Hiking

Hit the trails and explore the beautiful wildflowers and alpine lakes. The trails are all in great shape. The wildflowers typically start to bloom in July. Don’t forget to pack bug spray with you for around the lakes and creeks. Please stay on the designated trail and to practice “leave no trace” while enjoying the beautiful trails around Crystal Mountain. Dogs are welcome on the Mt. Rainier Gondola and on the trails, as long as they are on-leash!

If you’re planning on coming up for a hike, and downloading on the Mt. Rainier Gondola, remember that download tickets are available at the Summit Gift Shop and ticket window in the base area.

Help us protect wildlife, trails and watershed by cleaning up after your furry friends! Doggie-bags are available in the plaza, base area, and along the summit ridge.

Hiking Map & Trail Info

 

Download Hiking Map (PDF)

Crystal Mountain offers access to a variety of hiking trails from easy to strenuous starting at the resort. Take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola (bikes are not currently allowed on the gondola but dogs are) to the summit of Crystal Mountain to hike along the ridge or back down to the base area via one of the many trail options. Our most popular trails are accessed from the top of the Mt. Rainier Gondola.  Let us do the hard part and simply enjoy and scenic walk down the mountain at your leisure.  Or start your active adventure from the base and hike up to nearby lakes, streams, wildflower meadows.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the gondola and hiking trails during the summer!
We simply ask that you please pickup after your pet, bag are available at several stations around the base area and top of the gondola. Also keep them on leashes and with you at all times.

Download the Crystal Mountain App
Our app features a GPS Trail Map to ensure you won’t get lost, along with other helpful information. Available for Apple and Android devices.

In case of an Emergency
For life threatening emergencies dial 911, for all other emergencies please call 360-663-3064 to be connected with a local first aid responder.

10 Essentials Every Hiker Should Carry
1. Map
2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Headlamp (outdoor)/flashlight
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Matches
10. Knife

Hiking Etiquette
Please obey standard hiking etiquette when on the trail.

  • Bikers yield to hikers and horses.
  • Hikers yield to horses.
  • Hikers traveling downhill yield to hikers traveling uphill.
  • Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.
  • When overtaking someone, let them know you are approaching and will be passing on their left.
  • Whenever you stop for a view, a rest, or to yield, move off the trail so it is free for others. If you are selecting the spot for a rest, get off on a used area or a durable surface such as a rock, dirt, or snow. Don’t trample off the trail into a nice soft field of grass and flowers.
  • When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half of a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering hikers, bikers, and horses.
  • When meeting a horse: Get off the trail on the downhill side. Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are. Stand quietly while the horses pass.
  • Don’t leave any markers when hiking off-trail. Cairns, ducks, or little piles of rocks are not needed.
  • Read trailhead guidelines. There may be specific rules for the trail you are on.
  • Pack It In/Pack It Out. Respect the natural environment and carry out all of your trash, even biodegradable items such as banana peels. It is not good for animals to eat non-native plants/foods and who wants to look at your old banana peel while it ever-so-slowly decomposes? If you packed it in, pack it out.
  • Take only pictures. A pretty rock or a bunch of flowers deserve to remain where they are. The only souvenirs a hiker should come home with are photographs and happy memories — and maybe an improved fitness level!
  • Most hikers you encounter on the trail will be friendly; a “hello” or “how’s it going?” is sufficient. Sometimes you’ll meet a hiker who may not welcome a greeting; if so, continue hiking and let them go by.