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Not
only does Crystal Mountain offer world class
skiing during the winter months. Summer
brings outstanding hiking and horseback
riding opportunities.
The
Basin Lake Loop from Crystal Mountain is a
scenic route that is very popular with
horseback riders and hikers. Sand
Flats horse camp is located near the
trailhead and offers excellent horse camping
and many more trail options for horse
riders.
This
is a strenuous 14 mile round trip that
includes tremendous views of Mount Rainier
as you climb over 2,000 feet along, across,
and over mountain ridges on the way to Basin
Lake.
From
the parking area you’ll head your horse or
hiking boots north and
uphill along an abandoned logging road for a
short while until you pick up the main trail
to Bullion Basin and the Pacific Crest
Trail.
Points by mileage from beginning:
.75 miles cross a small
bridge- Continue up and along the mountain
ridge. You’ll have peeks of valley views,
but the best scenery lays a few miles ahead.
2
miles Bullion Basin – Several hitching posts
and a campfire ring make this an inviting
spot for a break before you head higher.
Bullion basin was the site of several gold
mining operations in the early 1900’s. If
you keep your eyes open you’ll see the
remains of these long forgotten ruins.
2.5
miles overlook – At 6,150 feet you’ll be
able to look down on most of the Crystal
Mountain Ski Resort and your vehicle parked
far below.
2.75
miles - Intersect the Pacific Crest Trail –
Turn left at when you reach the PCT and head
north. You’ll skirt around the side of the
ridge high above Bullion basin. Note that
the PCT is only open to horse riding and
hiking, mountain bikes are not allowed.
3.25
miles ridge saddle – Walk or ride your horse along the very top
of the mountain ridge with sharp drop offs
on either side to accompany the great views.
Continue walking along the west side of the
ridge for another 1.5 miles to Scout Pass.
4.75
miles Scout Pass – Here, with Norse Peak
looming over you, you’ll have your first
look at Basin Lake far below. Continue along
the east side of Norse Peak and begin your
descent.
5.4
miles - Cross the Crow Creek Way trail
(trail #953) – Here take the lesser used
route down a small meadow and follow through
a marshy area to the shelter.
5.80
miles shelter – Arrive at an ancient three
sided shelter that still provides a haven
more than a hundred years after it was built
in the very early 1900’s as a shepherds
corral. Follow the main trail to the west of
the shelter to meet the PCT.
6.10 miles – Depart the PCT again and
follow the well marked trail to Basin Lake,
which you’ll see far below you.
7.30
miles arrive at Basin Lake – In addition to
gazing at the lake’s cerulean waters let
your eyes wander upwards to the rocky crags
overlooking the lake. Often time you’ll be
able to spy on mountain goats as they leap
from boulder to boulder.
7.9
miles join Basin Creek Way trail (Trail#
9887) – Start the return trip from Basin
Lake. You’ll start the return on the
opposite (east) side of the ridge you were
on previously. Stay on the trail as you
cross a saddle into Cement Basin behind the
mountain overlooking Basin Lake. Head
through the meadows at the bottom of Cement
Basin and then start working your way up the
east side of the basin.
9.3
miles uphill on well used horse and hiking trail to rejoin
PCT at ridge saddle – You’ve made it back
the ridge walk and the PCT.
Return to parking area the way you came.
To
Get Here:
Highway 410 (Mather Memorial Parkway) to the
Crystal Mountain exit immediately north of
Mount Rainier National Park. The Crystal
Mountain exit is 33 miles south east of
Enumclaw, WA.
Follow Crystal Mountain Blvd. up the
mountain to the second large parking area on
the left. There is an RV parking lot
immediately across from the lot that you
want to park in.
For
those interested in horse camping, the Sand
Flats horse camp is located just prior to
the parking area listed above.
Click here
for detailed driving directions to the
trailhead.
  
Information on horse
trails and hiking paths for horseback riders and hikers on the Pacific Crest
Trail near Crystal Mountain, government meadows, tin shack, and Airplane Meadows near Mount
Rainier and Greenwater, and Enumclaw Washington
Trail Sponsors
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