When the summer sun spills over the Cascade Range, the peaks become a golden silhouette, unveiling new adventures in the alpine paradise of Crystal Mountain. Summer here means daylight stretches from 5 AM to 9 PM. Get ready for a scenic drive from Bellevue, Washington, so beautiful that you'll probably go non-verbal. The 2 hour road trip to the slopes satiates the summer urge to eat snacks and sing along to old school jams with whoever your travel buddy is. At your destination is an endless summer playground, and there's ample time to run amok in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest. 

Soaring, Flying, and Breaking Free

Yes, the Mt. Rainier Gondola Rides here in the winter is a bucket list item, but you really haven't lived until you've taken it in the summer. Few experiences rival the breathtaking ascent from the base to the summit, and the sunrays spread across the expansive views of the beautiful Cascade Range and Mt. Rainier is a postcard brought to life. Undulating peaks, evergreen forests and alpine meadows unfold to nature's sculptural mastery. Soar to the top to check in for your reservation at the Summit House, Washington's highest elevation restaurant, and fuel up for more adventure.

Still hungry, but hungry for thrill? Crystal Mountain debuts its Flying Raven Adventure Course this year, where you can test your dexterity, agility, balance, strength and stamina at their first-ever high ropes course. You'll feel like you're soaring above the tall evergreen trees as you take on the teetering bridges, brave the high beams, and literally fly from tree to tree. It's exhilarating to challenge yourself in a place like this, far away from societal expectations and deep in the midst of adventure for a whopping 3 hours. To link it back to the section header, it's kind of like the moment Troy and Gabriella found their true calling in High School Musical.

No Experience Necessary

There's a new Crystal Climbing Wall this summer, towering at 24 feet next to the Chinook chair lift for a very PNW (short for Pacific Northwest) experience. No experience necessary. A hit with the families, this climb with 3 auto-belay stations is a great primer to climbing safely. Nearby, head to the Silver Creek Mining Sluice to play with some dirt to look for hidden gems. 

Mount Rainier is a special place. It's the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States with glaciers that provide an important source of water for the Puget Sound region. Commanding undivided attention, the mountain reaches so far up the atmosphere that it defines the weather patterns, and defines the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. So take a hike, a guided-hike, or a hike with your dog. There are plenty of trails to uncover.

Sky Full Of Stars

Put August 10, 2024 in your calendar now, because you'll get major FOMO if you miss Summit Fest. Once every season, Crystal Mountain opens its doors for the ultimate meteor shower experience. The sun goes down and the stars paint the sky as you enjoy live music, roast marshmallows, and forget what you were saying because the star-studded sky is truly breathtaking. The Perseid Meteor Shower over Rainier is an experience you certainly won't forget. There's always something happening at Crystal Mountain, so planning around their events calendar is a smart idea for extra summer fun. 

Another Day, Another Adventure

As you return to Bellevue with the mountains behind you, there's a palpable sense of gratitude among those who have explored these slopes. Here's to the families who shared their first gondola ride, the thrill-seekers who conquered every obstacle on the high ropes course, and the hikers who found solace in the rugged beauty of Mount Rainier. Après- "summer on the slopes" is easy, Bellevue is sea of restaurants and dining establishments cooking up dishes from nearly every culture. There's life in the pubs, bars, and breweries, laughter in the cafes and dinner spots, and plenty of satisfying local treats. What's in store for tomorrow? Maybe... visiting the Magical Northwest Trolls?