August 08 2015
This was a shortish hike I did with my friend Cheryl last year. We did this as a dayhike, but since it's so short this would be a great place to try to do on a Friday evening as an overnight if you can get off work early enough. Stay at either the lower or upper lake. They are both sublime. I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Driving Directions (stolen from WTA website)
Follow Highway 410 about 36 miles south of Enumclaw and pass under the arch that marks the boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. Continue on another four miles and be alert for wide parking areas along both shoulders of the highway. There is room for perhaps 20 cars. The trail begins on the east side of the highway, next to Crystal Creek. Signs at the trailhead indicate permits are required for overnight camping, as they are everywhere in the park, but there is no requirement for day-hikers to display a pass in their car.
To do the hike as we did, leave a second car at Chinook Pass which is about 8 miles past the Crystal lakes Trailhead on hwy 410.