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A fun downhill run with views of Mt. Rainier. You can either ride the gondola up or run to the start!


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Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.8

KM

83%

Runnable

6,811' 2,076 m

High

3,896' 1,187 m

Low

484' 147 m

Up

2,942' 897 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Eat dessert first! This downhill arc starts at the high point of Crystal Mountain with views of Rainier and the White River awaiting at the start after your gondola ride up. It then follows the ridgeline north and descends via sandy singletrack into soft forest trails and eventually back up the valley to the Crystal Mountain parking lot. You can get to the start of this run via gondola or by running south on a complementary uphill run.

Need to Know

Full service bathrooms are open to the public in the Crystal Mountain Resort complex by the main parking lot. See the Crystal Mountain Resort website for gondola ticket prices and hours. There is also a restaurant at the top.

Description

This run starts at the scenic top of Crystal Mountain Resort, which is served by a gondola ride. Alternatively, one can run up to the starting point via the Silver Creek Trail and Crystal Mountain Trail.

Although a few sections are rocky, the majority of this run is on fine, sandy singletrack, largely following the Northway Trail. The last mile of downhill is almost too much of a good thing: soft pine needles cushion a trail weaving down through thick forest. It is easy to pick up the pace if you want to! Rocks and roots are infrequent in this section.

The last segment follows a forest road to the Power Line Trail which connects back to the parking lots and gondola station.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ben Stephens

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#6

in Sunrise

#2667

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#6

in Sunrise

#141

in Washington

#2,667

Overall
2 Views Last Month
773 Since Jul 19, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Lunch with a VIEW
Dec 7, 2018 near Greenwater, WA
Mt. Rainier
Jul 19, 2017 near Buckley, WA
A favorite part of this trail: soft shaded singletrack.
Jul 21, 2017 near Buckley, WA
(Clouded) Rainier at trail left
Jul 21, 2017 near Buckley, WA
Soft sandy singletrack with a view!
Jul 21, 2017 near Buckley, WA
Silver Queen, the White River, Mt Rainier
Dec 7, 2018 near Greenwater, WA
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