This is a favorite place. Views are incredible. My daughter was 3 years old when visiting this location. Three years later, she still talks about it! We particularly love the perfect patch of green grass located near the base of the ride. We rested there for hours, basking in the sun and eating juicy peaches.
The view at the top of Crystal Mountain is spectacular on a clear day. We were able to see from Mt. Baker (near the Canadian border) to Mt. Adams (in Oregon). It gives one of the best all-around views of Mt. Rainier. If you're driving around Mt. Rainier, this is a worthwhile stop. You won't get as good an overall perspective from Paradise, which is one of the stops within the park.Some people have said the ticket price is too high. It's still about 25% less expensive than the gondola ticket at Vail and 50% less than the gondola ticket at Whistler...and those two places don't have Mt. Rainier to look at.
While visiting the MT. Rainier do not miss this, especially if you are a first time visitor. Its scenic, quiet and a smooth ride .We really enjoy the ride, taking us to 8000+ feet high .We can view the Mount Rainier and the cascade range from a closer distance.How ever, it would have been better if there could have been some area covered for protection from scorching sun and rains ,from where visitors can view and enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains IT IS NOT THERE. If we have to the summit House restaurant,(Top of the gondola) w need advance reservation.
This is a fairly new attraction at Crystal Mountain. It gives you a huge change in elevation up to the top where there is a Mt. top restaurant that you need reservations for. The view is awesome and inspiring of MT Rainier in clear weather. You can see some of the glaciers on this 14,000 foot inactive volcano. The price was reasonable for the whole experience.
Caught the 2:30 ride up and enjoyed unbelievable scenery. Low snow totals this year but playing tour guide today, this was awesome! My guests from DC and Florida were absolutely amazed.
This was my first visit to Crystal Mountain. I really enjoyed the ride on the way up. Snowcapped mountains all around and the views are breathtaking.
if you've seen the view of Mt Rainier from Sunrise and Paradise, drive up to Crystal Mountain and take the gondola up to the top for a view of Mt Rainier that is priceless!
Took a trip to go hiking. Had breakfast at the Alpine Inn before going to the top. The Gondola ride is very cool. You can see far if the weather is good. The price was very reasonable. The views at the top are breathtaking. If you're going to hike, make sure you have plenty or water, good shoes and a trekking pole. The soil is loose in many areas and the pole is a great helper. Very nice place to spend the day alone or with family. Pet friendly too.
We were fortunate to enjoy this experience on it's last day of the summer season. Beautiful sunny and warm day which just added to the amazing views of the ski resort and then Mt Rainier once you arrive on the summit. Stunning, with views of Mt St Helens and Mt Adams... For someone with height issues I didn't mind the Gondola, felt very safe and had no fears as we rode up the mountain.
My wife wanted to go on a picnic forever and I finally gave in. I figured that I might as well blow her socks off. I saw the forecast was for 80 degrees and sunny. Sounds like great weather for seeing some hill tops. By hilltops I mean Mt. Rainier, Mt St Helens and Mt. Baker. We have been to both Paradise and Sunrise and they are both beautiful views of Mt. Rainier. Going to Crystal Mountain is something we hadn't done. While both other locations are great the Gondola ride and view @ Crystal mountain top them both. The Gondola ride was great and the views from the top are spectacular. We had an awesome time it is a must do day trip.