Crystal Mountain Summit

A few days into my stay I set off to summit Crystal Mountain (North).  The chair lifts and gondola (the only one in Washington) start at 9 AM and end at 4 PM so I have to go before of after.  I went before all three times I've gone.

 The three times went on the Kelly's Gap Road which I think people ski on but in is wide enough for a snow cat.  It makes like ten switchbacks the first six are ho-hum but the seventh you have to traverse over steep slop and the it hit the area of high avalanches for eighth as well.  The ninth is very up and you have to make a ridge up and to the right than the after  the tenth you are at Green Valley an area with a ski lift to the Summit House.

Beautiful views of Mt. Rainier  are atop the summit which stands at 6,872 ft.

As well as views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams if you know where to look.  Silver Queen is directly in front and then Silver King.  Mt. Adams is farthest away behind Silver King and Mt. St. Helens is to the right.