Sourdough Gap

Getting There

From Enumclaw drive east on SR-410 (Chinook Pass Highway) to Chinook Pass. Just east of Tipsoo Lake, turn left (north) into a small trailhead parking lot on the north side of the highway. The trailhead is at the back of the lot, behind the restrooms. If the parking lot is full, return to the Tipsoo Lake parking lot at the pass and hike the 0.25-mile trail around the lake to the lower lot and the Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead.

on The Trail

Sheep Lake (5,800 ft)

3.6 miles round trip, 400 feet of elevation gain

The trail traverses above SR-410 before climbing gently into the Sheep Lake Basin. Enjoy great views of Mount Rainier and Naches Peak along the way.

Sourdough Gap (6,400 ft)

6.0 miles round trip, 1,000 feet of elevation gain

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for a 1.8 miles until you reach Sheep Lake. Continue passing through forests and meadows for another 1.2 miles to reach the gap and fabulous views of Mount Rainier. Be sure to scramble to northwest side of the gap for the best views. Look southwest to Mount Rainier'a Emmons Glacier. About 0.25 mile north of Sourdough Gap, enjoy views east into the meadows of upper Morse Creek with the blue pool of Placer Lake in the center of the valley.

Chinook Pass to Crystal Lakes

7.0 miles one-way, 1,000 feet of elevation gain

 The PCT at Sourdough Gap connect to the Crystal Lakes Trail. These two trails can be combined for a glorious alpine lake outing with a car shuttle.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
• Seasons: July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,570 ft
• High Point: 6,400 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  William O Douglas Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12