Exploration-Northwest: The Perfect Day-Crystal Peak (Mt Rainier)

     There are two days that seem to stay with a hiker. The worst and the best. This was the best. Getting going in the morning when my eyes are cloudy from sleep sand, and my ambition is held captive by a pile of covers takes special motivation. The motivation on this day came from the thought that sunny and clear days are now at a premium. It's November in the Pacific Northwest, need I say more. I got a late start after wresting the covers off, and getting my pack ready and loaded in the car. I intended to hike Summerland (Mt Rainier) one more time, but a road closed sign put a stop to that. So I turned around and drove back down Hwy 410 to parking lot with several cars in it. I had no idea if it was even a hiking trail, but was happily surprised to find a trail that went up a hill. Oh how I love a hill!! Up good, more up equals more good.
    The sign describing the hike said that it was 3 miles to Crytal lake, and 3.8 miles to Crytal Peak. Peak! Oh ya...that means up. The first 2 miles of the trail are in the dark forest, but the hill grade was around 10-12 percent and it was almost smooth. Like no rocks, roots or other things to trip over. At about 2 miles the trail is above tree line, and continues to the top...and what a view!! There was about 3-4 inches of snow the last two miles, but the trail was a decent grade and easy to follow. I did notice a couple of avalanche areas so this probably isn't a good winter hike.
   At the top, I stood alone for several minutes feeling the warm sunny rays on my face, listening to the absolute silence, and turned from north to south and then back north. I could see north to Mt Baker and Glacier Peak, and then south to Mt Hood, Mt Adams, and Mt St Helens. I could see almost all the way to Canada, and then into Oregon while standing at the top of this immense peak. Then there's Mt Rainier...so big that I felt I could hit it with a rock. I'll return to this place many times...Here area some pics---