Destination:
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is a ski resort built in the shadow of Mount Rainier in Washington, near Seattle. It is now owned by Alterra so it is part of the IKON pass program. It also has some of the most incredible views in the country with it’s amazing backdrop.
There is a small town called Crystal Mountain, and it has a few lodging and dining options. However it is not a super big town and doesn’t have a ton in the way of options.
Parking + Staying at Crystal Mountain Resort
Overnight Parking – You can park at the mountain but it’s too damn expensive. Like $35 per night for a van. If you have an RV and want hookups, then it makes sense but if you don’t have a huge rig then it’s a waste of money. We actually were able to camp at the base of the mountain in the federal forest lands, and there wasn’t enough snow to prevent driving in with an AWD w/snow tires. If you don’t have that you can park in the Safeway parking lot in Enumclaw even though it explicitly says you cannot. This is a case of asking for forgivness rather than permission. If you have a nervous Nancy partner then you can technically park on the neighborhood streets overnight though most cities technically forbid “camping” which is what sleeping in your car is. Just be inconspicuous and no one will notice.
Bathing – There is an anytime fitness in Enumclaw that would work. We went to a YMCA in Auburn because I have a membership there.
Happy Hours – There are some happy hours downtown at the Rainier Bar and Grill or The Historic Mint but they weren’t great. Naches Tavern outside of Enumclaw is another option, and the resort itself has a few dining options but nothing really in the way of affordable drinks.
Coffee – There is a McDonald’s on the way out of town that gets a little busy in the mornings but has $1 coffee.
Here at SB/VL we are also fans of self protection, and support the safe and responsible ownership of firearms. If you are looking for secure storage and accessories check out our sponsor SecureIt Gun Storage via thel ink below. You can save $ on product and we get credit on anything you might buy
Shop All Gun Safes & Accessories From The Leading Gun Storage Solution Providers, save $$$
Miscellaneous – Crystal Mountain can get some good dumps but it’s not a super big mountain and you really don’t stay at the mountain that much. It’s fun for a few days though and worth checking out, especially for the views of Mt. Rainer. I always thought it was strange they named a mountain after a cheap beer but I guess it makes sense.
Overall it is a nice resort. If you are more beginner level skier than you proably will end up sticking to the lower bowl, which can get busy in peak season. If you are more into shredding the gnar you can enjoy the upper part of the mountain with relatively small crowds. If you are planning an IKON trip this is definitely worth a stop.
Latest Posts
Travel Guide for Cappadocia, Turkey
In the spring of 2015 I was living in Spain. My sister was living in New York and we had never taken a trip together. We decided for her to come to Madrid and then we would head to Anatolia…the ancient name for the country of Turkey. In deciding how to spend our week...
A Guide to Visiting Antalya, Turkey
Turkey’s fifth largest city and main southern port was a divisive topic amongst my fellow backpackers. It seemed to be either you loved the region or you hated it. The reasons for each I will cover below. My take…I really liked Antalya. The scenery is beautiful, the...
A Travel Guide For Visiting Olympos, Turkey
One of the absolute highlights of my time in Turkey was actually a hostel. This hostel was so great that it goes by the backpacker reputation of, “everyone extends there.” You get to sleep in an actual treehouse at Bayrams Hostel!! Granted, it’s cold as fuck, but...
Travel Guide for Fethiye and Ölüdeniz Turkey
Starting on Turkey’s west coast has got to be the move. Maybe I’m biased because that's what I did, but it worked out spectacularly well. The ferry from Rhodes goes to either Marmaris or Fethiye (pronounced Feh-tee-yah). In speaking with other backpackers, I believe...
Harvey Falcon’s Guide to Visiting Turkey
After spending three weeks hopping around Turkey, I have learned a few things. Turkey is an incredible place with diverse areas in every corner of its land. It's undoubtedly a top five country for me, as evidenced by the amount of time I spent there. Here are a few...
The Harvey Falcon Guide to Visiting Athens
Who would’ve thought that a city built over 2,000 years ago, fortified with an ancient stronghold, and a growing university nightlife culture would be a fun place to visit for three nights? My sister went last year and suggested taking 3-4 days to see the capital of...
Traveling to The Island of Rhodes
I'm a simple guy. A few beers, some sunshine, nice hostel vibes where I can meet some people to enjoy the aforementioned items…and I’m set. Throw in a golf course and I may never leave. You will find all of these things on the lovely Greek island of Rhodes. This...
Van Camping DIY: Tips to prep your van for camping conversion
Van life can be an incredible experience. It's a great way to explore the world and see new places while still having all the comforts of home. But before you can hit the open road, there's one important step you need to take: preparing your van for a new build....
8 Practical Must-Have Items For First-Time Van Builds
Living off-grid in a van can be an incredibly freeing experience. It allows you to travel wherever and whenever you want—without worrying about finding a place to stay or being tied down to one location. Off-grid living also means being self-sufficient, which means...
Quick Links
Other Destinations
- Jackson Hole, WY
- Big Sky, MT
- Taos, NM
- Mt Something
Van Living Tips
If you are dreaming of fresh pow and the freedom of the road then you might need to buy a van and head to the mountains. We want to be a resource for anyone looking to bum it at ski resorts across North America. Van living tips, destination guides and experienced recommendations. Live the Ski Bum/Van Life