Your Crystal Mountain Real Estate and Cabin Specialist - All About Greenwater, WA
Greenwater is a quiet and peaceful village just over the county line into Pierce County, Washington. Situated some 19 miles from Enumclaw along State Route 410 on the way to Crystal Mountain, it is pretty much "base camp" and the last chance for supplies for anyone going up into the mountains, Crystal Mountain resort, or over the pass into Eastern Washington and Yakima. We are a well-equipped community with gas station, restaurant, tavern, cafes, village stores, winter ski sales and services, that cater to mountain guests and world travelers.
Talk to the locals, find the best places to hike; ask about hiking to Greenwater lake and the local state parks. There are endless hiking trails in this area...stop a while and check one out - perhaps the Interpretive Center on 410, just before you get to Greenwater, or drive up one of the many USFS roads and explore new places. Situated at the confluence of the White and Greenwater rivers, Greenwater has a small and bustling population. Highway 410 runs through the heart of the village on its way from Enumclaw to Yakima and Eastern Washington via Cayuse and Chinook passes. Designated as an All American Highway, SR-410 leaves Greenwater and winds its way up through the hills and reveals wonderful scenery at virtually every turn. Cascading waterfalls, mountain peaks, majestic Mount Rainier itself plays peek-a-boo through the ever-changing scenery. Look for the turnouts and hiking trailheads - they are all over the place, look for trails to take you down to the White River for more exploring.
Crystal River Ranch
Returning to SR-410, turn right and after about 15 minutes, you will come to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and Mount Rainier National Park junction. This is where summer alpine activities and winter sports pursuits really begin.
Crystal
Mountain Resort Learn more about Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
Mount Rainier National Park The White River entrance is closed in the winter months because of snow and usually reopens in May. Learn more about Mount Rainier National Park Leave the park and return to
SR-410. Turn right and head for Eastern Washington again...climbing,
climbing steadily. Eventually you will arrive at Cayuse Pass - the
junction of SR-410 & SR-123 which takes you down the other side of
Mount Rainier towards Tacoma and Portland, Oregon. Continue
Return to Cayuse Pass again, head east on to SR-410 and continue climbing even higher - around the hairpin bends - Mt. Rainier is on the left, now it's on the right, then it's straight in front, then it's right behind you - some of the most amazing alpine scenery you will ever see. Continue until you finally reach the summit - Chinook Pass...5430ft. About half a mile from the summit, look for Tipsoo Lake on the left - a peaceful alpine lake with gorgeous scenery and well worth stopping for an easy hike. Or continue to the top and pull into one of the parking lots there. You will feel like this is the top of the world as you gaze down the valley towards Yakima and Eastern Washington. Enjoy Greenwater and the exciting local attractions. Kind regards
Phyllis Hartford |
There
are plenty of places to pull off the road in Greenwater - the road
is wide and frontages are spacious. Listen to the rushing of
the White River as it rolls on by down to Enumclaw, Buckley and
beyond. Don't forget to fill up with gas - it is the last gas
station for many miles.
Turn
left off SR-410 for Crystal Mountain and wind your way up to the
base area. There is plenty to see and do up here in winter and
summer: winter sports pursuits and fabulous alpine hiking when the snow has gone. The view from the top is
jaw-dropping. You feel you are so close to Mt.
Rainier you can nearly touch it!
There
are several entrances to the park, but the one closest to Greenwater
and Crystal Mountain is the White River entrance. From the SR-410 /
Crystal Mountain junction, you continue along SR-410 to the Sunrise
turn off. Wind your way up to Sunrise Visitor Center where you will find tons of
parking and nearly as many hiking trails. Mount Rainier is so close
here too. You will want to reach out and touch it. The views are
amazing and the air is so clean and refreshing.
right
onto SR-123 for three of four miles and drop your window and listen
for the rushing of cascading waterfalls hidden in the trees. Pull
over and walk back to see what others are missing when they drive on
by.