Categories: Travel

This scenic gondola ride in Washington offers epic views of Mount Rainier

Photo via Shutterstock

Ready for an enchanting gondola ride with views of some of Washington’s most incredible mountain peaks? The Mount Rainier Gondola is a must-visit this winter, and we’re here to share all the details.

Taking passengers over 2,400 vertical feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain, the short but sweet gondola ride is as scenic as they come, with even more rewarding views waiting at the top.

Jaw-dropping views

Open daily during the winter months, the scenic ride takes up to eight people at a time for a comfortable, 10-minute journey to the the mountain’s summit. Along the way, visitors get to enjoy expansive views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains, but it’s at the summit that you’ll be treated to the most jaw-dropping scenery.

Once at the top, you’ll be steps away from Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant, Summit House, as well as a spot for snacks and beverages below the gondola.

On a clear day, Crystal Mountain Resort says that you’ll be able to see Mount Rainier in all of its glory, accompanied by views of the Cascades from Mount Baker in the north to Mount Adams in the south.

Looking for more ways to enjoy the view that doesn’t involve downhill action? You can rent some snowshoes and journey along the ridgeline via a guided tour or on your own.

Located six miles from the White River/Sunrise side of Mount Rainier National Park, the resort is nestled amongst spectacular forests, meadows, and “pure Washington wilderness,” and winter is truly a magical time to take it all in.

Tickets & info

Adult tickets range from $49 to $54 in December and January, depending on when you go. For children and young adults, it’s between $35 and $49 depending on age and time of booking.

Each ticket includes two round-trip gondola rides per day.

Note that the gondola is accessible via Crystal Mountain Resort, not at Mount Rainier National Park.

The resort reopens for the season on Friday, November 29th.

So there you have it, snowbirds! You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy this spectacular gondola ride!