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    Mt. Rainier Gondola

    4.4 (70 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

    Mt. Rainier Gondola Photos

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    View before the fog lifted
    Lily S.

    We came here on a Monday, and there's no wait at all to hop on one of the looping gondolas. The gondola takes you on a 13 minute ride up the mountain. At the summit there's a restaurant (Summit House) and a gift shop, and of course, spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. There are also hiking trails. After your visit, hop back on one of the gondolas to return to the parking lot. Overall, a wonderful experience for young and old alike.

    View at the top, dog friendly!
    Tiffany Y.

    The gondola is a fantastic way to see Mt. Rainier up close if you either can't go all the way up to the National Park, want to go with your dog, or have small kids or elderly family members where mobility may be a challenge. I do think it's a bit pricey, but worth it to do it once. For your once ticket you get to go up/down twice. If you book a few days in advance there is a slight discount in price too. The view is picture perfect up at the top!

    Mt. Rainier
    Rose C.

    It was a bit of a drive to get here but it was all worth it! The resort was pretty quiet that day we visited. When you scan your ticket and they issue you this little credit card size pass that you get to keep as souvenir. I thought the price was fairly reasonable since you get to go on two round trip rides. The gondola ride was enjoyable! It was about a 10+ minute ride. As soon as we got to the top of the mountain and the gondola doors opened... you get the amazing view of Mt. Rainer!!! It was so beautiful! You also get a glimpse of Mt. Saint Helen. Friendly staff all around. Food and drinks were available at the top of the mountain. Overall it was an awesome experience!

    gondola view
    Zina B.

    Crystal Mountain Resort has a wonderful gondola that is also available in summer! We went with our two dogs (dogs ride free) and had a blast despite the weather being abysmally cold. There were few people which made the trip all the more accessible for us to bring our pups and show them more of the mountain. You do have to go outside of Mt. Rainier park as it is not on the state park grounds so make sure to bring your receipt if you're staying in the park so you can get back in. The view was a little obscured because of the fog (June gloom) but still amazing. Great little side quest for those with pups who want to see the mountains still (a little pricey $50/person for a two way trip).

    Feb W.

    My first ever Gondola ride was here! Paaaaayr! It was fun, like so much fun especially if doing it with your loved ones. Came here two times in a span of less than a week. First with my bandit then the second time around with family. If you're around Washington, you gotta do this and ride the fun. Warning! The ride going up the top ain't the best you could have seen. Ticket is quite expensive (unless you got a military discount it would be a great help). Riding alone can be so boring too. But as a first timer on this, this was actually fun, it would be nice too if you share the fun with somebody. On the second time we hop with the family, the gondola stop for about 20mins. when we are going down. It was a bit petrified and my poor bandit started to panicked (he's afraid of heights btw). The gondola was swaying and it wasn't a nice feeling hanging up there. Lol. But other than that it was still fun and we arrive the bottom line safe and sound. The view on the top is beautiful but too bright and sunny. Make sure to bring hat and pat some sunscreen before going here. Mahalo for reading and happy juandering fellow yeeps!

    Michael G.

    Well...a new view of Ranier....at 7000ft. This time we arrived in a Gondola instead of s car or a plane!Fantastic. So is the gondola experience. At the top is a restaurant with a limited but adequate menu. Hiking options abound. $44 adults. $29 seniors. Kids under 4 free.

    Epic views of Adams, Helens, and Rainier
    Kim R.

    I've always enjoyed a good gondola ride, so while passing through we decided to drive up and see about this one. The drive up is beautiful, and there was plenty of parking available. We arrived at 9:30am on Saturday, and the place was fairly empty. I'd noticed on their site the mention of saving money by purchasing online. So when we got to the top and service was better I tried, but unfortunately the price was the same online as in person. So we bought a ride and waited a few minutes for the opening at 10am. The gondolas looked super clean, as were the grounds. Personally I loved seeing that pups are allowed to ride too, and there were plenty of furry friends in line. At 44$ a person we were prepared to feel we'd wasted some cash, but honestly the cost was worth it. The ride was amazing...especially on the clear day we lucked into. We spotted some coyotes running through the trees on our way up, and of course the 360 views were out of this world. At the top, well you feel like you're at the top of the world. The views are simply epic. We spent an hour wandering and taking in the sights from every aspect. At 11:30 we decided to take advantage of the clear day and grab a bite at the Summit Restaurant as well. We spend a lot of time in the mountains on trails with amazing views, so the husband was a bit negative about the need to waste time and cash riding up. But in the end he agreed we'd made a wise choice...Highly recommend!

