Travel

There’s a Lot to Do En Route to Mount Rainier

Enjoy a few side excursions on the way to this national park.

By Callie Little September 11, 2017

Mountain-view

This article originally appeared in the September 2017 issue of Seattle Magazine.

The route: The park has four entrances, but the White River entrance, off State Route 410 and via Puyallup and Enumclaw, offers several worthwhile stopping points. 

Fall Flavor: The Puyallup Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; 330 S Meridian; is where handmade wares, plant starts, seasonal produce and international food carts abound. Choose some bounty for a picnic, and then round it out when you reach Enumclaw with a few slices from The Pie Goddess (Enumclaw, 1100 Griffin Ave.; 360.625.8568). Kids will enjoy a detour to Thomasson Family Farm (Enumclaw, 38223 236th Ave. SE; 360.802.0503; $3–$12), which offers a variety of seasonal farm activities, from corn mazes to cow milking. 

Photograph by Thomasson Family Farm. Family fun can be had at Thomasson Family Farm.

Peak Interest: As you continue your journey on SR 410, turn onto Crystal Mountain Boulevard to reach the Crystal Mountain Resort (open daily through September 17) and its spectacular gondola ride ($12–$33), a 2,000-foot ascension above the evergreens to Summit House, (360.663.3085), Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant. From here, Mount Rainier looks close enough to touch. 

High Point: Wind your way back to SR 410, through the nearby White River park entrance and continue to Sunrise. It’s the highest vehicle-accessible point in the park, and features a visitor center (open until mid-September) and day lodge (open until late September). 

A variety of trailheads offer hiking options and be sure to enjoy a picnic and some photo ops before trekking home.


Photo by: Jason Anglin. A meal with a view at the Summit House.

Chill & Chug 

Take the Train
See Mount Rainier from a different perspective via a steam train that leaves from the Mt. Rainier Railroad & Logging Museum (Elbe, 54124 Mountain Hwy. E; 888.783.2611; $21–$54) on weekends and travels across the Upper Nisqually River to the small community of Mineral and back. For an adults-only excursion, hit up Rails to Ales (21 and older; 9/30–10/1; $54–$69), a craft-brew tasting with live music, catering, refreshments and some of Washington’s best beer. 

Join The Must List

Sign up and get Seattle's best events delivered to your inbox every week.

Follow Us

Hidden Washington: In Olympia, it’s still the water and a lot more

Hidden Washington: In Olympia, it’s still the water and a lot more

Enjoy the bounty of the South Sound with a visit to the state capital

Olympia is a taste of Americana with a slice of history nestled at the south end of Puget Sound. Yes, it’s home to our capitol building but Olympia also offers a weekend of exploration beyond government architecture. Those who venture in will find quirky shops, fine food and drink, water adventures, and a stunning historic…

Sea-Tac drops in latest J.D. Power survey

Sea-Tac drops in latest J.D. Power survey

Airport rankings fall from last year

A friend who recently flew out of Sea-Tac International Airport told tales of long lines, unhappy fellow passengers, and an unfortunate bag mix-up. He literally had to buy a new suit for a business meeting once he reached his destination. I heard a similar story from another friend whose family flew internationally on vacation this…

Hidden Washington: Spokane Stands Out

Hidden Washington: Spokane Stands Out

Lively times in the Lilac City

Washington’s Second City, Spokane, is topping the charts these days. National Geographic named it one of the 30 best small cities in the country. In 2021, Spokane was named a top 10 hipster city in the world, somewhat comically, by MoveHub, in a ranking that counts things like thrift shops and microbreweries per capita. This…

Lake Chelan: The Ultimate Fall Getaway | Sponsored

Lake Chelan: The Ultimate Fall Getaway | Sponsored

Discover a great lake retreat

If you’re seeking a destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a touch of seasonal charm, then Lake Chelan should be at the top of your fall getaway list. Nestled in the heart of the Cascades, Lake Chelan offers a picturesque escape with its breathtaking views and activities for every type of traveler….