Sheep Lake/Sourdough Gap - Mt. Rainier, WA

As I enjoyed this hike so much this summer to see wildflowers at Sheep Lake, I decided to go back to hike again yesterday for fall foliage and also to hike up to Sourdough Gap and farther toward Crystal Lakes basin this time. 

The hike to Sheep Lake begins at right behind the toilet structures in the large parking lot/Naches Peak Loop trailhead on HWY 410. The trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and runs along right above the highway, which offers a stunning view of Chinook Pass and the valley. It's a pleasant and gentle 2 mile hike all the way to the lake. Fall colors are abundant along the trail. The lake seemed quite busy with many campers yesterday.
From the lake, I continued the journey to Sourdough Gap. As you leave the lake, the trail begins to gain elevation and gets steep a bit, but not too bad. I saw families with young children trekking up with no problem. The hike from the lake to the gap offers wonderful views of South Cascades including Mt. Adams, so enjoy the vistas as you ascend. In 1.4 miles, you reach Sourdough Gap, and the reward is the grand vistas of Sheep Lake down below in the valley and South Cascades with Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens on the skyline. On the other side of the gap, the PCT continues north along the mountain range above the Crystal Lakes basin.

At the gap, there is a side trail going up to the peak of the gap. The route is rather steep, but scrambling is not necessary as the path is solid with dirt and rocks in switchbacks. The 360 panorama at the peak offers breathtaking views....Sheep Lake on one side with South Cascades including Mt. Adams and Upper Chrystal Lake on the other side with Mt. Rainer as a backdrop.

Back down to the gap, I continued to hike the trail to the other side of the gap. Passing the gap, the trail divides into two directions...one goes to the PCT north and the other to Crystal Lakes basin and Mt. Rainier National Park territory. I took the Crystal Lakes trail.

The view from the above at Crystal Lakes basin is another reward with this hike....towering Sourdough Gap peak, Upper Crystal Lake, and Mt. Rainier. The trail continues down to Upper Crystal Lake, but I didn't enough time to hike down to the lake.

By the way, if I can make an arrangement for two cars.....park one car at Sheep Lake trailhead and the other at Crystal Lakes....I'd try hike from one end to the other to cover both lakes (Sheep Lake and Lower/Upper Crystal Lakes) including Crystal Peak. That'll be a fan adventure to try in one day!