We all know Mt. Rainier is huge! You can see Mt. Rainier standing at 14,411’ from Downtown Seattle and as far away as Victoria B.C. and Oregon. Fun fact, it’s the largest glaciated mountain in the lower 48 with 26 named glaciers. Mt. Rainier National Park alone is 396.3 square miles of trails, visitor centers, viewpoints and protected land. So how could you possibly explore Mt. Rainier National Park in one day? Well, thanks to our friends at Crystal Mountain Resort, there’s a lovely 5-step guide to explore the Mt. Rainier region in just one day.

1. Take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort - Located less than two hours from downtown Seattle, Crystal boasts some of the best views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountains. The Mt. Rainier Gondola takes guests from the base area of the ski resort all the way up to the summit at 6,872’. From the top, Mt. Rainier unfolds across the skyline, just 12 miles away. This view never gets old.

2. Grab a bite to eat at the Summit House Restaurant - Now that you are at the summit of Crystal Mountain Resort and have had a minute to take in the beautiful scenery, grab a seat at the Summit House Restaurant for a quick bite to eat. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to look at Mt. Rainier while you dine. The Summit House Restaurant has a variety of options from burgers, fish and chips to delicious fresh salads. They also have beer, wine and kombucha on tap!

3. Hike with a Crystal Mountain Guide - Up for more of an adventure? Sign up for a guided hike, offered select Wednesdays throughout the summer to get the full tour of Mt. Rainier and the Crystal Mountain Resort area. Wind your way through alpine meadows of wildflowers, past alpine lakes and take in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains every step of the way. The hike is about 4.8 miles and takes about three hours to get from the summit to the base area.

4. Make a Pitstop at Tipsoo Lake & the Sunrise Visitor Center in the Mt. Rainier National Park - It’s crucial to get another look at the largest glaciated mountain in the lower 48 states before you leave! Hop in the car and make the short 40 minute drive to the Sunrise Visitor Center. At 6,400 feet, this is the highest point in Mt. Rainier National Park that vehicles can access. After exploring the Sunrise Visitor Center head east towards Tipsoo lake for a short walk around a beautiful alpine lake featuring Mt. Rainier in the background. On early mornings or late evenings the water will sometimes reflect Mt. Rainier.

5. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! - That’s right! No adventure is complete without a delicious scoop of ice cream. On your way back west on Highway 410 through Greenwater, stop by Wapiti Woolies for a delicious scoop of local Huckleberry ice cream. They also have a shop full of fun goodies and coffee for those needing an extra kick to get the crew back home. 

A few housekeeping items… don’t forget to pack your camera, sunscreen, water and a few extra layers. In the summer the temperatures vary and can be cold in the morning and evenings but hot during the day. It never hurts to be over prepared when exploring in the mountains! Also don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated in the high altitude. For additional information on what’s happening at Crystal Mountain Resort this summer, check out their website at www.CrystalMountainResort.com or give them a call at 360-663-3050.