Trek through postcard-worthy countryside on snowshoes with a guided tour Lodging: LOGE Alta Crystal near Crystal Mountain, or Packwood near White Pass Ski Area 3. Choose one or try both, but don’t forget your warm base layers.

An average of 400 inches of snow falls on White Pass each season. Crystal Mountain is Washington State’s largest resort, with an abundance of skiing and snowboarding areas and an average of 370 inches of snow per year. Navigate the slopes, ski or snowboardĬrystal Mountain Resort and the White Pass Ski Area both open their resorts for traditional snow sports. Peruse the bookstore and gift shop, and grab a snack at Paradise Camp Deli. This building, bursting with displays of education and history, only opens on weekends in the winter. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise. While exploring, be sure to devote some time to the Henry M. All vehicles must carry chains from November 1 to May 1. Weather permitting, the famous road to Paradise is open Thursday–Monday and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Although the park is open year-round, many of the roads and entrances are closed in the winter. But remember that Mother Nature controls the weather, so before you leave, check on road conditions and snowfall. Grab your insulated jacket, knit cap, waterproof pants, and a friend, turn on the ignition, fire up the heater, and head to Mt.

You might also start planning a trip to get even closer to the mountain. When this happens, you can’t help but feel tingly because of its majestic beauty. On occasion, when driving in Puget Sound, you turn a corner and suddenly see snow-clad Mount Rainier appear in the distance.

Elk animal on crystal mountain