Crystal Mountain Resort is well known as a skier’s paradise during the winter, but once the snow melts it transforms into a mountain wonderland. The Summit, accessed by the brand new Mt. Rainier Gondola, commands majestic panoramic views of Mt. Rainier and the entire Cascade mountain range.

Grass turns green once the snow melts and quickly fades to gold. Wildflowers pop up between the golden waves mid-summer and last well through Huckleberry season. Trails weave through meadows and underneath jagged peaks that you can experience on foot, on a bike or on horseback. Leave civilization behind on a guided horseback tour.

The shiny red cabins of the Mt. Rainier Gondola whisks travelers from the base of Crystal Mountain over beautiful meadows and peaks to the 6,872’ summit. Enjoy delicious Northwest cuisine at the Summit House Restaurant while basking in the glory of Mt. Rainier. Or break for a picnic while playing on the 18-hole disc golf course.

As fall descends on the mountains, eyes and hearts begin to look forward to winter. As snow begins to cover the green trees skis and snowboards are pulled out of storage and old gear is replaced. Excitement is high when the first chairlift begins spinning and continues through countless days spent on powder snow and wall to wall groomers. With the new Mt. Rainier Gondola foot passengers can catch the thrill with winter gondola rides to the summit and guided snowshoe tours.

Winter, summer or spring, this Northwest gem is out of this world, but easy to reach.

For more information, visit the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort website.

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