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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
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National Park Inn - Mt Rainier National Park
If the Paradise Inn is the grand showpiece of Mount Rainier National Park, the National Park Inn is its quieter, more intimate counterpart, and for a certain kind of traveler it is the better stay of the two.
Tucked into the towering old-growth forest of the Longmire Historic District, just six miles inside the park's Nisqually Entrance, this cozy and welcoming inn is the only lodging inside Mount Rainier National Park that remains open year-round.
Whether you are arriving in summer to hike the trails that begin just steps from the front door, or coming in winter to snowshoe through a snow-draped forest with Mount Rainier rising above the trees, the National Park Inn is ready for you in every season.
The inn is part of the Longmire Historic District, which is itself a contributing part of the Mount Rainier National Park National Historic Landmark District, one of the finest collections of National Park Service Rustic Architecture, Parkitecture, in the country.
With just 25 guest rooms, this is an intimate and personal experience unlike anything you will find at a roadside hotel. Eighteen rooms have private bathrooms, while seven rooms share facilities, and it is important to know before you book which type of room you are reserving.
Some private bath rooms have a tub and shower combination, while others have a tub only or a shower only. Rooms without a private bath include a sink, robes, and slippers, with two private shared showers and separate men's and women's restrooms located down the hallway.
All rooms are free of televisions, telephones, and internet, just as you would want them to be in a place like this. Two ADA-accessible rooms are available on the first floor. Every other room is on the second floor, accessible by stairs only.
What sets this inn apart from so many others in the park system is the atmosphere it creates without trying. Settle into a chair in the guest library in front of a roaring fire with a cup of afternoon tea and you will understand immediately why guests come back year after year.
The wide front porch, lined with comfortable chairs, delivers one of the best views of Mount Rainier available anywhere in the park, and watching the mountain reveal itself through the trees on a clear morning is one of those moments you do not forget.
The inn offers a full-service dining room, a gift shop, and the adjacent Longmire General Store, which operates out of the oldest standing building in Longmire, a vintage 1911 log cabin.
Click Here to Book Your Stay at National Park Inn
Room Types
Guestrooms without a bathroom
- Guestrooms without a bath come with either a queen, double or twin beds with a sink.
- Guests share two private showers and separate men's and women's restrooms located in the hallway.
- Rooms have robes and slippers for guests to use.
Guestrooms with a bathroom
- Guestrooms with a private bathroom come with either a queen, double or twin beds.
- The private bathroom was small but had everything we needed for a night.
Guestrooms with two rooms
- Two bedrooms share a private bathroom with a double bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the second bedroom
ADA Accessible Rooms
- There are two ADA rooms located on the 1st floor of the hotel.
- Each room has a private bath and one queen bed.
Click Here to Book Your Stay at National Park Inn
Room Amenities
- Free on-site parking
- Breakfast for a fee
- Restaurant on-site
- Laundry facilities
- Barbacue Grill
- No Elevator
- Non- Smokong Facility
- Free toiletries
Our Experience Staying in Room 22 at the National Park Inn
We stayed in room 22 on the 2nd floor of the National Park Inn. There is no elevator to the second floor so you will have to take the stairs.
Our room had a queen bed, private bathroom, a single chair, and a dresser. The room was small but comfortable.
I will say the queen bed was VERY close to the wall so if you have 2 people staying in the bed one person may have to inch along the wall to get into the bed.
The bed was comfortable and the room was very quiet at night. There was a great window fan to let in cool air.
I personally loved going for a short walk on the Trail of the Shadows after dinner. It's a nice 7/10 mile loop and has great views of the mountain.
Also, make sure to get up in the morning and have a cup of coffee on the front porch and enjoy the view. It's the perfect start to the day!
National Park Inn Dining Room
The National Park Inn Dining Room is a casual, family-friendly restaurant serving Pacific Northwest cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the year.
The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, with the kind of comfort food that hits exactly right after a long day on the trails.
