Get whisked away on a scenic ride up to the summit of Crystal Mountain to see breathtaking Mt. Rainier views.
ABOUT THE MOUNT RAINIER GONDOLA
The Mt. Rainier Gondola, is located at Crystal Mountain Resort and is open during the summer and winter season. The scenic gondola rides last approximately 10-minutes. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Washington’s highest restaurant, the Summit House, sits next to the gondola and serves Northwest cuisine in an alpine setting with unbelievable views that are both unique and breathtaking. The Mt. Rainier Gondola at the Crystal Mountain Resort is just six miles from the White River/Sunrise side to Mt. Rainier National Park. Nestled amid stunning forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and pure Washington wilderness, Crystal Mountain provides is a fun and relaxing base camp for many experiences.
WINTER RIDES
You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy a scenic gondola ride during the winter. Open daily during winter months, each enclosed passenger car holds up to eight people for a comfortable 10-minute ride. Leave the base of Crystal Mountain and soar up to its 6872′ summit. Enjoy views of a winter wonderland, with stunning views of surrounding peaks, skiers and snowboarders below. Visitors appreciate the ride itself but it’s the view from the top they rave about. On a clear day when you walk out of the gondola onto the landing platform, you’ll be rewarded with an epic view of Mt. Rainier in all its glory, plus jaw-dropping views of the Cascade Mountains, stretching from Mt. Baker in the north to Mt. Adams in the south.
Many guests just ride the Mt. Rainier Gondola for the view, but there are other activities. After your ride pop into the Summit House for a gourmet lunch in Washington’s highest elevation restaurant. Another popular post-gondola ride activity is to take a guided snowshoe tour. Rental equipment is available at the base. Visitors can snowshoe along the ridgeline. Dogs are not allowed on the gondola during the winter.
SUMMER RIDES
During the summer months, visitors can ride the gondola usually starting mid-June through mid-September. Some visitors like to ride the gondola up and hike down to take in wildflowers and scenery. Well behaved socialized dogs (on-leash) are welcome to ride the gondola during the summer months. You may want to stay a few nights to take in miles of hiking and mountain biking trails winding through alpine lakes, along with epic ridgelines and through evergreen forests during the summer. Recharge with a yoga session in the meadow. Explore the trails on horseback. Play a challenging 18-hole disc golf course that spans the mountain top-to-bottom. Attend one of the frequent weekend events, live music, and entertainment. Come for the day, stay a few nights.
AREA LODGING NEAR THE GONDOLA
- For lodging within walking distance of the gondola rides click here.
Info
Address: 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd., Crystal Mountain, WA 980202
Phone: 360-663-3050
Q: Are the gondolas wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, Crystal Mountain Resort has a gondola that will accommodate a wheelchair.
Q: Are the gondolas pet-friendly? Can I take my dog up with me?
A: Crystal Mountain Resort is pet-friendly during the summer season only. No pets are allowed during the winter season.
Q: How much are the tickets?
A: Prices will vary according to when you ride the gondola and the age of the passenger/s. There are discounts available for young adults, youth, students, and seniors.
Q: I bought a ticket but now I can’t go. Who do I contact for a refund?
A: You’ll need to contact Crystal Mountain Resort directly. For email and phone number click here.
Q: How much are the tickets to ride the gondola?
A: Prices will vary according to when you ride the gondola and the age of the passenger. Click here to view the ticket prices.
Q: Do I need a reservation to ride the gondola?
A: Reservations are recommended but not required.
Q: Is there lodging within walking distance of the gondola?
A: Yes, Crystal Mountain Hotels operates three separate inns there are also furnished condos available for overnight guests.
Q: How long is the gondola ride?
A: It takes approximately 9 minutes to travel 2,400 vertical feet to the summit.
Q: Is the Mt. Rainier gondola wheelchair-friendly?
A: Yes, it is in the summer. It’s difficult to navigate the resort using a chair in the winter with all the snow.
Q: How much does it cost to ride the gondola?
A: Ticket prices vary according to when you ride the gondola. To view pricing and hours of operation please click here.
Q: Do I need a national park pass to ride the gondola?
A: No. The Mt. Rainier gondola is located at Crystal Mountain Resort. The gondola is not located at Mount Rainier National Park. Use this address for your GPS for driving directions to the gondola. 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022.