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 Pothole 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$123 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$123
14 Oct - 15 Oct
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! (1,734 reviews)
"We had a cabin this time and it was great. Slightly older property but it was clean and comfy. Cabin had a full size fridge/freezer, microwave and coffee maker. Sitting area had a couch and plenty of room to relax. Lots of free parking. Staff was super friendly!"

Reviewed on 3 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$211 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
AU$211
6 Oct - 7 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! (591 reviews)
"Beautiful and cozy place, very nice staff. The cafe had nice ice creams and coffee."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Whittaker's Motel & Historic Bunkhouse
Alexander's Lodge

Alexander's Lodge

3 out of 5
37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA
The price is AU$226 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$226
1 Nov - 2 Nov
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! (866 reviews)
"Cute place with unique rooms. Room was definitely small but very clean. Absolutely needs some places to hang jackets, put toiletries and store snacks. Very convenient for traveling with a dog and the grounds were gorgeous. Everyone we talked to was friendly and nice. Breakfast basket had great options ..."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Alexander's Lodge
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! (1,734 reviews)
"We had a cabin this time and it was great. Slightly older property but it was clean and comfy. Cabin had a full size fridge/freezer, microwave and coffee maker. Sitting area had a couch and plenty of room to relax. Lots of free parking. Staff was super friendly!"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 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! (155 reviews)
"Nice, clean rooms, convenient location near mt Rainier"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
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! (282 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
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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