Ashford Travel Guide

Tourist 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

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Paradise Estates

Though Paradise Estates may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area and Anderson Lake.

Paradise Estates
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Nisqually Park

While visiting Nisqually Park, you might make a stop by sights like Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Rainier Gateway Protected Area.

Nisqually Park
Gateway Inn

Gateway Inn

3 out of 5
38820 State Route 706 East, Ashford, WA
The price is NZ$357 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$357
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,604 reviews)
"Smooth entry and new cabins were very nicely done."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Gateway Inn
Alexander's Lodge

Alexander's Lodge

3 out of 5
37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA
The price is NZ$406 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$406
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (832 reviews)
"Very comfortable, quiet and quaint"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Alexander's Lodge
Paradise Village Hotel

Paradise Village Hotel

2.5 out of 5
31811 WA-706, Ashford, WA
The price is NZ$451 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$451
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (618 reviews)
"This is a cute little spot. A bit of Different layout with many different buildings but super easy to checkin and out. Staff was great. Good jumping off point for Mt. Rainer."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Paradise Village Hotel
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 parking, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (1,604 reviews)
"Smooth entry and new cabins were very nicely done."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (143 reviews)
"I like the historic flavor of the lodge, clean, comfortable. However, the restaurant only opens Thur-Mon, very difficult to find food in the area."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
<NEW LISTING>Tranquil & Private 2-Bdrm Cabin Minutes from Rainier with Hot Tub

<NEW LISTING>Tranquil & Private 2-Bdrm Cabin Minutes from Rainier with Hot Tub

Ashford
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mount Rainier Gateway Protected ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"We had a very pleasant stay! The location was absolutely beautiful, and the cabins were clean and well-maintained. It’s the perfect spot if you're planning to stay near Mt. Rainier. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

<NEW LISTING>Tranquil & Private 2-Bdrm Cabin Minutes from Rainier with Hot Tub
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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