National Park Inn Review (2025): Pros, Cons & Why I’d Return

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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 the inn’s historic character. 

Most importantly, the #1 reason I’d stay here again is location. 

Staying inside the park is a huge plus for first-time visitors. You won’t have to wait in long lines at the Nisqually Entrance or stress about Timed Entry Reservations.

In this firsthand review, I’ll share the pros, cons, and amenities that stood out during my stay—so you can decide if it’s the right home base for your Mount Rainier National Park adventure.

National Park Inn Review: A Timeless Retreat at Mount Rainier

Walking in from either the roadside or the lot side with ample parking, the space feels grounded and timeless, with wood floors and rustic wooden posts framing the front desk. Check-in was quick, and the staff member was friendly.

I was immediately drawn to the black-and-white photos lining the walls—snapshots of early Mount Rainier visitors, like one showing horse rides on the Skyline Trail to Reflection Lake.

Stepping onto the wide front porch of the National Park Inn for the first time, it was easy to imagine spending hours here. Comfortable chairs line the space, perfect for sipping coffee or watching the light shift across Rainier’s upper glaciers.

We watched a family wander from the loop trail across the street up toward the restaurant, eager to hit the nearby trails ourselves.

The inn feels like the heart of the Longmire experience—a warm, inviting place for all park visitors, even if you’re not staying here.

Why Its Location is Tough to Beat

From the Nisqually Entrance, it’s a 12-minute drive to Longmire.

The inn at Mount Rainier sits right alongside Paradise Road, making it a prime base for getting an early start on Paradise trails just 23 minutes away.

After a hearty breakfast, my hiking partner Jenna and I walked across the street to the Trail of the Shadows trailhead. That’s the kind of convenience you don’t get by staying in Ashford or Packwood. Instead of spending extra time in the car, you’re already steps from trails, ready to explore.

Longmire is also home to historic buildings and visitor facilities within walking distance, so you can fill a few hours without ever moving your car.

For me, that’s what makes the National Park Inn stand out. It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s a launch point that saves time, energy, and the stress of backups at the Nisqually gate, the park’s busiest entrance.

Pros & Cons of Staying at National Park Inn

While we loved our stay and planned our return over coffee on the porch, the National Park Inn isn’t for everyone. I’ll start with the reasons why it’s worth it before sharing my critiques.

Pros: What Makes National Park Inn Worth It

• Unbeatable location inside the park
• Open year-round, unlike Paradise Inn (Longmire is the only area with daily winter access)
• Relaxed, well-managed atmosphere
• Hiking trails within walking distance
• Views of Rainier from the porch
• Accessible rooms available
• Ample guest parking
• On-site restaurant (I’ve had 3 meals here and only good experiences)

Cons: What to Know Before Booking

• No in-room amenities to make or store your own food
• Dining options are limited
• Rooms are very simple—best for travelers who value location over luxury
• No Wi-Fi or reliable cell service—adds to the unplugged feel
• No elevator (stairs only)
• No TVs in rooms
• No AC—may not be an issue at this elevation
• No pets allowed (except for service animals)

Top 5 Amenities at National Park Inn

The lounge is one of the coziest corners of the inn. With seating near a fireplace and shelves of games and puzzles, it’s the kind of space where you can unwind after a day on the trails.

For morning coffee, the front desk doubles as a coffee stand. The only slip-up in service during our stay occurred here: I had asked for a 12-ounce coffee with less milk, but the staff member returned with a 16-ounce one instead. But it was so well-made I happily kept it.

Beverages and light snacks are also available for sale in the main lobby, which came in handy when we wanted something quick.

Of all the amenities at the National Park Inn, the restaurant impressed me the most.

1. National Park Inn Restaurant

The restaurant is a great open space decorated with more vintage photos of the park’s history. 

After sitting, Jenna and I played the trivia game offered on the paper placard at our table. It was surprisingly fun, and I learned about the golf course that once existed here in the 1930s.

Dinner service was excellent. Our server was attentive and professional, and the food exceeded expectations. 

Prices are on the higher side, but you’re paying for the convenience of eating inside the park. Considering the quality, I thought it was worth it.

I ordered the bison meatloaf with mashed potatoes and asparagus, while Jenna got the kale salad with salmon. We shared both, and everything was flavorful and well-prepared.

Breakfast was equally impressive. I ordered the avocado toast, and the toppings were so generous that they spilled over the bread. The breakfast potatoes were crisp and delicious—a perfect start to the day.

Another guest at a nearby table couldn’t stop raving about the marionberry pancakes, which looked like a popular choice.

