



Story by Lexx
Stay at the Mt. Rainier NP Entrance
Adventure in Ashford, Mount Rainier, WA, US
At only 1.2 miles from the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, this cozy cabin is the perfect spot to land after a long day of exploring.
A tree lined drive way gives you privacy, where the only neighbors walking by are deer or a cat. Inside, you’re surrounded by wooden walls and adventurous decor. A loft gives you a bird’s eye view of the living room, and the bathroom has a spa-like feeling. The park is so close that you’ll want to drop your bags off, pack your camera, snacks, and go sightseeing.
In the park there are plenty of pull-out areas to park and explore around. Stretch your legs on the Trail of Two Ferns before getting your first glimpse of Mt. Rainier on the Kautz Creek Nature Trail boardwalk. A famously photographed waterfall, Christine Falls, is right up the road, along with Narada Falls. At Paradise, check out the Visitor Center, views of Mt. Rainier, and the Tatoosh Ridge. End your day with watching a sunset underneath the mountain and a picnic/food from Paradise Inn’s café. Then wake up the next morning with a cup of coffee on the deck.
Comet Falls Trail is one hike you don’t want to miss. Carter Falls is shorter, but offers multiple waterfalls. After your morning hike, make a pit stop at Longmire to check out the gift shop and museum. A handful of trails up at Paradise can be accessed all seasons too. Before heading back home, be sure to stop of Copper Creek Restaurant and have a slice of their famously delicious pie.
This cabin is so close to the park it will have you thinking about your next stay here!
A tree lined drive way gives you privacy, where the only neighbors walking by are deer or a cat. Inside, you’re surrounded by wooden walls and adventurous decor. A loft gives you a bird’s eye view of the living room, and the bathroom has a spa-like feeling. The park is so close that you’ll want to drop your bags off, pack your camera, snacks, and go sightseeing.
In the park there are plenty of pull-out areas to park and explore around. Stretch your legs on the Trail of Two Ferns before getting your first glimpse of Mt. Rainier on the Kautz Creek Nature Trail boardwalk. A famously photographed waterfall, Christine Falls, is right up the road, along with Narada Falls. At Paradise, check out the Visitor Center, views of Mt. Rainier, and the Tatoosh Ridge. End your day with watching a sunset underneath the mountain and a picnic/food from Paradise Inn’s café. Then wake up the next morning with a cup of coffee on the deck.
Comet Falls Trail is one hike you don’t want to miss. Carter Falls is shorter, but offers multiple waterfalls. After your morning hike, make a pit stop at Longmire to check out the gift shop and museum. A handful of trails up at Paradise can be accessed all seasons too. Before heading back home, be sure to stop of Copper Creek Restaurant and have a slice of their famously delicious pie.
This cabin is so close to the park it will have you thinking about your next stay here!
Things We Did
- Hike
- Waterfall
- Scenic Drive
- Experience
- Mountain
- Restaurant
4.21-mile trail that leads you to the park’s tallest waterfall - standing at 480’ with 4 drops. In summer there is a bridge to help you cross the river. Elevation gain: 1,381’.
Catch a rainbow right off Paradise Valley Road at the bottom of this 188’ waterfall.
Grab the camera and drive along Paradise Valley Road. There are multiple viewpoints to pull off at. Be sure to turn off at Rickseeker Point Road for great views of the mountain. Stevens Canyon Road also offers not-to-be-missed views (summer only).
Visit Longmire Museum to learn about the park’s history. The Gift Shop has souvenirs and the National Park Inn has food. Walk to small hot springs, Mt. Rainier, Longmire Cabin, and a “rusting spring" on the Trail of Shadows (0.7-mile loop total).
There are many options here. Explore a trail, enjoy food on the Inn’s deck or stroll into the Visitor Center. Paradise Inn’s entry is decorated with large wooden beams and historical photos are in the hallway.
Don’t miss the world-famous pies from Copper Creek Inn, Cabins & Restaurant, established in 1946. The burgers are my personal favorite. You can also find local merchandise here.
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Where we stayed
Things we did
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