Crystal Peak Hike – Alpine Views & Volcanic Panorama With New Friends [HARD]

Crystal Peak Hike – Last Chance Before Winter Closure, Alpine Views & Volcanic Panorama [HARD]

📅 Tuesday, October 21, 2025
🕕 06:00 AM – 04:30 PM PDT
📍 Meet Point: Park & Ride – Wilburton, 720 114th SE Ave, Bellevue, WA
(Organizing carpools to trailhead)

About the Hike
This is your final opportunity this season to tackle the Crystal Peak Trail before SR 410 closes for winter access. On this demanding trek you’ll be rewarded with outstanding panoramic views — including Mount Rainier and six other volcanoes on a clear day. The climb is steady and steep, earning this route a Hard grade. It’s an excellent challenge for strong hikers comfortable with elevation and variable alpine terrain.

Distance: ~8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,100 ft
High Point: ~6,595 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Pace: Moderate (3–4 hrs up, 2–3 hrs down)
Duration: ~8 hours total

Itinerary
6:00 AM – Meet at Wilburton Park & Ride, Bellevue — organize carpools
6:15 AM – Depart Bellevue
8:15 AM – Arrive Crystal Peak Trailhead, start hike
12:30 PM – Reach summit, enjoy views and lunch
1:30 PM – Begin descent
4:30 PM – Return to Bellevue

Trailhead Directions
The Crystal Lake Trailhead (for Crystal Peak) is located on SR 410, about 1 mile before the Sunrise entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Parking is available on both sides of the highway.
⚠️ Note: The SR 410 White River Bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw has reopened after repairs — standard access is available.

📍 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vetbLp4bvhAYR66b9
📍 Trail Overview: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/crystal-peaks

What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
• Warm layers (mornings can be near freezing)
• Lunch, snacks, and at least 2 L of water
• Headlamp (early start)
• Trekking poles (Mandatory)
• Rain jacket or wind shell
• Camera for summit shots 📸
• Microspikes (Mandatory)
• Small bag for muddy boots/change of footwear

Cost & Logistics
💵 $30 per person – to support carpool gas and trip coordination.
Please bring cash or Venmo for your driver at the start.

Carpools will be organized at Wilburton Park & Ride to make travel efficient and reduce trailhead congestion.

Permits & Entry
✅ Park Entrance Pass Required:
Each vehicle must have one of the following:
Mount Rainier National Park Day Pass ($30/vehicle, valid 7 days), or
America the Beautiful Annual Pass (covers entry at all national parks).
🕒 No Timed-Entry Reservation Needed:
Timed-entry reservations apply only through Oct 26 on weekends/holidays. Since this trip is on Tuesday, Oct 21, no timed-entry pass is required.

Important Notes
This is not a guided trip — you areresponsible for your own safety.

By signing up, you acknowledge that you and your guests attend at your own risk and that hosts/organizers are indemnified.