Signature dishes that have earned their place as guest favorites include the Bourbon Buffalo Meatloaf, Home-Style Pot Roast, and Cedar Plank Red Trout.
If you have any room left, end your meal with the warm blackberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The dining room also offers locally crafted microbrews and Northwest wines, and there is no better way to finish an evening than carrying a glass out to the front porch to watch the alpenglow settle on the summit of Mount Rainier.
Click Here to Book Your Stay at National Park Inn
Longmire General Store
The Longmire General Store is located in the oldest surviving building in Longmire, a log cabin dating to 1911 that sits just adjacent to the main inn.
It carries a broad selection of souvenirs, clothing, snacks, and camping supplies, along with firewood during summer and snowshoe rentals during winter months.
It is a practical and charming stop for anyone spending time in the Longmire area, and the building itself is worth a look for its character alone.
National Park Inn Information
Season - The National Park Inn is open year-round
Check-in is 4:00 pm
Check out is 11:00 am
National Park Inn Address
47009 Paradise Rd E
Ashford, WA 98304
GPS Coordinates
46.7494° N
121.8135° W
Pets - {ets are not allowed in the National Park Inn (service animals accepted).
Smoking - The National Park Inn is a 100% Non-smokong, Non-vaping facility.
WiFi Available? No
Cell Phone Service - Cellular service from all providers is extremely limited or not available.
Time Zone - Pacific Time Zone
Electric Vehicle Charging - There are twoLevel 2 charging stations located in the historic Longmire District.
Cancellation Policy - Cancellation policy is $15 charge up to 7 days prior to arrival. One night room and tax within 7 days of arrival.
Click Here to Book Your Stay at National Park Inn
Things to do at the National Park Inn
🌲 Hike the Trail of the Shadows, a short interpretive loop around the historic Longmire springs and meadow
🥾 Access the Wonderland Trail, the legendary 93-mile circuit around the entire mountain, directly from Longmire
🏔️ Hike the Rampart Ridge loop for forest and mountain views above the valley
🦫 Watch for black bears, elk, deer, and river otters in and around the Nisqually River corridor
⛷️ Snowshoe through old-growth forest in winter on groomed and marked routes
🍽️ Dine in the inn's cozy dining room, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
☕ Warm up by the stone fireplace in the common room after a day on the trails
🏛️ Visit the Longmire Museum, one of the oldest buildings in the national park system, just steps away
📸 Photograph the old-growth forest, historic buildings, and mountain views on clear days
🎭 Join ranger-led programs offered in the Longmire area throughout the season
🛒 Stop at the Longmire General Store for supplies, snacks, and park essentials
🌧️ Enjoy the lodge's cozy atmosphere on rainy days, which are plentiful in the Pacific Northwest
Fun and educational Tours at Mount Rainier National Park
Mt. Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10-12 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Experience the natural beauty of majestic Mount Rainier on this guided, full-day tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls, and historic towns to Mount Rainier. Take in spectacular views of Narda Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park and the aptly named Paradise.
Mt. Rainier Tour and Guided Hike
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10-11 hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Explore the highlights of Mount Rainier on this day tour filled with glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and old-growth forests. This tour departs from Seattle and includes a stop at Paradise, where you will get to hike from the visitor center at Paradise one mile to a picnic next to giant glaciers. You will also see Reflection Lake, Narda Falls, and Christine Falls. In the winter-spring, you will snowshoe rather than hike.
Mount Rainier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8-9 hours | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
Mount Rainier National Park is centered around an awe-inspiring, iconic volcano- Mount Rainier - and takes you through miles and miles of old-growth forest. The overlooks along the drive will take your breath away and the serpentine roads heading up to Paradise and Sunrise - the most popular sections of the park - will keep your heart pumping and your camera clicking. You can explore the stunning alpine meadows of Paradise, wander through the ancient forest of the Grove of the Patriarchs, and see impressive waterfalls.
