Rainier up close — Crystal Peak! 🌋🏔️

This Saturday we're heading into Mount Rainier National Park for Crystal Peak — a solid climb with big views if the weather cooperates, the summit views are weather-dependent. On a clear day you get a massive frame of Mt. Rainier up the valley, plus views of Hood, St. Helens, Adams, Chimney Rock, and Glacier Peak — but if clouds roll in, we may get limited or no views from the top. Also, it will be windy on the ridge — expect breeze up high, so pack a wind layer. The last third of the hike is out of the forest, so the scenery opens up on the way regardless. 🥾
📍 Hike Details (from AllTrails)
Trail: Crystal Peak Trail
Distance: ~8 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,031 ft
Route Type: Out & back
Estimated time: 5.5–6.5 hours of hiking (plus breaks)
Pass required: Yes — Mount Rainier National Park entry fee (or America the Beautiful Pass). Dogs not allowed in the park.
⚠️ Trail Notes:

• Weather-dependent views: Forecasts can shift fast up here. We'll go with the conditions we get — no guarantees on the panorama.
• Windy ridge: It'll be windy up high — bring a windproof layer and hold onto your hat.
• Steep sections: Steady switchbacks, with the last third fully exposed. Poles recommended.
• Snow possible: Conditions report shows snowy terrain possible up high. Bring microspikes/traction just in case.
• Parking: Medium lot, can fill up by mid-morning.
• Cell service: Spotty at best. Download your offline map before we leave!

🚗 Schedule & Meeting (Saturday)

• 6:30 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)
• 6:45 AM – Carpool departs promptly
• ~7:45 AM – Pit stop at Safeway – 152 Roosevelt Ave E, Enumclaw, WA 98022 (bathrooms / snacks / coffee / supplies)
• ~8:45 AM – Arrive at trailhead
• ~9:00 AM – Start hiking 🥾
• ~3:30–4:30 PM – Back to cars
• ~6:00–7:00 PM – Estimated return to Green Lake P&R

🎒 What to Bring

• ✅ Hiking boots (sturdy, good traction)
• ✅ Trekking poles
• ✅ Microspikes/traction (snow possible up high)
• ✅ 2-3+ liters of water
• ✅ Lunch + snacks
• ✅ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (exposed up top)
• ✅ Warm layers, gloves, hand warmers, etc. — it's cold up high
• ✅ Windproof layer — it'll be windy on the ridge
• ✅ Rain jacket
• ✅ Offline map downloaded
• ✅ Park pass / America the Beautiful Pass + ID
• ✅ Change of shoes/clothes
• ✅ Headlamp — sunset is early these days
• 🚫 No dogs allowed (national park)

💰 Cost Sharing

• $20 per person if we have 3 riders per car
• $30 per person if we have 2 riders per car

Cash or Venmo. (Park entry fee is separate — covered by your pass.)
⚠️ Disclaimer
This is a group-organized hike, NOT a guided tour. The host is not a professional guide, trip leader, or outdoor expert — just organizing fellow hikers and participating themselves. You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and well-being throughout the event. Please only join if you're comfortable with a long day out, wind on the ridge, and the possible snow up high.