PNW Summer Mountain Activities

In a landscape that serves almost 9-months of perpetual rain, the mountain community has a longstanding vow to make the most of winter and summers alike. Right now, with the sun shining bright on Crystal Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, Mt. Bachelor, and the newly added Schweitzer in Idaho, a PNW adventure unlocks dirt-laced trails, unique summer scenes, and exquisite vistas. Rain–rain go away, indeed.

Crystal Mountain

ELEVATED & EXCEPTIONAL
Home of the 90’s flannel craze, Seattle is often cited as the grunge capital of the world. A little over a two-hour drive away, take it from grunge to glamping with the brand new, unique, and exceptional Crystal Sky Camp. With views from 6,000 feet, set your adventure stage with this all-inclusive remote glamping retreat that features luxury tents and inspiring activities for the whole crew – including guided trekking and guided foraging.

FARM TO MOUNTAIN TO TABLE
Experience fresh, local, and thoughtful PNW cuisine at Crystal Mountain’s Summit House Restaurant. Throughout the summer, dine in wonder while observing Full Moon and Meteor Shower Dinners from 6,872 feet.

On the Road to Crystal Mountain

STEP IT UP WITH MOUNT RAINER
Sitting just southwest of Crystal Mountain, Mount Rainer National Park is one of the most iconic and accessible adventure landscapes in the PNW. With endless hiking, climbing, birding, and backpacking options, the next adventure is always just steps away.

NACHOS AT NACHES
On the road to (and back from) Crystal Mountain, tuck into the friendly mountain-folk atmosphere at Naches Tavern. Just off Chinook Pass Highway, in the small mountain town of Greenwater, tackle the legendary nachos plate and wash it down with a selection of Washington State’s best microbrews.

The Summit at Snoqualmie

SLOW IT DOWN & LIFT IT UP
When summer heats up, slow it down and cool out with a trip to the Summit at Snoqualmie. From Seattle, simply turn east and in an hour you’ll find your way into the heart of the Cascades, where higher elevations mean cooler temps and where the pace of life moves just a little bit slower. During summer months, guests can take revolving chairlift rides to discover stunning views perfect for perfecting that selfie game. When it’s time to head back to the base, it’s easy to ride the chairlift back down or take a pleasant stroll through the woods.

On the Road to The Summit at Snoqualmie

TAME THE TIGER
On the road from Seattle to The Summit at Snoqualmie, the year-round bike access at Tiger Mountain offers some of the best dirt in the area. Featuring riding for all ability levels, the trails range from buff climbing trails to expert-rated downhill gauntlets. Bonus points: with enough climbing and the right weather, there are views of Mount Rainier from the summit. Crank laps in the early hours and get lifted with some afternoon lift access at Snoqualmie.

Mt. Bachelor

CLASSICAL MUSIC IN A HIGHLY NON-TRADITIONAL SETTING
Standing tall in the High Cascades of central Oregon, Mt. Bachelor serves up 4,323 acres of unique summer scenes, all cascading down from a 9,065′ volcanic peak. In this landscape, classical pianist Hunter Noack presents 2 nights of IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild . From a 9-ft Steinway grand piano, Hunter performs live on the mountainside at 7,775′ while transmitting music to concert-goers via wireless headphones. Attendees can enjoy the concert paired with a 3-course dinner or purchase concert-only tickets. Tickets on sale now for Sunday, July 18, and Monday, July 19, 2021.

BIKES, BEERS, & BEATS
For those that want a little bit more action with their music, try out the Gravity Race Series and Gravicross event. On select Friday afternoons throughout the summer, these bike events are paired with Bachelor Beats, presented by 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Boogie down, beer in hand, while watching local riders tear up the bike scene.

On the Road to Mt. Bachelor

SURFS UP
Zip into a wetsuit, grab that other board, and drop into the Bend Whitewater Park. Smack dab in the middle of town, the Whitewater Park is built with four different wave features so that surfers, paddle boarders, and white-water kayakers can take it from mountain to surf in the same day.

GO FULL SEND AT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK
A mecca for climbers since the 80’s, a trip to Smith Rock will land you squarely in the adventure zone. With over 650 acres of pristine high-desert wilderness, explore hundreds of famous climbing routes, rig up your slackline, hike along the scenic River Trail, or set a new FKT on the Summit Trail loop.

Schweitzer

WINE DOWN AFTER WINDING UP
Back for its 6th year, Schweitzer is hosting its annual NW Winefest on July 17 and 18. Start the day with some lifted adventure for the entire family, including a trampoline jumper, hiking, biking, chairlift rides, a climbing wall, unique arts and crafts vendors, disc golf and more – bonus points: these activities are available all summer long. Once it’s time to wind down, fill up a collectible wine glass with a selection from 20 of the best PNW regional wineries featuring a total of over 80 wines. Great bands, tasty food options, and family-friendly activities round out this fun summer Schweitzer experience.

On the Road to Schweitzer

GO FULL CIRCLE
Fill the gas tank, tune into your favorite road trip mix, and take the long way while you explore the International Selkirk Loop, designated one of only 32 All-American Road National Scenic Byways in the U.S. This 280-mile road trip is an engaging loop that travels through the Selkirk Mountains and ventures across the border into Canada. Along the way, you’ll follow a series of pristine rivers and lakeshores that create a playground of opportunities for year-round recreation. In between the miles of scenic beauty, be sure to stop and discover the unique cultures found in many charming and authentic PNW small towns.

Summer in the PNW offers impressive natural beauty and an exciting array of adventures – it’s worth adding to the travel bucket list. Hop in the car—or on a plane—and don’t miss out on these incredible Washington, Oregon, and Idaho summer mountain activities. At many destinations, being an Ikon Pass holder can score extra discounts on many summer activities. And for more sun-drenched inspiration, check out thrilling warm weather activities in other regions of the country, including California, Colorado, Utah, and the East Coast.

(Please be aware that COVID-19 policies may still be in place at most mountain destinations this summer. Be sure to visit the resort websites ahead of time to familiarize yourself with local procedures and restrictions.)