I am always looking for a new location to hike. Because of this, I rarely repeat a hike, but I make an exception in the case of Sheep Lake near Mt Rainier on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It's such an idyllic setting and perfect for a quick hike to become lost in nature. With a little extra effort you can make it to Sourdough Gap and points beyond. The best part of all: Dogs are welcome.

Several camp sites lie along the edge of Sheep Lake

This was my second trip to the lake. The first was a whole different experience in the fog. Because of this we never made it to Sourdough Gap because there were no views that day. Hating unfinished business, I had to come again on this day to see the lake in it grandeur. It did not disappoint.

The hike up to Sourdough Gap takes less than an hour from the lake. It's a great trail with ever-widening views back towards the lake and Chinook Pass. Once at the Gap itself, the view opens to the north in a wide valley. It's quite a treat.

Take the spur trail to the left for Crystal Lakes

Continue down the other side and take the trail to the left up to another ridge that leads down to Crystal lakes from the top. This area lies within the Mount Rainier National Park. It is here that you get your first views of the summit of Mount Rainier.

Crystal Lakes with Mt Rainier (under clouds) beyond

I was in the mood for a long hike and wanted to know if I could reach the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort from this area, so I kept walking along the PCT to Bear Pass and ultimately walked on the upper edge of the Crystal Mountain property. This seemed like a decent point to turn around for the day.