12 Ways To Experience Mt Rainier This Winter
On the Rainier Vista Trail
Above Copper Creek Ski Hut
Mt Tahoma Trails North District
© Gene Glasunow, www.skimtta.com
1 U-Cut Christmas Trees
Share a traditional family outing to find, cut and carry home the perfect Christmas tree. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest sells $5 u-cut permits. 
2 Go Snowshoeing
Strap on snowshoes (rentals available) for a ranger-guided tour at Paradise on weekends beginning Dec. 22 in Mount Rainier National Park or a packaged tour on Saturdays at Crystal Mountain.
3 Bring the kids to Paradise's Snow Play Area
Wax those runners on a Flexible Flyer and race down the slopes at the snowplay area at Paradise, opening Dec. 22, given sufficient snowfall. For details, go to Mt. Rainier National Park.
4 Ride Crystal's New Northway Lift
Be among the first to access 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain from Crystal Mountain's new Northway lift. For more information, please access Ski Crystal.
5 Go Hut to Hut Nordic Skiing
Glide along new trails in Mt. Tahoma Trails Association's expanded North District, off Forest Service Road 92, at Hwy. 706 one mile west of the Ashford. Parking requires a Sno-Park permit.
6 Take a Scenic Train Ride
Climb aboard Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's Snowball Express and see Mt. Rainier in full winter glory while chugging along in a steam engine-powered passenger train. Trains depart from Mineral Lake, twice daily, for three-hour round trip runs. For tickets, schedules and more information, please access Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad.
7 Take in the view while dining on fondue
Ride chairlifts to the newly-remodeled Summit House Bistro at Crystal Mountain and dip bread in a cheesy fondue while enjoying the amazing view: 6 famous volcanic peaks. Visit the Summit House Bistro for details.
8 Watch elk herds & big horn sheep gather for winter feeding
On Mt. Rainier's east side, watch herds of elk gather for daily winter feedings at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area off of Hwy. 12 in Naches (18 miles NW of Yakima). Elk are fed daily at 1:30 pm and the bighorn sheep are fed mid-morning at the Cleman Mountain Feeding site. A map and video clip about the feeding program can be found at Oak Creek Feeding Station.
9 Watch the winter weather from your lodging at Rainier
Cozy in from a snowstorm or view a spectacularly starry night from your window at the historic National Park Inn at Longmire. The Inn in Mount Rainier National Park remains open year-round. For reservations, please access Guest Services or call 360.569.2275.
10 Nordic Ski at White Pass
Cross country ski on well-established trails through wooded areas and around a lake at the Nordic Center at White Pass. Visit Ski White Pass for details. Afterwards, warm up with coffee or hot chocolate in a friendly yurt. Lessons and ski rentals are available.
11 Indulge yourself at a spa
Indulge in a solo pre- or post-holiday retreat at one of three spas in Ashford. They include Alexander's Day Spa at Alexander's Country Inn, StormKing Cabins and Day Spa and Wellspring Spa and Retreat Center (Phone: 360-569-2514).
12 Take a tram ride through a wildlife park
Bundle up for a tram ride and see native Northwest animals in their lush winter coats at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville. Afterwards, warm up by a roaring fire or at one of the park's heated discovery centers. For special events, location and more details, please access Northwest Trek.
