Food of all types is available at on-the-mountain and base eateries. The highlight among them is Summit House (360/663-2300). Accessible only by chairlift, this is the highest restaurant in the state and offers a phenomenal view of Mt. Rainier; watch for climbers approaching the summit. Open for lunch and dinner, the Summit House is a favorite place to watch the sunset over Mt. Rainier.

Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends. In the summer, Crystal Mountain serves a special sunset dinner at Summit House. For $79 per person you’ll be whisked up the chairlift before twilight and served a choice of soup or salad, an entrée, dessert, and a nonalcoholic beverage as the sun fades over the mountain.

As you’re headed back toward Enumclaw after a day of skiing, do as the locals do and stop at Naches Tavern (58411 Hwy. 410 E, 360/663-2267, daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m., closes early in shoulder seasons, call for hours) in the tiny village of Greenwater. This is a cozy country place with a friendly atmosphere and good food served in large quantities. Order up an entrée or buy a hot dog and roast it over the crackling fire in their fireplace.