Story by Conner
The Rainier Experience
Adventure in Ashford, Mount Rainier, WA, US
Located about 2 hours south of Seattle lies this warm and cozy cabin just outside of Mount Rainier National Park. Staying at this cabin allowed us to enjoy the mountain in a whole new way and it truly felt like a home away from home.
Being so close to the main entrance to the park means less time worrying about waiting in line to get in and more time exploring what it has to offer. We started at the lower levels around Longmire and hiked through lush forests teeming with wildlife and peek-a-boo views of the mountain. The next day we went straight up to Paradise to take in all of what the park has to offer. On our way back to the cabin we swung by Copper Creek Inn for a quick bite to eat and to try their famous blackberry pie!
And what better way to unwind after a day of exploring than kicking off your boots and relaxing in the hot tub or enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate while listening to the relaxing sounds of a crackling wood stove.
This cabin has everything you need in order to disconnect, unwind and be inspired to be adventurous!...
Being so close to the main entrance to the park means less time worrying about waiting in line to get in and more time exploring what it has to offer. We started at the lower levels around Longmire and hiked through lush forests teeming with wildlife and peek-a-boo views of the mountain. The next day we went straight up to Paradise to take in all of what the park has to offer. On our way back to the cabin we swung by Copper Creek Inn for a quick bite to eat and to try their famous blackberry pie!
And what better way to unwind after a day of exploring than kicking off your boots and relaxing in the hot tub or enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate while listening to the relaxing sounds of a crackling wood stove.
This cabin has everything you need in order to disconnect, unwind and be inspired to be adventurous!...
Things We Did
- Hike
- Food & Drink
One of the best views you can get at Mount Rainier National Park is from Panorama point via the Skyline Loop Trail from Paradise. It will get you up close and personal with the mountain but also wide views of the surrounding landscape.
Unfortunately this time of year (it is still wintering here at higher elevations) it can be rather tricky and sometimes dangerous to make it all the way to the viewpoint depending on the weather and snowpack. I highly recommend visiting Mount Rainier National parks website and checking the trail conditions and weather before heading out. The weather can change pretty drastically day by day or even hour by hour so it's always a good thing to keep an eye on before you leave. It also doesn't hurt to check in with the rangers before you start your hike, they have a ton of valuable information about anything you would need to know. Even if you're unable to get up to Panorama Point they also have maps to other trails close by.
Here's a list of things I recommend bringing along with you for this trail if there is snow:
1. Snowshoes
2. Microspikes (in case the trail is packed enough and snowshoes are not needed these help a ton!)
3. Warm and waterproof boots and clothes
4. Water...
Unfortunately this time of year (it is still wintering here at higher elevations) it can be rather tricky and sometimes dangerous to make it all the way to the viewpoint depending on the weather and snowpack. I highly recommend visiting Mount Rainier National parks website and checking the trail conditions and weather before heading out. The weather can change pretty drastically day by day or even hour by hour so it's always a good thing to keep an eye on before you leave. It also doesn't hurt to check in with the rangers before you start your hike, they have a ton of valuable information about anything you would need to know. Even if you're unable to get up to Panorama Point they also have maps to other trails close by.
Here's a list of things I recommend bringing along with you for this trail if there is snow:
1. Snowshoes
2. Microspikes (in case the trail is packed enough and snowshoes are not needed these help a ton!)
3. Warm and waterproof boots and clothes
4. Water...
If you're looking to hike among towering evergreens I would highly recommend this loop trail accessed from Longmire. I feel this area is often overlooked as many people head straight to Paradise. It is a moderate 5-mile loop trail with views of Mount Rainier and Longmire.
This is a great trail to snowshoe when the road to Paradise is closed or if you would like a less snowy early season hike. You'll often run into some very friendly and sometimes curious wildlife so just keep an eye out if you stop for a snack and remember to not feed the wildlife....
This is a great trail to snowshoe when the road to Paradise is closed or if you would like a less snowy early season hike. You'll often run into some very friendly and sometimes curious wildlife so just keep an eye out if you stop for a snack and remember to not feed the wildlife....
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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