15 BEST Places to Stay Near Mount Rainier (& Places to Skip!)

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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 staying inside versus outside the park, and which options make the most sense for first-time visitors.

➥ I’ll also cover the best cabins, hotels, campgrounds, and lodging near Mount Rainier National Park—and a few spots I’d skip—so you can book your stay without second-guessing.

Let’s go!

Quick Guide: Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier

Here’s the most essential info on the best towns and lodging bases—plus a couple of places I’d skip and reasons why.

• Best for Paradise Access (Stay in Ashford): Where I stay when I want an early start to beat Paradise crowds. It’s less than 10 minutes from the Nisqually Entrance, making it the easiest choice if you want to spend time in Paradise and/or Longmire.

• Best for Visiting Paradise & Sunrise (Stay in Packwood): My pick when my hiking partner and I want to cover both areas in one trip. Packwood is the most central base, giving you access to both the White River and Stevens Canyon entrances.

• Best for Sunrise Access (Stay at Crystal Mountain / Greenwater): Close to the White River Entrance. Staying here means I don’t have to take the winding Stevens Canyon Road with its big drop-offs—something I prefer to avoid when I’m driving alone.

• Best for Historic Stays Inside the Park (Stay at National Park Inn or Paradise Inn): Staying at either of the park’s inns means you won’t have to worry about securing a timed entry reservation for the Nisqually Entrance, if one’s needed for your trip.   

• Best for Camping (Camp at Cougar Rock & White River Campgrounds): After talking with a ranger, Cougar Rock is my top pick inside the park for proximity to Paradise. White River near Sunrise is great too, but sites are smaller.

One summer day, when the mountain wasn’t out, I traded a Sunrise hike for a scouting drive through Randle, Morton, Mineral, Elbe, and Eatonville to understand which towns actually work for visitors.

Towns Near Mount Rainier I’d Skip (& Why)

• Skip Randle unless you want one home base to visit both Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Compared to Packwood just 17 minutes away, dining and amenities are very limited, so Packwood is the smarter choice.

• Contrary to what you may read online, I’d skip Eatonville, too, unless you’re getting in late from Sea-Tac Airport and want to drive closer to Rainier. Ashford, Elbe and Mineral are much closer to the Nisqually gate and will save you valuable drive time. 

Stay Near Mount Rainier’s Most Popular Visitor Areas

Understanding Mount Rainier National Park’s five visitor areas featured on the map above makes it easier to choose where to stay.

• Paradise (south side) – Famous for wildflower meadows and panoramic views. I fell in love with the park while hiking the Skyline Trail at dusk one summer evening.
• Longmire (southwest side) – Home to the park’s historic district and old-growth trails. One rainy June day, I hiked to Comet Falls—one of the park’s best waterfall hikes.
• Sunrise (northeast side) – The highest point you can drive to, with unbeatable glacier and mountain views, including my favorite view from Burroughs Mountain.
• Ohanapecosh (southeast side) – Great for waterfall hikes in spring or a rainy day. In summer, if I only have one day, I usually skip it to prioritize more time at Sunrise.
• Carbon/Mowich (northwest side) – The park’s most remote area, with the road currently closed indefinitely.

Most first-timers prioritize Paradise and Sunrise for dramatic, up-close mountain views.

Best Lodging Near Mount Rainier by Gateway Town

Ashford, Packwood, and Crystal Mountain are the best towns near Mount Rainier for access to Paradise and Sunrise.

Places to Stay in Ashford (Closest to Paradise & Longmire)

• Drive to Nisqually Entrance: 9 minutes
• Drive to Longmire: 21 minutes
• Drive to Paradise: 42 minutes

Ashford is less than 10 minutes from the Nisqually Entrance, the park’s busiest and most popular entrance. 

It’s also where I’ve made some of my most meaningful Rainier memories—celebrating a climb with beers and burgers at BaseCamp, the town’s main gathering space. In summer, you’ll find live music here on weekend evenings, which adds to the energy.

