Mt. Rainier & Crystal Mountain Lodging

Horseback Riding

Time to giddy-up! Some of the best back country horseback riding in Washington State is located in the Crystal Mountain area, on the northeast side of Mt. Rainier. From lowland shade-drenched forests to the open pristine alpine meadows, every step along the trail brings you further into the quiet calm of nature. Maybe you already have a favorite route, or are looking for a new trail to navigate. Saddle up and enjoy an excursion across green valleys, over small streams and through lush woodland forests.



Guided Horseback Riding Excursions
Crystal Mountain Outfitters
Phone:  (509) 895-9120
Hours:  Open daily during the summer from approximately June 22 through Labor Day.
Website

Choose a guided excursion on horseback with the experienced guides at Crystal Mountain Outfitters.  Rides leave just south of Crystal Mountain Resort above the “C” parking lot.  Follow the leader along glacier-fed streams, across alpine meadows and near the unspoiled mountain lakes in the Norse Peak Wilderness.  One of the most popular rides is the 2-hour ride that goes up to Bullion Basin, with a natural artesian spring.  Shorter and longer rides are also available.

At times when Crystal Mountain Outfitters is not open, you can schedule a ride with their sister operation, Chinook Pass Outfitters, on the other side of Chinook Pass.

Self-Guided Horseback Rides

Airplane Meadow – 16 miles; easy trail
This horseback riding route takes you past views of Mt. Rainier, lush valleys, and pristine alpine meadows. The route can be easily completed as a day ride.  Planning on camping with your horse?  Airplane Meadow is a great overnight destination.  Trailhead Directions:  Follow Highway 410 east of Enumclaw, two miles past Greenwater. Turn left on Forest Road 70 and follow for 17 miles (first 10 miles are paved), to the trailhead at Government Meadows.

Arch Rock – 6 miles; challenging trail
This is a top-notch route through wildflowers in season. Begin at the south end of Echo Lake, over the Greenwater River and north around the east side of Echo Lake. The trail connects with Pacific Crest Trail. On a clear day see Mt. Rainier in its glory.  Trailhead Directions:  From Enumclaw travel 20 miles on Hwy 410 to Greenwater Road #70. Turn left onto Road #70 and follow 9.6 miles to trail sign. Turn right onto Road #7033 and find the trailhead on the right side of road after 0.5 mile.  On horseback, travel the Greenwater Trail for 7.6 miles to the south of Echo Lake where the Arch Rock Trail begins.  More info

Basin Lake Loop – 15 miles; challenging trail
Start at the Sand Flats Horse Camp near Crystal Mountain Resort and take the scenic route!  Mt. Rainier views are never in short supply as you climb across and over ridges on your way to the beautiful blue waters of Basin Lake.  Trailhead Directions:  Follow Highway 410 east of Enumclaw, two miles past Greenwater. Turn left on Forest Road 70 and follow for 17 miles (first 10 miles are paved), to the trailhead at Government Meadows.

Echo Lake – 15 miles; easy trail
Echo Lake is a popular starting point for longer overnight excursions and is also a favorite trail for day rides. Enjoy riding through old growth forests and along the Greenwater River.  Trailhead Directions:  From Enumclaw travel 20 miles on Hwy 410 to Greenwater Road #70. Turn left onto Road #70 and follow 9.6 miles to trail sign. Turn right onto Road #7033 and find the trailhead on the right side of road after 0.5 mile.

Goat Lake Basin – 10 miles; challenging trail
Out on the trail discover tremendous views and great camping.  The trail leads over the Norse Peak Ridge to your destination.  Trailhead Directions:  From Enumclaw, travel east 33 miles and turn left onto Crystal Mountain Blvd.  At 4.3 miles find the Sand Flat Horse Camp entrance on the right.  More info

Lost Lake – 12 miles; easy trail
Popular day rides or overnight excursions, the trail to Lost Lake follows the Greenwater River in dense forest.  Trailhead Directions:  From Enumclaw travel 20 miles on Hwy 410 to Greenwater Road #70. Turn left onto Road #70 and follow 9.6 miles to trail sign. Turn right onto Road #7033 and find the trailhead on the right side of road after 0.5 mile. More info…

For more information on horseback riding in the Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest Service, click here.