Like many areas at Mt Rainier, there’s more than one way to get there. It’s possible to get to Upper Crystal Lake via Highway 410 near the White River entrance, a steep 3-mile uphill slog through unattractive scrubby forest with virtually no views for the first 2.5 miles. Though longer, I much prefer starting from Chinook Pass on Hwy 410, going past Sheep Lake, up and over Sourdough Gap, to an incredible viewpoint above Upper Crystal Lake. This route is much more scenic, and easier on the knees by a long shot.
We were fortunate to have done this hike before the bridge closure on Highway 410, which now requires a 38-mile detour to bypass and is a traffic nightmare. From Chinook Pass, it’s an easy walk to Sheep Lake, and wildflowers were in full bloom. We also found several spots with ripe huckleberries – bonus breakfast!
From Sheep Lake it’s a gradual climb up to Sourdough Gap, stopping to look behind at Naches Peak, down to Sheep Lake from above, and Mt Adams in the distance.
From the Gap, it’s a short hike along the PCT to the side trail that leads to a beautiful view above Upper Crystal Lake, with one small spot just big enough to fit 2 backpacking chairs for 2 people with tea and coffee.
The return hike to Sourdough Gap, down to Sheep Lake, and back out at Chinook Pass is so much easier on my knees than the shorter and steeper route. If it’s not hazy, there is a spot near Sourdough Gap where it’s possible to see Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, and Mt Hood (in Oregon). If the weather cooperates, this is a 4-volcano hike! We had a bonus marmot on the return to the car as well.
