Summer Activities

Crystal Mountain packs in the adventure in the indyllic months of summer! So much to do in such little time...

Crystal Mountain and adjacent Mt. Rainier National Park offer limitless summer recreational opportunities. Hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, wildlife and wildflower viewing are all within close access of our facilities. Crystal Mountain is surrounded by wilderness - both Mt. Rainier National Park and US Forest Service areas offer over 250,000 acres of wilderness. The Sunrise side of Rainier (our side) gives you wonderful views of the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier anywhere in the lower 48.

Hiking

Crystal Mountain Hotels lies in the heart of breathtaking hiking terrain. Bordered by Mt. Rainier National Park and Wilderness, Crystal is the perfect place to base out of for outstanding hiking. The Pacific Crest Trail looms above on the ridge outside the Inn, Sunrise entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park borders Crystal. The Grove of Patriarchs, Paradise, Chinook Pass, Cayuse Pass, Skookum Falls, and Corral pass are all within a short drive to start your hike. Plenty of spectacular hikes start from your door at Crystal Mountain Hotels. On weekends you can ride the chairlift to the summit of Crystal and start your hike there!

Hike from your door to the Pacific Crest Trail and possibly see someone hiking from Mexico to Canada.  Go up the Norse Peak Trail for incredible views of Mt. Rainier and continue on into the wilderness further than you can imagine. The whole family can take an adventure trip and hike from Chinook Pass back to Crystal Mountain. Like Waterfalls? Go visit Snoquera Falls or hike the Suspension Bridge across the White River to Skookum Falls. Are you tired yet? There are plenty more and the best thing is that you can come and relax back at Crystal Mountain and enjoy the Alpine Inn Restaurant and Snorting Elk Cellar.

 

 

Mountain Biking

Considered as one of the best spots in Washington for Mountain Biking, Crystal Mountain and the White River Corridor offer several stunningly beautiful, classic mountain bike rides. Skookum flats, Ranger Creek, the Crystal Mountain Loop, the Palisades, Sun Top, and Deep Creek. If the weather is not hot enough, you can always pop over Chinook Pass and hit the "dry side" with fun trail such as Little Bald Mountain. Often when there is weather on our side, it dry and sunny over there. Trails start from the back door of all the hotels at Crystal Hotels making it an ideal base for an awesome Mountain Bike Getaway.

Finish the day back at the Alpine Inn Patio looking out on the meadow and peaks, complete with cold beers and killer food.

 

 

Mount Rainier National Park

There’s nothing like Mt. Rainier. At 14,410 feet, it is the tallest volcano and 5th highest peak in the contiguous U.S. - and close-up views are breathtaking!  Crystal Mountain Hotels offers very convenient access to Mt. Rainier National Park where the hiking, wildlife viewing and site seeing opportunities are limitless.  Head up the Glacier Basin trail and see climbers going up and down the mountain, go to Sunrise for some of the best views in the park, don’t miss the Ice Cream at the Sunrise Lodge!! A trip to Tipsoo Lake and the Chinook Pass National Scenic Byway should not be missed.  The Ohanapecosh and Paradise areas are easily accessible from Crystal Mountain.

Road Cycling

Road Biking doesn't get better than this! Looking to climb? Climb the highest paved road in Washington that winds up to Sunrise at Mt Rainier and take in awesome up close views of the mountain. Looking for sunnier weather? Take the windy road up to Chinook Pass and fly down the other side towards Yakima where the climate instantly changes to the dry climate that makes them so famous for the wine. Then there's Cayuse Pass, Stevens Canyon and so much more....

Crystal Mountain Sunset Dinners- dine at Washingotn's Highest Restaurant!

The scenic chairlift ride to a sunset dinner or Sunday brunch at Washington's highest restaurant is a "must do" for everyone living in or visiting the Pacific Northwest. Sweeping views of the Cascades in every direction and arguably the best view of Mt. Rainier from over 7,000 feet. Sunset Dinners for Friday and Saturday and Brunch on Sunday can be reserved by clicking here.

Horse Back Riding

Crystal Mountain Outfitters (509) 895 - 9120 offers amazing rides right form your front door here at Crystal. Take advantage of this amazing experience during your Pacific Northwest getaway.
In the words of Crystal Mountain Outfitters:
"Ride with us through the solitude and spectacular scenery of the Cascade Range. Glacier-fed streams ... alpine meadows covered with wild flowers ... unspoiled mountain lakes of the Norse Peak Wilderness, and the Wenatchee National Forest. It's so quiet up here in the high country you can actually hear a bird flying over. The fragrance of pine and spruce blends with flowers, berries, and tundra grass. The creak of saddle leather measures your quiet, relaxed journey under snow-capped peaks and lazy skies.

This high country is our life ... and we are proud to share it with you. Bring your camera ... there is plenty of wildlife up here. You can enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of Mt. Rainier and other snowcapped peaks of the beautiful Cascade Range."

Scenic Drives:
Any way you drive up into our spectacular valley, the drive will be outstanding for scenery and wildlife viewing. Driving to Crystal puts you on a designated "All American Road and National Scenic Byway."
"Travel the Glacier-fed White River from Enumclaw, over Chinook and Cayuse Passes, to the fertile valleys of Naches in Central Washington. Spectaular views of Mt. Rainier , dense forests , towering peaks, rocky ridges, and river canyons dominate this journey. Pass by the unique Basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau, lush sub alpine meadows, and waterfalls."

Disc Golf:
Crystal’s incredibly fun disc golf course is back! 18 holes are great for everyone. Disc golf is a great way to enjoy your day on the mountain while getting some exercise. Experienced disc golfers will, of course, want to bring their own “bag” of discs -- otherwise, discs are available for sale and rent at the Snorting Elk Cellar and Village Inn Hotel Registration office.