The best places to stay near Mount Rainier save you hours of driving and give you more time on the trails at Paradise or Sunrise, the park’s most popular visitor areas. I’ve stayed in six places in Ashford, three in Packwood, and the National Park Inn at Longmire—so I know the pros and cons of…
If you’ve read mixed National Park Inn reviews and don’t know whether to book—same. I usually stay in Ashford or Packwood to visit Rainier, but I booked a room at the inn and our experience was excellent. Dining options are limited, and the rooms don’t have refrigerators or microwaves, but that’s the tradeoff for experiencing…
Planning your first trip to Mount Rainier National Park and unsure which town makes the best home base? With visitor areas spread hours apart and no through-road across the park, it’s tough to know which towns save you the most time—and which to skip if all options are available. I stay in Ashford and Packwood…
Looking for things to do at Mount Rainier in one day? I planned a mid-July day trip to the park’s Paradise area to share my favorite place with my family. After exploring, most headed home, but my mom and I stayed the night in Ashford. The next morning, we drove nearly two hours to reach…
Planning to hike the Skyline Loop Trail at Mount Rainier National Park? I’ve hiked this trail in spring, summer, and fall, and its panoramic mountain views make it Washington’s best day hike—and my personal favorite. I’ll never forget my first glimpse of the Tatoosh Mountains across the meadows. That was the moment I fell in…
Looking for things to do in Mount Rainier National Park? I’ve experienced more mountain magic here than anywhere else, but one moment I’ll never forget is seeing my mom double-fist pump with joy after we finished the Sunrise Nature Trail. In just 1.5 miles, with Rainier commanding our view, we hiked through stunning subalpine landscapes,…
Wondering how to avoid crowds at Mount Rainier National Park? In this article, I share my top ten tips for managing crowds at Mount Rainier, especially during the park’s busiest season from July through August. Along with timing strategies, you’ll discover lesser-known trails and experiences that offer beauty without the bustle. I wake up early,…
Wondering the best time to go to Mount Rainier? My greatest ambition every summer is to catch wildflowers at peak bloom – a worthwhile pursuit to see the “most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens,” according to famed naturalist John Muir. While the time to enjoy subalpine trails is relatively short (July – October),…