We drove up to Chinook Pass off of Hwy 410 to hike a short distance along the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) past Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap, then take a short spur trail into Mt Rainier National Park to an overlook of Crystal Lake, overall 7 miles and 1,200 ft gain. It was a very quiet hike, we didn't see any other hikers until we were coming back down to Sheep Lake, most of them were PCT hikers from around the world.
When we started, the Chinook Pass area was mostly in the clouds.
We hadn't gone far, when the skies to the east turned sunny and blue! We were starting to see some fall colors.
The first 2 miles, up to Sheep Lake were a gentle gain, most of it above Highway 410.
There were plenty of ripe huckleberries along the trail.
Sheep Lake, looking to the northwest towards Sourdough Gap
Lots of pollywogs in the lake.
Chinook Peak reflecting in Sheep Lake from the other side of the lake.
After Sheep Lake, the trail climbs up to Sourdough Gap, some interesting rocky walls along the way.
Near the Gap, we could see the top of Mt Rainier peeking behind Chinook Peak.
zoom 
View from near Sourdough Gap looking down at Sheep Lake and a distant Mt Adams to the south.
zoom of Mt Adams and some Goat Rock Peaks, we watched the clouds move between the ridges.
Sourdough Gap looking northeast
Trail after the gap.
More fall colors and rocky walls
When the PCT takes the first switchback after the gap, we continued straight into Mt Rainier National Park, then took a spur trail off the trail going down to Upper Crystal Lake.
Continuing down, we found a great spot to view Mt Rainier, Crystal Peak and Upper Crystal Lake and take a snack break.
zoom of Mt Rainier
Another nearby peak
Back near the trailhead, we had good views of Naches Peak and Yakima Peak, much clearer skies than when we started our hike this morning.
One of several butterflies seen todaysome of the wildflowers, berries and fungi seen along the trail:
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