2. Mount Rainier Views 

After breakfast, we carried our coffee out to the porch. The mountain wasn’t out (although it had been earlier that morning), but it was still relaxing to sit and watch the flow of cars, buses, and visitors passing through Longmire. 

Wake early for mountain views. It’s not uncommon for the mountain to be visible early in the day, covered in clouds in the late morning, then out again later in the afternoon.

Two weekends later, we returned, and this time I captured the view of Mount Rainier from the National Park Inn’s porch. This porch view is part of what makes staying here so special.

Whether Rainier is hidden by clouds or glowing in the morning light, the porch is one of the best places in the park to sit back and take it all in.

3. Hiking in Longmire 

While filling up our water bottles at the inn, we chatted with a couple getting ready to hike Rampart Ridge. 

After tackling Comet Falls the day before, we opted for the easy Trail of the Shadows across the street from the inn, perfect for a gentle morning walk or stretching your legs after check-in.

This family-friendly, .7-mile loop winds through forest and historic remnants of the Longmire Hot Springs Resort, initially constructed in 1890. We came across bubbling springs, moss-covered stonework, and vibrant greenery. 

We walked it at the perfect time. Sweet wildflowers lined the trail, and we got that vivid green color you only see in spring. 

Staying at the inn means easy access to other Longmire trails, including:

• Eagle Peak Trail – a challenging climb with unbeatable views of Paradise
• Carter and Madcap Falls – excellent year-round
• The famed Wonderland Trail – a 93-mile loop for serious trekkers

4. Longmire General Store

The Longmire General Store was bigger than I expected—part gift shop, part supply stop. It’s a fun place to browse for souvenirs, and it’s also handy if you need trail snacks, drinks, or a last-minute item you forgot to pack. 

I had brought a bottle of wine with me, but it was nice to know that I could have gotten one here.

You can even rent snowshoes and skis here, making it easy to head straight out onto the trails at Rainier in winter.

5. Longmire Historic District

Jenna and I both commented on how nice it was to explore Longmire without having to drive anywhere.

The Longmire Historic District is just outside your door, featuring rustic park architecture that blends naturally into the forested setting. At the Longmire Museum, we learned that this intentional design style was key in the development of national parks.

It’s worth walking past the historic residences and over to Longmire Suspension Bridge for sweeping views of the Nisqually River.

👉 If you want a deeper dive into Longmire’s history, trails, and must-see stops, check out my complete Longmire guide.

With dining, views, trails, history, and even gear rentals right outside your door, the National Park Inn feels less like a simple lodge and more like a hub for the entire Longmire experience.

Here’s what to expect if you’re booking a stay.

Accommodations at National Park Inn

The National Park Inn offers a variety of room types, from simple singles to larger family rooms. Some rooms share bathrooms in the hallway while others have private baths, so it’s worth booking early if you prefer the latter.

We booked a two-bedroom space, which was very clean and surprisingly comfortable. The bedding was more than sufficient, with a generous supply of towels and toiletries provided.

The room was well-heated, and although there was no air conditioning, it wasn’t an issue during our stay. 

Nights were quiet, even with the inn sitting right alongside Paradise Road. I wear earplugs out of habit, and never noticed any noise. Jenna, who slept closer to the front door, mentioned hearing activity around 5am, while I slept through it in my cozy, corner room.

The layout also gave me two different window views, which made the space feel open and connected to its surroundings. 

Overall, it struck a nice balance between rustic simplicity and the essentials needed for a comfortable stay within the park.

Booking Tips for National Park Inn at Rainier

The National Park Inn is small, with only 25 guest rooms, so reservations fill up quickly, especially during the summer and fall hiking season. 

If staying here is a priority, book as far in advance as you can.

You can book through Guest Services, Inc., the concessioner’s site, but I’ve found that booking the National Park Inn on Expedia is a much more straightforward experience. 

Expedia lets you see all available room types at once, making it easier to choose between singles, family rooms, or those with private bathrooms.

Another bonus: I saved $100 on our room thanks to an off-season Expedia special, so it’s worth checking for deals if your dates are flexible.

Why I’ve Already Booked Another Stay

Many people stay in Ashford or Packwood, the best towns for visiting Rainier, and never stop in Longmire. Jenna and I had hiked Paradise trails for years before this trip finally showed us what we’d been missing.

I’ve already booked another stay—this time in winter, when Longmire shines as the only visitor area open daily year-round (weather permitting). 

I can’t wait to sip coffee by the fire, snowshoe to Carter Falls, and see this historic corner of the park in a completely different season.

👉 Ready to experience Longmire for yourself? Check availability for the National Park Inn.