We have been very curious about Crystal Mountain in the summertime. This is our very favorite place to ski and we typically do the schlep to the slopes every other weekend during the winter. It just seemed like the treeless slopes wouldn't be so charming now that they are naked--so we have not been inspired (even by the new gondola) to consider the area for hiking....until now. Once I took a hard look at the trail maps and realized what is under all of that snow (lakes, mines, meadows) we had to give it a try.
We picked a trail that would take us up to a ridge with views into the cascades and out over the slopes.
After a really "rocky" start---(seriously, we had to walk up some very steep, talus slopes) we found ourselves on a lovely forest trail complete with waterfalls, a cool bridge.....
.....and an old mine. All of us managed to resist the temptation to explore the mine (well--Finian needed a little more convincing than the rest of us).
The views of the slopes got even better as we climbed and it was really fun trying to identify our favorite winter runs.
As with so many hikes this year, we eventually ended up in the snow. Our loop trail was supposed to take us to a small lake and the ruins of an old mining town, but we we lost the path in the snow and just stayed on the main trail the rest of the way up to the ridge. Maisy was thrilled to be set free and raced around, leaping over boulders and snout plowing the snow (don't ask). We were surprised by how few people we encountered on the trail and it was really nice to be able to let Maisy off the leash for a while.
Dog-tired and we aren't even halfway to the top.
The top of the ridge offered incredible views of the backcountry bowls.
Never one to say no to a good climb, Justin went for the knoll above the ridge.
We ventured a little further and there was the top of Mt. Rainier. More on that later.
We loved seeing the "backside" of the mountains at Crystal--endless snowcapped peaks and dense forest.
On the way back down we decided to try to get to the lake from the other end of the loop, but ran into even more snow! This pleased the boys and the dog, so we enjoyed the sun while they slid, plowed, and raced around.
Once we were back at the main lodge, we decided to try the new gondola and hitch a ride up the the summit. One of the best things about skiing at Crystal Mountain is the view from the summit......
I am always shocked by the majesty of this mountain. It is always larger and more grand than the image I carry of it in my mind.
The summit also boasts amazing views of Mt. Adams. In fact, on the way up in the gondola I caught a view of Mt. Adams and mistook it for Rainier. As we came to a stop at the summit, I turned to get up and there was Rainier--massive, gorgeous, and awesome (in the truest sense of the word).
Here it is again.....I just can't get enough.
giant mountain
teeny boy
giant mountain....medium boy
Trail Stats: Silver Creek to Pacific Crest Trail (with several short side trails)
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1500 ft
Elevation at Top: 6500 ft
Jellybeans: 10 each
EF rating: awesome! snow sliding rocks!
JJ rating: damn near perfect.
http://www.crystalmountainresort.com/files/1264/New-2011-summer-hiking-map.pdf
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