    This is taken with an iPhone
    Phil G.

    Arriving at this Crystal Mountain Resort, I didn't expect much. It was authentically rustic, not rustic by design, the men's bathroom worse than a stadium bathroom at an ACDC Concert. The gondola line did go fast, even on a Saturday in July. It was all kind of blasé until the gondola reached the top. I turned around and witnessed a visage that blew my mind. Mt Rainier loomed in the distance, unreal, almost like a stage set. It was a wonder, and I'm jaded, having traveled extensively for more than 60 decades. The view forces you to linger, to glance at the mountain one more time. Did I see what I thought I saw? The experience will remain indelibly etched on my consciousness forever.

    Gondolas glide peacefully
    Alisha B.

    For a fantastic splurge, allow yourself to be whisked up 2400 feet in about 12 minutes. These gondolas glide steadily up an extremely steep hillside, elevating your scope rapidly. As if the 360 degree views of lush peaks and valleys aren't enough, Mount Rainier - that crowning jewel - greets you at the top. A row of chairs lines the ridge, encouraging people to soak up the view. They even have a container of poles people can borrow on their hikes or walk-abouts. The gondola line moves quickly, as there are so many and they can accommodate 4-6 people in each one. I removed a star for two things up top. We waited in line for more than a half hour at the outdoor café, and then another 20 minutes for our food. Naturally, there was also a line for tables. The deck is ringed with flowers and the views of Mount Adams and Rainier are fantastic. But, I'll be packing food next time. Between the crush of people and steep prices, it wasn't worth it. They provide plenty of picnic tables a little farther down. Also, the are too few stalls in the women's bathroom and only one sink. So, plan on waiting in long lines there, too.

    In the gondola.
    Brooke B.

    A fun experience with the most fantastic of views. We were showing visiting relatives the PNW beauty that is Mt Rainier. We were there in August and the amount of ladybugs was insane!! We were being swarmed the entire time, almost.

    Dave O.

    "The view of the summit never gets old" - honestly odds are you'll never be able to enjoy a view from the summit so this is one of a few ways to catch a glimpse of something majestic. Sometimes it's about the journey and as cool as the ride up is, the magic is at the top, unfortunately the haze obstructed the view during my visit but the crowds were still in awe with what stood before us - image if this was the only opportunity you ever had to witness greatness because you live thousands of miles away and the decision to go was nothing more than the flip of a coin, heads you buy the ticket and take the ride or tails you pass and hope for a better day, one that may never come. I bought the ticket and believe me the ride was amazing and although the view was less than I had hoped it would be, I did it and now it's mine forever, I own it. The gondola is just a means to get here or there, so if your itinerary is somewhat confusing and the destination was only to ride a gondola or to view the summit of Mt. Rainer or merely to drink at beer at 6,872 feet it's good to know you accomplished your mission. If you accidentally took a right to get here when you should have driven straight then fate may have other plans for you and your adventure is just beginning. This could be your life changing moment so roll the dice...

    Sharon C.

    Pictures really do not do justice. The view of Mt. Rainier is so amazing!! You can see it so closely here. In photos, it looks like the mountain is still pretty far away. But really, the view up here is soo pretty, and the mountain looks massive. Parking wasn't an issue when we came around 1:30 p.m. on a Saturday. Free parking. The parking spaces are small, and the parking lot lanes are super narrow though. My car is pretty small, and I felt like I could barely squeeze through the cars to exit the lot. I was in a group of two, so we usually rode with other people for a total of 6-7 people. There was almost no line to go up the gondola, but you have to wait longer to come back down. We didn't stay for the restaurant because a lot of people were waiting. This is a dog friendly place too; we saw so many dogs up there. It was definitely pretty crowded at the top, but you can still get all the pictures you need. I think it was worth the $24 roundtrip. The drive up here during the summer wasn't bad. Took 2 hours from Federal Way. The roads are narrow, but the scenery is really nice. You turn at the Crystal Mountain Resort Recreation Area sign and then drive up six more miles. After I drove like three miles up, I was starting to wonder whether I was even going to the right place because there aren't any signs... just lots of trees and a really high increase in elevation. But after six miles you should see the parking lot and resort buildings.

