Ashford, WA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Deby Dixon/VisitRainier.com
Photo provided by Deby Dixon/VisitRainier.com
Photo provided by VisitRainer.com
Photo provided by Deby Dixon/VisitRainier.com
Photo provided by VisitRainer.com

Use Ashford as a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, which features snowcapped mountains, glacier-fed waterfalls and spectacular douglas fir and cedar forests.

Explore the wild surrounds of Ashford, a forest-bound township in central Washington state. Situated just west of Mount Rainier National Park, this settlement of just over 200 people provides access to the walking trails, mountain meadows and climbing routes of the Cascade Range.

Ashford was founded in 1888 along the Nisqually River. The township, though small, offers a number of shopping and accommodation facilities. Make it your base for adventures farther afield.

Before venturing into the wilderness, go to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Just a 40-minute drive east from town, the visitor center is a meeting point located between the Mount Rainier National Park to the north and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to the southeast. Plan activities using the center's maps and brochures.

Stay a while in the National Park Inn’s communal wooden lodge warmed by a stone fireplace. Dine at its in-house restaurant with views of Mount Rainier. Before you leave, browse the inn’s general store and purchase gifts and souvenirs crafted by local artisans.

Set out on long day and overnight hikes through dense forests of fir and cedar. Over 240 miles (386 kilometers) of trails allow hikers and climbers to access scenic vistas.

In winter, trails can be traversed on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Go sledding with sweeping views of snowcapped mountains beyond. Challenge yourself with a guided climb to the summit of Mount Rainier.

Enjoy the visits along the Nisqually River, fish at Mineral Lake or swim at Alder Lake Park. Alternatively, take the strain off your legs with a forest horseback tour.

For an incredible wake-up, book a stay in the Cedar Creek Treehouse. This remarkable cabin is built in a 200-year-old cedar tree over 50 feet (15 meters) above the ground.

Ashford is a 70-minute drive southeast from Tacoma. Get between major destinations in Mount Rainier National park using tour operators or a rented car.

After your visit to Ashford, take a daytrip to Eatonville, about 30 minutes’ drive west, to see the Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village to learn about Washington’s heritage.

Where to stay in Ashford

Charming cabin just outside of Mt. Rainier National Park, with three bedrooms

Paradise Estates

5/5(1 area review)

Paradise Estates might not have many top sights, but Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area and Anderson Lake are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Paradise Estates
Default Image

Nisqually Park

If you're spending some time in Nisqually Park, Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area are top sights worth seeing.

Nisqually Park
Gateway Inn

Gateway Inn

3 out of 5
38820 State Route 706 East, Ashford, WA
$161 nightly
The price is $177 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$177 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,662 reviews)
"Nice and quiet place to stay. Close to the park entrance of Paradise area in Rainier NP. The lady at the front desk is super nice and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Gateway Inn
Alexander's Lodge

Alexander's Lodge

3 out of 5
37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$174 nightly
The price is $196 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$196 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (845 reviews)
"it was easy to find right off the highway. The check-in was excellent and the staff, Jim, was very friendly and helpful. There’s a good restaurant just a few steps away. The Wildberry was excellent food. The grounds of the lodge are beautiful. The room is beautifully decorated and comfortable. It ..."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Alexander's Lodge
Paradise Village Hotel

Paradise Village Hotel

2.5 out of 5
31811 WA-706, Ashford, WA
$242 nightly
The price is $266 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$266 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (632 reviews)
Great location, beautiful grounds, terrible wifi
"Lovely inn with beautiful grounds and excellent access to Mt. Rainier. Staff was responsive and polite. Food at the restaurant is "mid" and we found it to be very overpriced. My husband ordered a steak that was permeated with fatty pieces and almost unable to be cut with a knife. The other issue ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Paradise Village Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gateway Inn

Gateway Inn

3 out of 5
38820 State Route 706 East, Ashford, WA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,662 reviews)
"Nice and quiet place to stay. Close to the park entrance of Paradise area in Rainier NP. The lady at the front desk is super nice and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Gateway Inn
Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier

3 out of 5
35707 SR 706 E, Ashford, WA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Allen Memorial Forest and Ashford Natural Resource Conservation ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (147 reviews)
"Perfect location for Mount Rainier. Clean, cozy, safe, and very relaxing. Hot tub was nice after long hikes. Propane grill was convenient since restaurant was closed on Tuesday & Wednesday. Thanks! We highly recommend the dream weaver cabin for a family of four."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
<NEW LISTING>Tranquil & Private 2-Bdrm Cabin Minutes from Rainier with Hot Tub

<NEW LISTING>Tranquil & Private 2-Bdrm Cabin Minutes from Rainier with Hot Tub

Ashford
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mount Rainier Gateway Protected ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"We frequently stay in short term vacation rentals and this is absolutely one of the best places we've stayed. From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were fortunate to share a family's special getaway -- not a generic, made-for-profit income property. MossHenge is lovingly outfitted with everything ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

<NEW LISTING>Tranquil & Private 2-Bdrm Cabin Minutes from Rainier with Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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