Crystal Mountain Lodging AssociationExplore Crystal Mountain
Alta Crystal Resort Crystal Mountain Hotels Crystal Mountain Lodging Suites
you Ready?
Experience Crystal Mountain








 
Once you experience summer at Crystal Mountain, you'll come back again and again.

It's just such a glorious time to visit up here. The mountain slopes are lush and green. Wildflowers blossom everywhere. The melting snow gives way to babbling mountain streams. The air is so clear that you feel like you can actually reach out and touch the sun. And the stars -- oh my goodness! There's just nothing like the clarity of a summer sky in the mountains!
Crystal Mountain is located on the edge of Mt. Rainier National Park and the Norse Peak Wilderness, making it a perfect location for exploring the glories of the Cascades.
 
  Crystal Mountain has wonderful accommodations so you can come up and spend a few nights. Accommodations range from spacious suites to cozy hotel rooms to a honeymoon log cabin -- with prices to suit whatever budget you choose.

And the Alpine Inn Restaurant and Snorting Elk Cellar will be open every day in June 15th - September 15th this year -- with delicious lunches and dinners, a full bar, microbrews and a wonderful wine list.

We can even help you with your family reunion, church retreat or other group event.


 
 
  There's nothing like Mt. Rainier. At 14,411 feet, it dominates the countryside around it -- and close-up views will leave you in awe! Crystal is closest to the Sunrise side of the Park, which is the highest point to which you can drive in all the Cascades (6400 feet) with the best hikes and most panoramic views. Want to explore further afield? The Ohanapecosh and Paradise areas are both easy drives from here.

 
 

Trails branch out in all directions. Hike up to the Pacific Crest Trail and imagine what it would be like to hike it all the way from Canada to Mexico. Go up the Norse Peak Trail for incredible views of Mt. Rainier. Hike past the abandoned mining settlement of Jim Town to Henskin Lake, a gorgeous lake surrounded by jagged peaks. Uncover this area's myriad waterfalls - Skookum Falls, Snoquera Falls and Goat Falls - to name just a few. Explore dozens of other trails all through the national forest. The choices are endless.

 
 
  Ride a horse to majestic vistas. Circle C Outfitters offers guided horseback rides every day from July through Labor Day. Most rides go up to Bullion Basin, an area with wildflowers and a pure mountain spring. Go a little further, for incredible views of Mt. Rainier. Circle C Outfitters also offers half-day, full-day and dinner rides. Check out their website at www.circlecoutfitters.com for all the details.  
 
 
  This whole area is known for its mountain biking trails. Rent a bike from Alta Crystal Resort or feel free to bring your own. Aggressive riders will love exploring Crystal's 35 miles of single and double-track trails. Folks looking for slightly mellower terrain will enjoy exploring the area all around Buck Creek or riding along miles of Forest Service roads.

 
  The streams and lakes around Crystal Mountain are a fisherman's delight. At Crystal itself, hike up to Henskin Lake and catch your dinner. Other popular fishing lakes include Lonesome Lake, Mule Lake, Greenwater Lakes and Eleanor Lake.

  Crystal's incredibly fun disc golf course is back! 18 holes that 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 "perfect" discs -- otherwise, discs are for sale at any of our lodging properties.
 
   
Walk quietly and you'll come upon elk grazing in summer fields. Bring binoculars and spot mountain goats up on the rocks. Keep an eye out for foxes in the early mornings and evenings. The opportunities for wildlife watching are endless.

Want to take some scenic drives? The Chinook Scenic Byway goes right past our door. The section by us is so gorgeous that it's been designated an All American Road (the only one in the State of Washington).

We could go on and on, but why not come up and check out all there is to do in the summer. Summers really are spectacular up here!
 
 
     
home | alta crystal resort|crystal mt hotels|crystal mt lodging suites

© 2004. Crystal Mountain Lodging Association. All Rights Reserved.

Studio360 Travel Guides