Mt Rainier National Park Lodging
There are two National Park Lodges located within the park.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - National Park Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Mount Rainier National Park is home to the historic National Park Inn located at Longmire (Open year-Round), which was built in 1907.
The National Park Inn was built across the road from James Longmire's hot springs hotel. There is also a general store there located in a vintage 1911 log cabin.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Paradise Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
This lodge is so grand that it has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Paradise Inn is open from mid-May to October only.
Lodging near Mount Rainier
Depending on what you want to see and explore in Mount Rainier may determine where you will want to stay. I have broken down lodging between the three main park entrances for your convience.
Nisqually Entrance (Near the Longmire and Paradise areas of Mount Rainier)
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Alexander's Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A charming historic lodge built in 1912, just 2 miles from the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park! This beloved inn sits on a stunning property with a trout pond, lush grounds, and a warm mountain-lodge vibe that hikers and park visitors return to year after year. Guests enjoy cozy rooms and suites with mountain character, a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast, free WiFi, free parking, and common areas perfect for unwinding after a long day on the trails. The location makes early morning park access incredibly convenient, letting you beat the crowds to Paradise and the Skyline Trail.
⭐️ 3.8 of 5 Stars - Nisqually Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Located 5 miles from the Nisqually Entrance,the lodge offers 24 spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, WiFi, mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers, with free parking and children under 12 staying free. A great room with cathedral ceilings and an impressive stone fireplace greets guests on arrival, along with a computer station in the lobby and complimentary coffee available all day. Pet friendly rooms available, an outdoor fire pit, and laundry facilities on site. A great no-fuss base camp for snowshoers in winter and hikers and wildflower chasers in summer.
North Entrance (near the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier)
⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Crystal Mountain Hotels - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The ultimate adventure basecamp, tucked at the base of Washington's largest ski resort just 6 miles from Mount Rainier National Park! In summer, step outside for scenic gondola rides, mountain biking, horseback trail rides, disc golf, and 35 miles of hiking trails right outside the door, with epic views of Mount Rainier from the summit. In winter it's ski-in/ski-out straight from your room. The Alpine Inn is the signature Bavarian-style hotel connected to the Alpine Inn Restaurant and the legendary Snorting Elk Cellar, while the Village Inn offers flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and WiFi for a more modern stay. The Summit House Restaurant at 6,782 feet is Washington's highest elevation restaurant, accessible by the Mt. Rainier Gondola with sweeping views of the Cascades.
South Entrance (Near the Ohanapecosh area of Mount Rainier)
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Packwood Lodge and Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The nearest Packwood hotel to both Mount Rainier and White Pass, just 4 miles from the Stevens Canyon Entrance to the park! The renovated lodge offers 21 updated guest rooms and suites plus 9 detached mountain cabins, all uniquely designed and decorated.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Cowlitz River Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A clean, well-priced 32- room lodge in the heart of Packwood with one of the best perks around, elk grazing right on the front lawn! The lodge has a cozy stone fireplace in the lobby to warm up by after a day on the trails. A full hot breakfast is served each morning with waffles, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pastries, sausage, and a full beverage bar including hot apple cider. Free parking, laundry facilities, and pet friendly rooms available. Open year-round
Click on this link or the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Rainier National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$30.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Additional Resources
- Mount Rainier - complete guide to plan your trip to Mount Rainier
- Paradise Inn - Check out what it is like to stay in this historic inn at Paradise.
- National Park Lodges - Check out all of the National Park lodges you can stay in.
- Top things to do at Mt. Rainier - Check out all the things you don't want to miss while exploring Mount Rainier.
- Mount Rainier Hiking Guide - Find the perfect hike for you in Mount Rainier National Park.
Check out all of the Washington National Parks along with neighboring Oregon National Parks, Idaho National Parks, National Parks in Hawaii, and National Parks in Alaska.
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