Greenwater

Greenwater is a small town in Washington state, immediately north of Mount Rainier. This small community of less than 100 residents, along with the nearby Crystal Mountain ski resort, provides the only services on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park.

State Route 410 (WA-410), the Chinook Pass Highway, runs through Greenwater, connecting Tacoma and the Puget Sound region over Chinook Pass to Yakima and eastern Washington.

Chinook Pass closes for the winter, south of Crystal Mountain. It usually closes in November and reopens in June, but is variable based on snowpack. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation for winter travel information.

Greenwater is near the Sunrise entrance of Mount Rainier National Park.

• The Pacific Crest Trail crosses WA-410 at Chinook Pass. Most trails east of WA-410 eventually connect to it.

• 47.10587-121.475131 Greenwater Lakes Trail (From WA-410, take Greenwater Rd (FS-70/FS-7000) for 9.6 miles, turn right onto FS-7033 and follow 0.5 mile to TH). This easy 2 mi (3.2 km) (one-way) trail follows the Greenwater River through lush old-growth forest to the two small Greenwater Lakes. Continue on 5 mi (8.0 km) to Echo Lake or 4 mi (6.4 km) to Lost Lake. NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 46.9278-121.4822 Crystal Mountain Resort, 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd. Washington’s largest ski resort: 11 lifts, over 80 named runs, and 2,600 acres of terrain.  (updated Nov 2024)

There's one restaurant in town:

• 47.1604-121.653591 Naches Tavern, 58411 WA-410.  (updated Nov 2024)

There are several restaurants at the Crystal Mountain Resort.

There are several hotels at the Crystal Mountain Resort. There are rental cabins scattered throughout the area.

If you're not able to snag a campsite within the national park, the Forest Service campgrounds along WA-410 are great alternatives.

• 47.07098-121.577171 The Dalles Campground, ☏ +1 530 9320242. 45 tent or trailer units, five sites are barrier free and accessible. The campground is located along the White River.  (updated Nov 2024)
• 47.01948-121.534812 Ranger Creek Campground. Dispersed camping area next to a small airstrip.  (updated Nov 2024)
• 46.994964-121.5318483 Silver Springs Campground. 56 tent or trailer units, five sites are barrier free and accessible. This campground is along the White River in a section of old growth forest just outside the national park.  (updated Nov 2024)

Cell service is spotty in the area, especially more than a few miles from either Greenwater or Crystal Mountain.

• Ashford — the other small town on the edge of Mount Rainier.
• Packwood

Make a loop back across the mountains:

• Mountains to Sound Greenway across Snoqualmie Pass — the next pass to the north
• White Pass (US-12) — the next pass to the south

Explore the other ski resorts in the Washington Cascades:

• Mount Baker — holder of the world record for most snowfall. Elevation 3,500–5,089 ft (1,067–1,551 m)
• Stevens Pass — the biggest terrain within two hours of Seattle. Elevation 3,500–5,089 ft (1,067–1,551 m)
• Mission Ridge — on the eastern slopes, with more sunshine than the other resorts. Elevation 4,570–6,820 ft (1,390–2,080 m)
• Snoqualmie Pass — the closest ski resort to Seattle. Elevation 2,610–5,420 ft (800–1,650 m)
• White Pass — a relaxed atmosphere for all abilities. Elevation 4,500–6,550 ft (1,370–2,000 m)