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 further afield.

Before venturing into the wilderness, go to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Centre. Just a 40-minute drive east from town, the visitor centre 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 centre'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 kilometres) 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 metres) 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 AU$137 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$137
22 Nov - 23 Nov
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,756 reviews)
"Two of my friends and myself booked a girls weekend hiking adventure trip. Our stay in your first cabin was the absolute best and cutest cabin we have ever visited! The beds were so comfortable! And we were able to sleep in a little after a long drive from OR before hiking Mt.Rainier the following ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Gateway Inn
Whittaker's Motel & Historic Bunkhouse

Whittaker's Motel & Historic Bunkhouse

2.5 out of 5
30205 State Route 706 East, Ashford, WA
The price is AU$214 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$214
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ashford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (604 reviews)
"Great access to Mt. Rainier NP. Fantastic breakfast options and the rooms were a good size for our large group."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Whittaker's Motel & Historic Bunkhouse
Paradise Village Hotel

Paradise Village Hotel

2.5 out of 5
31811 WA-706, Ashford, WA
The price is AU$177 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$177
23 Oct - 24 Oct
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! (656 reviews)
"We selected this property because of the proximity to Mt Ranier. We were pleasantly surprised! We drove by it on the way into the park and my husband was worried by the exterior. But this is not a drive by! We loved the updated room with amazing heated floors in the modern bathroom, comfy bed, and ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,756 reviews)
"Two of my friends and myself booked a girls weekend hiking adventure trip. Our stay in your first cabin was the absolute best and cutest cabin we have ever visited! The beds were so comfortable! And we were able to sleep in a little after a long drive from OR before hiking Mt.Rainier the following ..."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Gateway Inn
Rivers Edge A River Front cabin with Majestic Mountain View’s

Rivers Edge A River Front cabin with Majestic Mountain View’s

Ashford
Stay at this cabin in Ashford. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Allen Memorial Forest and Ashford ...
10/10 Exceptional! (283 reviews)
"We were only able to stay one night but I wish we could have stayed longer! It was perfect for us going back and forth to hike at Rainier. Really quiet and the proximity to the river can’t be beat!"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Rivers Edge A River Front cabin with Majestic Mountain View’s
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! (158 reviews)
"The cabin was super cozy and clean. The self check-in process was easy and worked well as we were arriving after a late flight. We even left something in the room after check-out and the staff was super helpful about helping us get it back."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
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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