10 Winter Pursuits to Try This Season
On occasion, when driving in Puget Sound, you turn a corner and suddenly see snow-clad Mount Rainier appear in the distance. When this happens, you can’t help but feel tingly because of its majestic beauty. You might also start planning a trip to get even closer to the mountain. Grab your insulated jacket, knit cap, waterproof pants, and a friend, turn on the ignition, fire up the heater, and head to Mt. Rainier. But remember that Mother Nature controls the weather, so before you leave, check on road conditions and snowfall. Although the park is open year-round, many of the roads and entrances are closed in the winter. Weather permitting, the famous road to Paradise is open Thursday–Monday and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. All vehicles must carry chains from November 1 to May 1.
1. Explore Mount Rainier National Park
While exploring, be sure to devote some time to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise. This building, bursting with displays of education and history, only opens on weekends in the winter. Peruse the bookstore and gift shop, and grab a snack at Paradise Camp Deli.
Lodging: National Park Inn
2. Navigate the slopes, ski or snowboard
Crystal Mountain Resort and the White Pass Ski Area both open their resorts for traditional snow sports. Crystal Mountain is Washington State’s largest resort, with an abundance of skiing and snowboarding areas and an average of 370 inches of snow per year. An average of 400 inches of snow falls on White Pass each season. Both resorts cater to all abilities. Choose one or try both, but don’t forget your warm base layers.
Lodging: LOGE Alta Crystal near Crystal Mountain, or Packwood near White Pass Ski Area
3. Trek through postcard-worthy countryside on snowshoes with a guided tour
REI has arranged a Mount Rainier Snowshoe Tour. REI provides all the gear, instruction, and transportation for 11 sessions of snowshoeing. The tour is recommended for ages 12 and up and for those who regularly take part in vigorous activities. At least once, you should try a Ranger-led snowshoe walk at the national park. The park rangers have so much knowledge to share. Ranger-led snowshoe walks should start early in 2024, as staffing permits. Or, if you prefer, embark on a guided snowshoe walk with dinner at Crystal Mountain.
Lodging: Lil Finch in Ashford
4. Observe local wildlife in its natural habitat at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Experience Northwest Trek and its wild animal inhabitants on forested footpaths, through Wild Drives, or with a Keeper Adventure Tour. You can view grizzles, cougars, and more while walking the
designated paths. View free-roaming bison, mountain goats, caribou, and others while driving in a convoy of cars. The lead vehicle provides the narration. For a wild animal adventure like no other, schedule a Keeper Adventure Tour where you ride in the keeper’s jeep.
Lodging: Left Foot Farm in Eatonville
5. Join the elk at Oak Creek for feeding time
For a unique wildlife experience, watch supplemental feedings of a large herd of Rocky Mountain elk. Supplemental feedings take place from mid-December to early March (weather-dependent) at the Oak Creek Elk Feeding Area, six miles west of the town of Naches.
Lodging: Whistlin’ Jacks Outpost Lodge on the Chinook Scenic Byway
6. Choose your adventure or do it all at Crystal Mountain Resort
Skiers slide onto the Mt. Rainier Gondola for a jaunt to the top, but anyone can get an adrenaline rush eyeing the stunning vistas while rising from ground level to 2,400 vertical feet at the summit.
Cap off this experience with a savory meal at the Summit House, Washington State’s highest-elevation restaurant. Plan to attend the New Year’s Eve bash with night skiing and fireworks. The Snow Glow Disco on the evening of January 20 asks you to shimmy down the mountain in your best glow-in-the-dark regalia.
Lodging: Crystal Mountain Hotels
7. Saddle up for an equine adventure across stunning terrain.
EZ Times Outfitter leads trail rides that leave from the town of Elbe. The deeper you canter into the Elbe Hills, the more alluring the view. Or in Enumclaw, reserve an Echo River Ranch horse for a leisurely trail ride where you can choose a type of ride that gives you a chance to win a prize.
Lodging: Guesthouse Inn, Enumclaw, or Hobo Inn in Elbe
8. Celebrate snow at the White Pass Carnival
Join in on the Dinosaurs-vs.-Dragons-themed festivities at the White Pass Carnival scheduled for March 2 and March 3, 2024 Under the big top, slip and slide through the giant, hand-crafted snow castle, or you can even tube through the icy architecture. The gala includes torchlight skiing, fireworks, and more.
Lodging: Historic Hotel Packwood
9. Roam Federation Forest State Park
Kids and dogs love the easy trails at this state park. Everyone likes to feel the mist of the White River. Steps and a boardwalk lead to the waterfront, where you might see deer and elk grazing. The trails at Federation Forest State Park are relatively snow-free year-round. You’ll need a Discover Pass. When you re-enter the highway, watch for the small village of Greenwater. A stop at Wapiti Outdoors is a must for winter clothing retail therapy, steaming hot coffee, or a sweet treat.
Lodging: LOGE Alta Crystal Resort
10. Ride the rails on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
The charming scenic train will host some diverse events this winter, including steam train excursions and new brunch trains! Watch their site, mtrainierrailroad.com, for dates and to reserve your seat.
Lodging: Hobo Inn in Elbe
Whether you’re familiar with all the activities, attractions, and events listed here or not, spending time in the crisp, clean winter air never gets old. Some of the events sell out quickly, so make your reservations early. See you on Mt. Rainier!
Heather Larson
Guest Blog Post Written by Heather Larson on 11/29/23.