Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
basin near Chinook Pass. From there, the route heads east out of the park, through the
Naches Valley (prime apple-growing country), and on to Yakima.
11.
Crystal Mountain
One of the most picturesque views of Mt. Rainier and its surrounding peaks can be seen
from the top of Crystal Mountain, just outside the park. Located off Highway 410 to the
north of the Sunrise entrance, this year-round resort features the cherry-red Mt. Rainier
gondola that whisks visitors from the parking lot up to its 6,800 summit. At the top visit-
ors can choose to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in summer or ski or snowboard in the winter.
For a less strenuous experience, the Summit House restaurant is just a short walk from the
gondola and offers fine dining, local wines, and an unobstructed view of Mt. Rainier.
Star Route
WHITE PASS SCENIC BYWAY
For a close encounter with Mt. St. Helens, the explosive neighbor of Mt. Rainier that
blew its top in 1980 and began erupting again in 2004, head south on Highway 12 to
RandlealongtheWhitePassScenicByway.TakeS.R.131,whichleadstoForestSer-
vice roads 25 and 99, where visitors can stop for breathtaking pictures of St. Helens'
craterfromWindyRidge.Thisrouteisonlyopeninthesummermonths,buttheviews
are certainly worth the wait.
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