Typist: Bethany
When a friend suggested we take Crystal Mountain's scenic gondola in the summer, Jason and I chuckled about having only ever been to Crystal Mountain in the winter to ski. Upon finding out that leashed dogs are allowed on the gondola, I knew we needed to go. Of course, we waited until the last weekend of the summer season to ride and it was mostly cloudy with scattered showers that turned into a downpour. But even in the rain, this was a great dog-friendly adventure.
The gondola operator was very kind and helped us into a less crowded gondola that he had slowed down to help the dogs ease onto it. With a lot of treats and encouragement, we got Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley all onto the car. Once we were safely away from the platform, the dogs started to enjoy themselves. Granted, they were getting lots and lots of treats, but they were also appreciating the view and the attention from the friendly people we rode up with.
When a friend suggested we take Crystal Mountain's scenic gondola in the summer, Jason and I chuckled about having only ever been to Crystal Mountain in the winter to ski. Upon finding out that leashed dogs are allowed on the gondola, I knew we needed to go. Of course, we waited until the last weekend of the summer season to ride and it was mostly cloudy with scattered showers that turned into a downpour. But even in the rain, this was a great dog-friendly adventure.
The gondola operator was very kind and helped us into a less crowded gondola that he had slowed down to help the dogs ease onto it. With a lot of treats and encouragement, we got Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley all onto the car. Once we were safely away from the platform, the dogs started to enjoy themselves. Granted, they were getting lots and lots of treats, but they were also appreciating the view and the attention from the friendly people we rode up with.
 Are you sure this is safe? |  We're moving... |  Keep the treats coming! |
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| About 10 minutes and 2,500 feet later, we got off the gondola (which was much easier than getting on) at 6,856 feet. Even without sunshine and a 360 degree view, it was beautiful. Keep in mind, though, that we are Cascadian and love all the shades of gray. We hiked southwest and found a relatively flat vista where we could eat lunch. 'R' Blood on the Tracks Boys took this opportunity to sniff around and play. After lunch, the fit dogs, Jason and I would have preferred to keep hiking down the mountain but we were with a less rain and cold enthused group of friends and family. So we hiked back up to the gondola for a cloudy ride down. |  Wilhelm, Brychwyn & Huxley at 6,856 feet. |
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 A quick glimpse of the base of Mount Rainier |  A brief view of White River |
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The dogs didn't enjoy the gondola ride as much when there was zero visibility. As soon as we got below the clouds on our ride down, Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley all went to the windows to watch the trees go by. If it hadn't been raining buckets at this time, we would have been able to enjoy one of Crystal Mountains dog-friendly dining patios. Yet another reason we will be back to do another gondola ride next summer and perhaps for some snowshoeing this winter. We definitely learned that the weather can't make this trip bad. Crystal Mountain's gondola is a fantastic adventure for humans and for canines, rain or shine.
Crystal Mountain, Washington
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