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Perfect Place on Earth

02.15.2009

Perfect Place on Earth

The perfect place on earth is the pristine Crystal Mountain, located in the central Cascades on the Western side of the Pacific Crest in Washington. Crystal Mountain is one of the best hidden treasure in Washington, with its breathtaking views, natural wildlife, fresh crisp air, and surreal silence that surrounds you. Crystal Mountain’s 2,600 acres change scenery with each season: white fluffy snow in the winter, exquisite waterfalls in the spring, beautiful flowers in the summer, and orange-gold trees in the fall. The winter season truly brings this perfect place to life. Crystal Mountain is appropriately named for the crystal snow that blankets the mountain.

Prior to reaching Crystal Mountain, you’re in for a treat. Your journey to the perfect place on earth begins in the small town of Enumclaw. The easterly drive from Enumclaw to Crystal Mountain is like no other. The windy roads and beautiful cliffs set the mood. Your heart will race with excitement as you pass through the Greenwater woods, lined with fir trees that reach endlessly high into the sky. The anticipation increases. Your stomach fills with butterflies and your body tingles with anxiety as you enter Crystal Mountain’s parking lot.

Prolonged, uninterrupted powder runs through seamlessly spaced trees. The excitement increases as you begin to make your way through the knee-deep snow and enter the warm, wooden lodge. The smell of hot chocolate soothes the soul. The lodge swarms with fellow enthusiasts for this perfect place. Outside the lodge the air is brisk. Snowboarders and skiers anxiously await their turn to ride the chair lift to the summit. Your love for this place continues as you venture down the slopes of Crystal Mountain. As you begin your run, you get the feeling that you are the only person there, just you and the mountain. Regain your breath and plunge into the white froth. The resonance of your own breathing and the sound of falling snow flakes encompass every part of your senses. Crystal is the mountain that has it all.

The journey home from Crystal Mountain is a bitter one. It saddens me as I leave this beautiful mountain, watching as it fades away in the background. However, the memories of the wonderful days I experienced in this perfect place helps me look forward to the day I can return-coming home to Crystal.

Crystal Mountain is truly the perfect place on earth. The change of scenery, the drive and the beautiful winter season makes this place incomparable. If you are in Washington, Crystal Mountain is the only place to go.

Kai Laxa
Buckley High School ~ 11th Grade