Crystal Mountain Ski Area

Home to groomed resort skiing and access to some fantastic backcountry ski routes. In late winter and early spring the slopes are perfect training grounds for practicing ice axe arrest and other snow travel techniques.

Getting there

Drive SR-410 to where it is no longer plowed in winter (just before the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park) and turn left onto Crystal Mountain Parkway and continue to its end at the Crystal Mountain Resort (4,400 ft).

information for LEADERS

scheduling & permits

  • If you are scheduling a course field trip, please use the summary section of your activity to note where you will be located within this larger ski area, and contact our Member Services Team to confirm the field trip and any permitting regulations.
  • If you are scheduling this as a non-course related activity, please limit your group size to 12 people.
  • This route/place should only be used for activities that will be conducted inside the ski area boundary and lift-accessible backcountry. Please use nearby Routes & Places like Bullion Basin if you plan to go there.
  • Difficulty: M2 Advanced Ski
  • Length: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft
  • Land Manager: Crystal Mountain Resort
    Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 100
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 100
Map
  • USGS White River Park
  • Green Trails Bumping Lake No. 271
  • USGS Norse Peak
  • Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Crystal Mountain Backcountry
Resources
Name/Description
Ski Route Topo Map: Crystal Lakes

A topo map of the winter route to Crystal Lakes by Darryl Olson created via CalTopo Mar 2020.

Ski Route Elevation Profile: Crystal Lakes

An elevation profile for the winter route to Crystal Lakes by Darryl Olson created in Mar 2020.

Ski Route Trip Segments: Crystal Lakes

An Excel spreadsheet of trip segments with direction, distance, etc. for the winter route to Crystal Lakes by Darryl Olson, created in Mar 2020.

Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.