Pros:

• Gas stations, coffee stands, and a small general store with groceries
• A handful of restaurants, including Wildberry, my personal favorite for post-hike meals
• Closest access to Paradise and Longmire—ideal for first-timers

Cons:

• Nearly a two-hour drive to reach the Sunrise Visitor Area
• Lodging options fill quickly in summer (book 6–9 months early if possible)

1. Best Overall Hotel: Nisqually Lodge

Less than 10 minutes from the Nisqually Entrance, this simple yet dependable lodge is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable base close to Paradise. I stayed at Nisqually Lodge before hiking the Muir Snowfield and loved its convenience.

• Pros: Excellent service, pet-friendly rooms, AC & WiFi
• Cons: No on-site breakfast available (but there’s a café next door)

2. Best Cabins: Copper Creek Inn Cabins

Just minutes from the Nisqually Entrance, these classic Rainier cabins are perfect if you want privacy, forest views, and a hot tub after a day on the trails. Even if you don’t stay here, stop for their famous blackberry pie at the restaurant.

• Pros: On-site restaurant, private cabins, BBQ grills, fire pits
• Cons: 3-night minimum stay 

3. Best B&B: Mountain Meadows Inn

This peaceful bed-and-breakfast is ideal if you want a personal touch and quiet retreat near the park. Thoughtful details are everywhere here—homemade granola, beautifully kept grounds, and hosts who genuinely care about their guests.

• Pros: Quiet setting with hot tub and fire pit for guest use
• Cons: No AC

4. Best Budget Stay: Whittaker’s Motel & Historic Bunkhouse

A longtime favorite among hikers and climbers, Whittaker’s is the best value stay in Ashford. The rooms are simple but clean, and the lively outdoor area at Rainier BaseCamp feels like the town’s social hub.

• Pros: Next door to Ashford’s main gathering spot
• Cons: No fridge or microwave in rooms

5. Best Vacation Rental: The Cabins on Tenas Creek

My favorite vacation rental near Rainier. We stayed in the smaller of the two cabins, which had everything we needed—from cold water in the fridge to a bundle of firewood ready for the evening. It’s quiet, cozy, and feels inviting from the moment you arrive.

• Pros: Well-stocked kitchen, fire pit, peaceful setting
• Cons: No AC

Places to Stay in Packwood (Central Base for Paradise + Sunrise)

• Drive to Ohanapecosh: 15 minutes
• Drive to Stevens Canyon Entrance: 17 minutes
• Drive to Paradise: 53 minutes
• Drive to White River Entrance: 48 minutes
• Drive to Sunrise: 75 minutes

Staying in Packwood gives you the flexibility to enter the park through either the Stevens Canyon Entrance for Paradise or the White River Entrance for Sunrise.

I hate to admit it, but Packwood has more small-town charm than Ashford. Its main strip, lined with old-timey wooden signage, has a few blocks of shops and restaurants that make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden gem.

Pros:

• Gas stations, coffee stands, a small grocery store, and the Packwood Visitor Center where you can pick up helpful maps
• Family-friendly breweries and restaurants. I had one of my best post-hike meals here — a veggie bowl from Packwood Brewing Co, topped with grilled shrimp from one of the outdoor food vendors. 
• Central location makes it easy to access both Paradise and Sunrise

Cons:

• Limited season (July–early October) when Sunrise & Stevens Canyon Road are open
• Lodging options fill quickly in summer (book 6 months early if possible)

6. Best Overall Hotel: Historic Hotel Packwood

In the heart of town, Historic Hotel Packwood feels like a step back in time with its rustic details and unbeatable location. I loved being able to grab a beer at Packwood Brewing Co and walk back to my room afterward.

• Pros: AC & WiFi, cozy porch area, communal coffee bar, microwave and fridge
• Cons: Only one pet-friendly room

7. Best Cabins: Packwood Lodge & Cabins

Just five minutes from town, these cozy cabins are ideal if you want your own private space while staying close to lodge amenities. I toured one and loved the private jacuzzi. Outdoor grills and picnic tables make it easy to unwind after a day on the trails.

