Yippee!  Crystal is now open for the 2012/2013 winter season—with world class skiing, snowboarding and Mt. Rainier Gondola scenic rides.

This is Crystal’s 50th anniversary, and it’s shaping up to be a great one.  Most of the mountain is already open, and more snow is in the forecast.

Click here to see photos from Crystal’s opening day.

Shriner Peak is a trail most people miss on their visit to Mt. Rainier National Park.  The total trail is 8.4 miles roundtrip with 3400 feet elevation gain—so it’s steep!  So why take it on?  Well, right now, there are gorgeous flowers, served up with incredible views of Mt. Rainier and views of a lake far below that’s the summer home to a large group of elk.  Shriner Peak itself boasts a 70 year old brown lookout tower that’s rarely staffed these days, but you can still climb up on the balcony for panoramic views that will take your breath… Read Full Story

Thanks to our friends at Visit Rainier for sharing these incredible photos from Grand Park.  So many visitors miss this part of the Park because it’s a long-ish hike—but if you’re an intrepid hiker, now is a great time to go!

Click here to look at all the photos from this hike.  Pretty incredible!

Ready to go?  Click here for directions.  We especially like the route that starts off Forest Service Road 73 (very close to us) as it’s shorter and Lake Eleanor is pretty wonderful.

Enjoy!