The last couple of days have been gorgeous and they may be the last great days we see for a long time. So we wanted to take full advantage of them. I had a wonderful bike ride yesterday morning for about 80 minutes. Then Rosie and I went up to Mount Rainier National Park. We hiked up to Crystal Lake – the trailhead is right by the turnoff to Sunrise on 410.
It was a fabulous hike, mostly through woods with about 2,300 feet of elevation gain and 3 miles in length. We did it in a little over one hour so we were moving along at a good pace. Hiking in these woods is beautiful. As the sun filters through all the branches and trees it creates an almost magical feeling. Every quarter mile or so we would get a breathtaking view of Mount Rainier when there would be a break in the trees. All the rains from earlier in the week had left a new layer of snow on the mountains and Rainier was gorgeous as were the surrounding peaks. As we approached Crystal Lake we could see that it was in a bit of a bowl with beautiful mountains on three sides of it. The lake is quiet and pristine and the view reflecting off the lake of the snow dusted mountain tops was absolutely stunning.
I attached a couple of photos. This is a great family hike the next time you are here. They had some superb camping spots right by the lake and Rosie suggested we try that. I'm sure she'll get over that idea before next year.
Dad
3 comments:
Dad - again thanks for posting these. The West really is so much better for outdoor stuff. Indiana is pretty but nothing like Southern Utah or Washington.
We had a wonderful hike on Saturday. The lake was surrounded by snow-covered peaks and it had acoustics like the amphitheater in Greece. We could hear two hikers who were up on the ridge as though they were standing right next to us!
We are so lucky to have these trails in our backyard! I am also in love with my hiking partner! Love to you all. Rosie
Brad, I was wondering if you have ever been to Carbon Glacier? I love that place. Did you know it's the biggest glacier in the lower 48? I've never actually been there, but Jesse Ackerson has really got me geeking out about that place.
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