• Pros: AC & WiFi, pet-friendly, next door to Santo Milagro restaurant
• Cons: Cabins sit close together

8. Best Lodge: Mountain View Lodge 

True to its name, this comfortable lodge offers mountain views and spacious rooms that work well for families or groups. You can walk to the Cowlitz River in minutes and might even spot elk grazing nearby in the morning.

• Pros: Excellent service, WiFi, outdoor spaces, kitchen rooms available
• Cons: Pets not allowed 

9. Best Budget Stay: Crest Trail Lodge

Perfect for hikers who want a clean, comfortable stay without overspending. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice my Queen room was—much better than the modest exterior suggests—and appreciated the sink outside the bathroom for added convenience.

• Pros: Keurig, fridge, microwave, AC, popcorn maker in the lobby
• Cons: No on-site breakfast available

10. Best Vacation Rental: Elk Cabin

This cozy cabin feels like a true home base near Rainier, complete with a full kitchen, outdoor fire pit, and peaceful surroundings. It’s perfect for small groups who want space to relax, play games, soak in the hot tub, or stream Netflix after a day of hiking.

• Pros: Hot tub, river access, WiFi, washer and dryer
• Cons: Located in a neighborhood

Places to Stay in Crystal Mountain/Greenwater (Closest to Sunrise)

• Drive to White River Entrance: 10–35 minutes
• Drive to Sunrise: 35–60 minutes

The White River Entrance is only 10–20 minutes from Crystal Mountain, depending on where you stay. Greenwater is about 15 minutes farther north along Highway 410, but both are far closer to Sunrise than any other gateway town.

Driving through Greenwater, I almost always notice crowds gathered outside Wapiti Outdoors, many with ice cream cones in hand. The small-town charm here is undeniable.

And if you see an Enumclaw mailing address, don’t be fooled: these places are much closer to Rainier than Enumclaw itself.

Pros:

• Closest lodging to the Sunrise Visitor Area
• Excellent cabin and vacation rental options
• Year-round recreation (hiking in summer, skiing in winter)

Cons:

• Fewer lodging options than Ashford or Packwood
• Limited groceries, gas, and restaurants in comparison—plan ahead

11. Best Hotel: Crystal Mountain Hotels

Right at the base of Crystal Mountain Resort, this group of alpine-style lodges offers unbeatable proximity to the gondola and on-site dining. It’s perfect if you want a simple, convenient stay where you can walk to restaurants.

• Pros: Walking distance to dining, pet-friendly
• Cons: Some rooms do not include TVs

12. Best Cabins: LOGE Alta Crystal 

These cabins near Mount Rainier offer a full-service resort-like experience, with trails that start right from the property. I saw a few families enjoying the pool area when I spoke with a representative at LOGE Alta Crystal to inquire about how far in advance to book. 

• Pros: Kitchenette, private hot tub, pet-friendly 
• Cons: No AC

13. Best Vacation Rental: Elk Crossing Cozy Cabin

This pet-friendly cabin blends rustic charm with modern comfort, featuring a private hot tub, fireplace, and full kitchen. It’s perfect if you want peace, privacy, and space to unwind after a day exploring Rainier. The name fits, as elk often wander nearby.

• Pros: Hot tub, full kitchen, pet-friendly, quiet wooded setting
• Cons: Short drive to restaurants

Why You Should Consider Staying Inside Mount Rainier National Park

Staying inside the park means walking straight out the front door and onto Paradise trails. The unbeatable location makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

You’ll also skip entrance lines and timed entry reservations for the Nisqually Entrance, if they’re required during your visit. 

Lodging at Mount Rainier

The tradeoff for staying inside Mount Rainier National Park is that in-room amenities are limited (no microwaves or fridges), and dining options are pricier than outside the park. But Ashford restaurants are a short drive away.

Keep in mind that access to Sunrise trails requires a longer drive on Stevens Canyon Road. You’ll exit the park and re-enter through the White River Entrance, where you’ll need a separate timed entry reservation.

14. Paradise Inn (Historic Summer Lodge)

• Open: Late May – early October

Built in 1917, Paradise Inn is one of the “Great Lodges of the West,” set in the heart of Paradise, just steps from the Skyline Trail, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows. 

