Crystal Peak (Washington)

Crystal Peak is a 6,595-foot (2,010 meter) summit located in eastern Mount Rainier National Park, in Pierce County of Washington state. Crystal Peak is situated 0.75 mi (1.21 km) northwest of Chinook Peak, and nearly on the crest of the Cascade Range. Crystal Mountain and Crystal Lakes lie immediately to the northeast, and Three Way Peak is 1.09 mi (1.75 km) to the east. Access to the summit (which was a former fire lookout site) is via a hiking trail which branches off from the Crystal Lakes Trail. That trailhead starts along Highway 410, which traverses the western base of the mountain.[2] Precipitation runoff from Crystal Peak drains into tributaries of the White River.

Crystal Peak
East aspect, with Crystal Lake
Highest point
Elevation6,595 ft (2,010 m) [1]
Prominence275 ft (84 m) [1]
Coordinates46°54′22″N 121°31′09″W 
Geography
Crystal Peak
Location of Chinook Peak in Washington
Crystal Peak
Crystal Peak (the United States)
LocationMount Rainier National Park
Pierce County, Washington, U.S.
Parent rangeCascades
Topo mapUSGS White River Park
Climbing
Easiest routeHiking trail

Climate

Crystal Peak is located in the marine west coast climate zone of western North America.[3] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks of the Cascade Range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the Cascades. As a result, the west side of the Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall. During winter months, weather is usually cloudy, but, due to high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean that intensify during summer months, there is often little or no cloud cover during the summer. Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in high avalanche danger. The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.

References
  1. "Crystal Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  2. HikingProject.com Crystal Lakes Trail
  3. Beckey, Fred W. Cascade Alpine Guide, Climbing and High Routes. Seattle, WA: Mountaineers Books, 2008.

See also
  • Crystal Peak with Mt. Rainier upper left
  • Crystal Peak seen from Upper Crystal Lake
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