Ashford

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

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

Paradise Estates
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Nisqually Park

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

Nisqually Park
Gateway Inn
Gateway Inn
3 out of 5
38820 State Route 706 East, Ashford, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,940 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
P6,940
P7,627 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 12 - Feb 13
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,494 reviews)
"The new cabins are very comfortable and cozy. Easy to park at your doorstep with all our snow gear."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Gateway Inn
Paradise Village Hotel
Paradise Village Hotel
2.5 out of 5
31811 WA-706, Ashford, WA
The price is P5,599 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
P5,599
P6,164 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 3 - Feb 4
Stay at this hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, a sauna, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (571 reviews)
"The cabins are pretty cool"

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

Paradise Village Hotel
National Park Inn
National Park Inn
2.5 out of 5
47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA
The price is P7,997 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
P7,997
P8,805 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 28 - Mar 1
Stay at this hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (231 reviews)
"I love the atmosphere of the lodge. It feels homey and cozy. And so quiet, too!"

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

National Park Inn
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 WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,494 reviews)
"The new cabins are very comfortable and cozy. Easy to park at your doorstep with all our snow gear."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (128 reviews)
"Thank you for a wonderful stay! In general, everything was great, I especially note the wonderful atmosphere of the interior, a wonderful fireplace with crackling and warmth, a beautiful jacuzzi in a wonderful place, comfortable pillows and warm blankets. I would also like to add some wishes to improve ..."

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2025

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
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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