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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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$348 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$348
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! (1,588 reviews)
"Great staff at check in - quick, friendly and helpful. Excellent location next to NP entrance. Cabins very clean, updated yet woodsy/cabin design. Spacious, quiet and comfortable. Highly recommend to those visiting Mount Rainier NP."

Reviewed on 14 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$413 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$413
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! (822 reviews)
"Historic 112 yr old renovated/remodeled building. Quaint room was clean and comfortable. Thankful for added portable room air conditioner although is was a bit loud. Building could use an ice machine with ice buckets in the rooms. Outside there was an amazing fish pond with picnic seating area. Hotel ..."

Reviewed on 10 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$472 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$472
27 July - 28 July
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! (614 reviews)
"The service was phenomenal! Victoria and Estefan delivered exceptional customer service to us. They really went above and beyond to accommodate our stay. I would definitely recommend the A-Frame cabin and we ate at the Ukrainian restaurant and the breakfast cafe . Sooo delicious. We ate the sausage ..."

Reviewed on 13 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! (1,588 reviews)
"Great staff at check in - quick, friendly and helpful. Excellent location next to NP entrance. Cabins very clean, updated yet woodsy/cabin design. Spacious, quiet and comfortable. Highly recommend to those visiting Mount Rainier NP."

Reviewed on 14 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! (142 reviews)
"We loved staying at Copper Creek Inn. We had a little trouble finding our cabin the first night. We had been out of range for our phone and didn’t realize there was no contact check-in. We got there late and it was raining so it was pitch dark. I called the number and Josh answered and stayed on ..."

Reviewed on 13 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
Family trip
"Well stocked and organized house. Everything was clean and in great working order"

Reviewed on 9 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Ashford