Crystal Peak Trail

Crystal Peak Trail is a long-distance hike in Mount Rainier National Park that runs from the Crystal Lakes Trail early on, then peels off toward the Crystal Peak lookout site.

The route covers about 7.4–8 miles round-trip and is typically treated as difficult/strenuous, with roughly 3,000–3,200 ft of elevation gain over the climb.

Early on, the trail follows the Crystal Lakes Trail through forest. At the signed junction around 1.3 miles, Crystal Peak Trail leaves to the right; the first part is still comparatively shaded before the climbing really takes over.

After the creek crossing, the ascent becomes sustained and switchback-heavy, eventually transitioning from forest to avalanche-brushy slopes and open meadows on the way up to the old fire lookout area.

The final push trends through steep, exposed ground toward the former lookout footprint at about 6,595 ft; it’s described as a steep and sometimes shadeless/element-exposed climb near the top.

This is one of the higher Mount Rainier view hikes: from the summit/lookup area, hikers commonly look across broad volcano country and the White River Valley, with views extending toward other major Cascade volcanoes.

More information: Crystal Lakes - Washington Trails Association, Crystal Peak - Visit Rainier, Crystal Peak - Washington Trails Association