: Ignore the boot path that continues straight, and head N

CPT007

Location: 46.901993, -121.523125

Keep going uphill; Crystal Peak is dead ahead

CPT008

Location: 46.906406, -121.521179

Sharp switchback; begin last (but steep) scramble to the summit

CPT009

Location: 46.90633, -121.51902

Photo op: Crystal Peak offers full-circle views to Mts. Rainier and Adams, Crystal Lakes, and the Tatoosh Range. Rocky Mountain elk bugle below. Adjust trekking poles for 3,200-ft. descent, and return to trailhead

Ascending Crystal Peak

Location: 46.903854, -121.526939

Brilliant fall colors surround hikers on the climb to Crystal Peak.

Trailside Views of Mt. Rainier

Location: 46.902748, -121.522148

Mt. Rainier provides a striking backdrop to Crystal Peak’s golden-hued slopes.

White River Valley

Location: 46.903801, -121.521515

Postcard-worthy views of Mt. Rainier from the trail.

Mt. Rainer over the White River Valley

Location: 46.904854, -121.521255

Rainier’s sunlight-reflecting ice cap as seen from the blazing-orange hillsides above the White River Valley.

Summit Views

Location: 46.906376, -121.51902

The summit of Crystal Peak offers prime views of Upper Crystal Lake.

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