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

    It was fast and comfortable to me, breath taking views! The speed been just nice to enjoy your staying!

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Had a great time riding the gondola and taking in the breathtaking views. Visit the gift shop for snack and neat souvenirs.

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Cold beer at the top and a nice view of Mt Rainier and some other peaks but I'll admit I liked the view from the park better

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    My 3.5 year old made us ride the Gondola six times in a day. The "All Day Pass" paid for itself. Beautiful views of everything.

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Easy parking. Great view of the mountains riding up and once you reach the top. Dogs are allowed!

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Mt. Rainier Gondola

    Is this handicapped wheel chair accessable at all?

    I don't think you could enter the gondola in a wheelchair but I'm not sure they don't have a way to make it accessible. It's a paved path at the top of the mountain though. The staff is extremely helpful so I would suggest calling to find out.

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    Review Highlights - Mt. Rainier Gondola

    A word about crystal mountain (because there is not a yelp location for here): Large mountain with some great runs.

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    Rimrock Lake Resort

    Rimrock Lake Resort

    1.0(1 review)
    25.2 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Discounts available

    I have never been treated with such disrespect and disregard from an establishment in my life--and…read morehighly recommend you DO NOT SUPPORT THIS CAMPGROUND. I made a group reservation for a long weekend for 4 campsites to celebrate me and my husband's wedding anniversary in August 2023. We both got COVID and unfortunately couldn't go (which was sad enough), but our friends went and celebrated without us! I had put down a deposit of $345 and not knowing this, my sister-in-law paid the $388 for their stay. I called Rimrock Lake Resort to let them know that we had been double charged and they refused to refund the money. When I insisted and said this was not okay, I heard the owner in the background say "just hang up on her" and they did--and have refused to take my calls since. DO NOT TRUST THEM. THEY DO NOT DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS. I not only was unable to attend my own wedding anniversary, but am out $345 that I will never see again. Truly horrific.

    From the owner: Discover Rimrock Lake Resort, a premier destination nestled in the heart of Washington. We offer a…read morevariety of accommodations, from full-hookup RV sites and traditional tent campgrounds to cozy camping cabins, perfect for any getaway. Our convenient on-site amenities include a boat ramp for easy lake access, a fully stocked convenience store, and a propane supplier to ensure your trip is seamless. Whether you're seeking a serene escape or an adventure-filled vacation, our resort provides everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

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    Rimrock Lake Resort
    Rimrock Lake Resort
    Rimrock Lake Resort

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    Market to Plate

    Market to Plate

    5.0(2 reviews)
    56.8 miShorewood
    $$$

    Do this if you're local. Do this if you're visiting. You'll start with a tour thru Pike Place…read moreMarket to pick up the fixings for what will be a delightful learning and dining experience. Jake and Becky are knowledgeable tour guides and fun even for those of us who visit the Market regularly. Continue on a short walk up to Jason Wilson's Miller's Guild restaurant. Prepare to be amazed as you sit at the chef's counter in front of a blazing wood fired grill where Jason keeps up a fun and enlightening banter as he cooks up a multi course meal for you. Several appetizer courses are served up at the counter and then everyone moves to the dining room for the main courses and dessert. My husband and I were on the first of these events (unbeknownst to us when we signed up) and it went off flawlessly. This is an intimate event so we got to know our fellow diners which was fun too. The menu will vary for each event so don't know what you will have, but we enjoyed salmon tartar, oysters on the half shell, mushroom goat cheese bruschetta, roasted mussels with Merguez sausage, grilled salmon, pork roast and a delicious pear/apple dessert. My descriptions don't really do the menu justice because, after all, the guy cooking up this dinner is a James Beard and Food & Wine award winner. The "stump the chef" bit was fun where we selected an item at the Market for Jason to prepare that would be a surprise for him -- just to see what he would do with it. We chose goose eggs with the stipulation "you can't just scramble them". Jason sawed those raw eggs in half, stirred up a delicious truffle flan with the innards, and then baked it back in the egg shells. Creative and fun! This event (I can't just call it a tour and meal...) is a good value since you get the market tour (fun even for lifelong Seattleites), a cocktail before the meal and a couple of glasses of paired wine with the meal as well as a couple of really fun hours with Jason and his staff. We plan to go back!

