NW MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE – CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN WASHINGTON FAQ

HOW FAR IS CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN FROM PORTLAND OR SEATTLE?

From Seattle to Crystal Mountain is 1.5 HOUR DRIVE, Portland is 3.5 hours from CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN. 

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPROT. (SEA)

HOW MANY ARROWS SHOULD I BRING?

This depends on your skill level. Most shooters bring two dozen arrows just in case. Vendors will be available on the mountain selling arrows, but they may not have your exact setup—so come prepared.

WHAT ARE THE LODGING OPTIONS?

There are many lodging options for the Crystal Washington event:

  • Many Options around supporting towns. 

  • Crystal does offer Paid hookup spots. 

  • RV and trailer camping

👉 Click here to view Crystal Mountain Lodging Options

IS THERE FREE CAMPING and Parking At Crystal Washington?

Yes! Free camping is available for both trailers and tents. Trailers and RV's stay on the pavement, while tents go in the grass areas.

DO YOU RIDE SKI LIFTS TO ACCESS COURSES?

Yes! At Crystal Mountain, you take 1 lift. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH MY REGISTRATION?

Your registration includes:

  • Lift pass

  • Course access

  • Event shirt

WHERE DO I PICK UP MY REGISTRATION PACKET?

Registration packets are available at the Registration Office located in Crystal Mountain lodge. Use main entrance to enter. 

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION HOURS?

  • Thursday: 5:00–8:00 PM

  • Friday: 7:30 AM–8:00 PM

  • Saturday: 7:30 AM–6:30 PM

  • Sunday: 7:30 AM–2:00 PM

CAN I REGISTER ON THE MOUNTAIN?

Yes, on-site registration is available.

  • Competitive shooters must register online

  • A late registration fee may apply

  • Morning spots are usually available, but shoot times are not guaranteed

HOW DO I REGISTER ONLINE?

Under each Mountain Tab, click Purchase Tickets, then select Registration Now Open to access the online registration page.

IS NW MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE FAMILY FRIENDLY?

Absolutely! NW Mountain Challenge is 100% family-friendly.

  • Courses for all ages and skill levels

  • Kids 12 and under shoot FREE on the kids course

  • One of the most family-friendly shoots in the Northwest

IS THERE A SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?

Yes. Each mountain has its own schedule.

  • View schedules under the Specific Mountain Tabs

  • Schedules are also printed on the back of shoot cards

👉 Click here to view Crystals Schedule of Events

HOW’S THE WEATHER AT Crystal Mountain?

Mountain weather can be unpredictable.

  • Daytime temps: 70s–low 80s

  • Evenings can be cool

  • Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and layers

WHAT FOOD OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Crystal offers:

  • 1 food option in the Lodge. 

  • A small Coffee Stand opens in the mornings near registration

IS THERE A STORE NEARBY?

Yes!

  • Enumclaw (35 Minutes)

HOW DO THE COURSES WORK?

  • Courses open 8:00 AM Friday–Sunday

  • You’ll select a course and shoot time at registration

  • Times are enforced to prevent congestion

Course Details:

  • 5 main courses (+ kids course)

  • 105–115 total targets

  • One arrow per target

  • Average course time: ~3 hours

  • Larger courses may take 4–5 hours

Lifts close at 4:00 PM going up.

DO YOU OFFER EXTREME OR SPECIALIZED COURSES?

PURE ELEVATION COURSE (EXTREME)

  • 15 targets over 3–4 miles

  • 2,000+ vertical feet of climbing

  • Shot distances: 40–150 yards

ONX COURSE (SPECIALIZED)

  • 20 unmarked targets

  • Requires the onX Hunt App

  • Moderate hiking

  • Shot distances: 20–60 yards

  • Orange clothing required (shirt, hat, or vest)

Cell service is available on most carriers, but offline map downloads are recommended.

IS THERE WATER AND BATHROOM ACCESS?

Yes. Water coolers and restrooms are placed near the halfway points.
Still, we strongly recommend carrying your own water—especially for longer courses.

IS THIS A FUN SHOOT OR COMPETITIVE?

Both!
Shoot casually with friends and family or compete in one of the largest 3D archery competitions in the Northwest.

HOW DOES COMPETITION WORK?

  • Competitive registration requires online pre-registration

  • Additional $80 competition fee

  • Combined scores from Saturday and Sunday

  • Flight times emailed the night before

  • Mandatory shooter meeting for first-time competitors

COMPETITION FORMAT

  • Day 1: Mule Deer Course (IBO scoring)

  • Day 2: Hoyt Course (OPA scoring)

👉 Click here for Rules & Scoring

IS THERE A KIDS COMPETITION?

Yes!
We host an incredible kids competition with awards presented before the raffle, ensuring a big crowd and lots of excitement.

WHAT CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE?

  • Men’s & Women’s Bowhunter

  • Men’s & Women’s Open

  • Youth Male & Female Bowhunter

  • Youth Open

👉 Click here for Class Rules & Breakdown

IS THERE MONEY UP FOR GRABS?

Yes! Two ways to win:

  1. Overall Shoot-Off

    • 1st: $1,000

    • 2nd: $600

    • 3rd: $400

  2. Class Payouts

    • Entry fees split among top three in each class

CAN I PRE-SHOOT COURSES IF COMPETING?

No. Pre-shooting competitive courses will result in disqualification and forfeiture of fees.

WHEN ARE AWARDS PRESENTED?

Adult awards are presented Sunday around 3–4 PM.
Competitive shooters must be present or winnings are forfeited.

DO YOU OFFER A NIGHT SHOOT?

Yes! NW Mountain Challenge was the first to do it at this level.

  • Real course with illuminated targets

  • Glow stick–marked trails

  • Shotgun start

  • 10 targets

  • $20 additional fee

ARE THERE NOVELTY TARGETS?

Yes!

  • Win prizes

  • Pre-purchase shots during registration

  • Proceeds support the Mule Deer Foundation

WHAT PRIZES CAN I WIN?

In addition to gear, we give away hunts—true once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

👉 Click here to see past hunt winners

ARE THERE RAFFLES AND ENTERTAINMENT?

Yes!

  • Over $15,000 in raffle prizes

  • Saturday night Full Draw Film Tour

  • Giant 35-foot inflatable screen

    IS IT WORTH SHOOTING AND STAYING SUNDAY?

    Yes!

    • No wait times on targets.

    • Competition Awards are between 3-5pm 

    • Hear who the winners are for the hunts.

    • Mountain Closes at 3pm