Summit House Restaurant Interior
Summit House Restaurant Interior
DINE ABOVE THE CLOUDS AT 6,872 FEET
Experience mountaintop dining at its finest. Located just steps away from the top of the Mount Rainier Gondola, the Summit House offers a unique, elevated dining experience unlike any other. Take a ride up 2,500 feet on the scenic gondola and dine at Washington’s highest elevation restaurant surrounded by expansive views of Mount Rainier and the beautiful Cascade Range. Featuring locally sourced, sustainable ingredients inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, make a trip to the Summit House Restaurant part of every Crystal visit this winter.


Summer Hours
Early Summer: May 24-June 23

  • Friday-Sunday: 10:30am–4pm
    *Last seating at 4pm

Peak Summer: June 28-Sept 2

  • Monday-Thursday: 10am–4pm
    *Last seating at 4pm
  • Friday: 10:30am–5pm
    *last seating 5pm
  • Saturday: 10:30am-3pm
    *last seating 3pm
  • Sunday: 10:30am–5pm
    *last seating 5pm

Late Summer Sept 6-Sept 22

  • Friday-Sunday: 10:30am–5pm
    *last indoor seating 4pm
    *last patio seating 4:30pm)

Visiting the Summit House

Tips for the Best Experience

Are reservations required?

  • We do not take reservations, but walk-ins are welcome and subject to availability. Tables are first-come-first-served. Farm to Mountain dinners require a reservation.


Can I make a group reservation?

  • We can accommodate groups midweek (Monday-Friday) with 2+ week advance reservation, along with confirmed menu selections.
  • Groups with 15-25 guests must email groupsales@skicrystal.com to make gondola and lunch arrangements. A $40 per person minimum (plus tax/gratuity) is required in advance to confirm a reservation.
  • Private full restaurant buy-outs will be considered after hours only (6-9pm). Email events@skicrystal.com for more information.
  • One bill will be provided to the group organizer in advance. Any additional charges will be due within 24 hours of event.


What is your cancellation policy?

  • Groups must cancel 48-hours in advance. No-shows and last-minute cancellations will be charged $30 per person.

Are tickets required?

  • Tickets are required to ride the gondola and can be purchased from the kiosk at the base of the resort. If you purchased a gondola ticket in advance, follow the walking path to the gondola entrance and present your ticket upon arrival.
  • If you are skiing or snowboarding, the gondola is included in your lift ticket or season pass. The Summit House can also be reached by the Rainier Express Chair lift.

Are dogs allowed?

  • Dogs are not allowed in the Summit House Restaurant.

Helpful Tips

  • Dress warm and wear comfortable footwear with good traction. Check the weather forecast before heading up.
  • We recommend that you use the restroom at the bottom of the gondola before you head up. ADA access and restrooms are available on the first floor of the base area lodge.
  • Wear sunscreen. Remember, you’re at a much higher elevation and the reflection of the snow can intensify the effects.
  • Bring your camera!
  • Do not feed wildlife.
  • Summit House bathrooms are not ADA accessible. ADA accessible bathrooms are located at the base area.


Severe Weather Notice

  • The gondola may close without notice due to severe weather, such as strong winds, and thus access to the Summit House would not be available. Please check the mountain report page or call us at (833) 279-7895 before heading up.
Scenic Gondola at Crystal Scenic Gondola at Crystal

Scenic Gondola Rides

A ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola will take you almost 2,500 vertical feet to the summit where you will find breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range. You’ll also be just a few short steps away from the Summit House, Washington’s highest elevation restaurant.
Buy Gondola Tickets