    Jake leads a fun and interesting tour of the "market" where you get up close and personal with the…read morevendors as well as learn little known facts about it and Seattle. Enjoyed bringing the bounty of our market harvest to Chef Jason Wilson at Miller's Guild to watch him carefully craft a delicious meal with all the freshness the market has to offer. We even threw in a special "stump the Chef" ingredient which he turned into a wonderful savory flan. Amazing. The wine pairings were perfect and sharing stories with fellow adventurers was a delight. Our tour guides Jake and Becky were knowledgeable, friendly and just a delight. I would definitely do this again.

    EFESTĒ - January 2026 Tasting Room Special: Italian Canoli

    EFESTĒ

    3.9(93 reviews)
    65.0 mi
    $$

    One of so many (over 130) wineries and tasting rooms in the Woodinville, WA area, EFESTĒ is an…read moreaward winning winery (history of wine making starting in 1995, with the brand established in 2003) that has a nice tasting room with good food. Our group of six (me, my wife, her mom, our daughter, her husband, and their dog) came here for a light lunch on a Friday (everyone was off for the 4th of July weekend), taking advantage of their dog-friendly outdoor dining area. We all had a great time. My wife's college roommate's relatives are the family owners (Daniel and Helen Ferrelli, and their daughter/son-in-law Angela and Kevin Taylor), and she recommended that we stop by when in the area. It was fairly busy, but found a nice area to sit down for our group. Bev was our server, with Helen (co-founder, co-owner) stopping by to say 'Hello'. Both were friendly and gracious and made us feel at home. My wife and I got the 6-wine tasting ($25, complementary with every 2 bottle purchase): -- Angie '22 Blanc de Blancs, named after the co-owner; Adrienne '24 Chenin Blanc, named for their grand-daughter. We really liked both whites, and ended up getting a bottle of each ($55 for Angie, $35 for Adrienne). -- Paulie '22 GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre), named for their grandson. Very, very light. -- Upright '21 estate merlot. We liked this one a lot, named as a counter-balance to the movie that made merlot a four-letter word. -- Nana '21 merlot, named after Daniel's grandmother -- Big Papa '23 Cabernet Sauvignon, named after the owner himself. We ordered some light food to share as well. The Buffalo Chicken Dip ($20) was solid, coming with baby root vegetables. The Meatza Pizza ($20) was very good, like a tavern style thin crust pizza with a nice charred crust and lots of meat and cheese. It was a gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest, which just made everything better. They also have a tasting room in downtown Seattle, but I was glad to come to their original location. It was the first winery visited in this area, and a good introduction to see others as we continue to visit.

    The Efeste tasting room in the Woodinville industrial district was a wonderful surprise. The…read morebuilding is a bit hidden and parking can get full. They have a patio area with covering and indoor seating. For our visit, we opted to sit indoors and take a break from the heat. Staff were very friendly and confirmed our reservations and seating. This tasting room does have a kitchen, pizza oven, and offers various bites to pair with their wines. They also have a frosé machine featuring their Oldfield Estate Rosé with fresh strawberry purée and a Pinot Grigio with an Aperol float. Their wine tasting line-up features 2 whites and 4 reds. We ordered a bottle of their Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé Frosé, Pinot Grigio Frosé with Aperol, and a pepperoni pizza to share. The pizza was delicious. Cripsy thin crust and freshly made. The Cabernet Sauvignon was robust, earthy, and notes of fruits and spice. This wine paired well with the pizza. The frosé was refreshing and the aperol float made for a wonderful summer drink. Service was top notch. Water refills were frequent along with check-ins on our experience. Efeste also has a Sodo tasting room and both locations are offering a special called Wine and Dine Duo. The special price is $30 and wine pours are the Adrienne, Babbit, Paulie, Ceidleigh. We'll definitely return for a proper round of tasting and maybe explore a membership.

    Photos
    EFESTĒ - February 2026 Special: Jalapeño poppers

    February 2026 Special: Jalapeño poppers

    EFESTĒ - Our Dec 2025 Tasting Room special: Smoked Salmon dip with housemade crostini

    Our Dec 2025 Tasting Room special: Smoked Salmon dip with housemade crostini

    EFESTĒ - Our Dec 2025 Tasting Room special: Eggnong Crème Brûlée

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    Our Dec 2025 Tasting Room special: Eggnong Crème Brûlée

    Mt. Rainier Gondola - tours - Updated July 2026

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