It’s the most iconic place to stay inside the park.

I often stop at the Tatoosh Café for an espresso before hiking. The outdoor seating overlooks the Tatoosh Mountains and makes the perfect pre- or post-hike break. 

It’s busy in peak summer, but if you want to wake up surrounded by alpine meadows, stay here.

15. National Park Inn at Longmire 

• Open: Year-round

I booked the National Park Inn in Longmire, and our experience was excellent. Our room was simple but clean, quiet, and cozy.

My bison meatloaf dinner and avocado toast breakfast were excellent.

The biggest advantage, though, is location: you can walk straight from your room to trailheads like Trail of the Shadows or Eagle Peak—or relax on the porch, gazing at The Mountain. 

It’s also the perfect base for getting an early start to beat the crowds at Paradise.

MY TAKE: Choose the National Park Inn if you want a calmer atmosphere and year-round availability. Paradise Inn is iconic, but the bustle isn’t for everyone.

Campgrounds In & Near Mount Rainier National Park

Inside the park, you’ll find:

• Cougar Rock (Paradise): Closest to Paradise; fills up fast. 
• Ohanapecosh (SE): Great forest setting near Packwood. 
• White River (Sunrise): First-come, first-served; arrive early.
• Mowich Lake: Primitive, tent-only. Road access currently closed.

If sites are full, check nearby National Forest campgrounds like Big Creek in Ashford or La Wis Wis in Packwood. 

We stayed at Big Creek Campground one June. It’s a peaceful and excellent option if campgrounds inside the park are full.

INSIDER TIP: Dispersed camping is available along Skate Creek Road (NF-52). For a more comfortable alternative, Elkamp, just outside Ashford, gets rave reviews.

Other Towns Near Mount Rainier to Stay In

To be honest, I’ve always found somewhere to stay in Ashford or Packwood, even just a few days before my trip. (I’m much less picky since I visit often.)

But if you’re visiting on a holiday weekend or want more options, these towns can also work as a base:

• Elbe – A small, quirky railroad town that’s so enticing I pulled over the first time I drove through here. Stay at the Hobo Inn, where you can sleep in converted cabooses.
• Mineral Lake – Staying at Mineral Lake Lodge is now on my bucket list after seeing the stunning view of Rainier from its deck. You’ll find other vacation rentals here.
• Morton – Bigger than the other two towns mentioned below, with the Seasons Motel that makes a solid back-up. Its small-town friendliness stood out on my stop here.

TRAVEL TIP: Summer stays book up early, so reserve your lodging at least 6 months ahead if you can.

How to Choose the Best Places to Stay Near Mount Rainier 

If you’re visiting for 1–2 nights, base yourself in one town to minimize packing and driving. 

When I plan Mount Rainier itineraries with clients and they’re visiting for 3 nights or more, I always recommend that they split their stay between Ashford (for Paradise and Longmire) and Packwood (for Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, and Chinook Pass). 

It’s the best way to experience both sides of the park without long backtracking drives.

By season:

• Winter, Spring & Fall: Stay in Longmire (National Park Inn) or Ashford for easier access to the only open roads.
• Summer: You’ll have the most options since all roads and visitor areas are typically open by mid-July, so you can stay wherever makes the most sense for your trip.

By traveler type:

• Families: Ashford or Packwood (easy logistics, more dining, grocery stores and amenities available)
• Hikers & photographers: Stay as close to trails as possible for early starts and sunrise views. Campgrounds or park inns are ideal.

Ready to Book Your Stay at Mount Rainier?

I’ve had many excellent stays at Mount Rainier, but if I had to pick my top three, I’d choose:

• National Park Inn (excellent mountain views from the porch) ➜ check availability here
• Cabins on Tenas Creek (we loved the outdoor fire pit) ➜ check availability here
• Historic Hotel Packwood (thoughtful touches were everywhere) ➜ check availability here 

Once you’ve picked where to stay, explore the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park or find out which season to visit Mount Rainier for your travel style.