Mt. Rainier Gondola

You can catch some early snow without much rush at Crystal Mt. The ride was pretty smooth. Though we had booked the ticket and parking, there was not much rush and plenty of parking was available. They have buses from parking lot to the base, so you could really park anywhere on any parking lot. We actually drove to parking lot A, B, C and the finally parked in road side and caught a bus. Buses are every 5 min so there is no need to walk at all. If you have to book the parking prefer getting a parking permit for parking lot A, which is the only parking lot that is nearest to base and you don’t have to park in muddy field (rest of the lots are all muddy). Gandola ride fun.. We caught the ride up, stayed for 5 min as none of were prepared for temperature at the top and we don’t know skiing. You need proper gears at the top to even walk around in snow. We got on the next car back to the base. There is low elevation slope at the bottom and rental place at the base which is good for kids to enjoy.

Came during a work day and it was so relaxed, laid back and beautiful. Clean restrooms down near the entrance of the gondola. Easy access and quick take off. The ride is lovely and smooth. On top makes all the difference. The views are amazing. There’s a restaurant where you can buy some drinks and sit on lounge chairs over looking the peaks. There’s a souvenirs shops down and up the gondolas. Beautiful experience!