Your First Day at Mount Rainier: An Easy Plan from Ashford
The cabin sits about 5 miles from the park entrance, which makes Mount Rainier an easy day trip instead of a long drive. Here's a plan we give first-time guests.
Morning: in through Nisqually
Have breakfast at the cabin and leave by 8 or 9. The Nisqually Entrance is about 5 minutes away, and early starts mean easier parking higher up.
Mid-morning: Longmire
About 21 minutes from the cabin, Longmire is the park's historic hub. Visit the small museum, then walk the short Trail of the Shadows loop around the meadow.
Late morning: waterfalls on the way up
Christine Falls is about 29 minutes from the cabin, just off the road under a stone bridge. A little further up, Narada Falls is a short, steep walk from its parking area.
Afternoon: Paradise
Paradise is the classic Rainier view. In summer, walk part of the Skyline Trail through the meadows. In winter it's a snow-play and snowshoe area. Before you go, check the park's current conditions.
Evening: back to the woods
Head down before dark and fire up the large outdoor grill under the string lights. Then:
- Soak in the hot tub while the blue jays settle in the trees
- Make s'mores at the fire pit
- Play games in the loft or curl up by the fireplace
Good to know
- Bring food with you. Ashford is small. Guests often stop for groceries on the way in, for example at the Fred Meyer in Spanaway.
- Plan for slow cell service inside the park. Download maps before you go.
