Lake · Mount Rainier National Park
Lower Crystal Lake
4.5 mi round trip1,883 ft gainModerateDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeNo permit
Day hikes need no permit, only the park entrance pass. No timed-entry reservation in 2026.
OvernightReservation
Every overnight stay needs a wilderness permit: $6 plus $12 per person per night. Reserve on Recreation.gov or walk up.
Permit calendar
Early-access lotteryFebruary
Lottery winners bookMarch to April 25
General reservations openApril 25
Summer permit seasonJune 1 to October 10
Mount Rainier National Park wilderness rules from the National Park Service. Climbing above 10,000 ft or on glaciers needs a separate climbing permit. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance4.5 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain1,883 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation5,481 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Lower Crystal Lake is a lake reached by a 4.5-mile round trip from Crystal Lake Trailhead. The route follows Crystal Peak Trail, then Crystal Lakes Trail to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
National park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, the $55 Mount Rainier annual pass, or an America the Beautiful pass. No timed-entry reservation is required in 2026.
Buy an entrance passGetting there
The hike starts at Crystal Lake Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.