Ashford

Travel 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 €160 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€160
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,628 reviews)
"Beds were comfortable. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Gateway Inn
Alexander's Lodge

Alexander's Lodge

3 out of 5
37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA
The price is €229 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
€229
16 Aug - 17 Aug
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! (837 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 €268 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€268
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (625 reviews)
"I was pleasantly surprised with the tiny cabin and the cleanliness of the shared bathrooms! The staff were so sweet. We LOVED the hot tub and I highly recommend giving it a shot. But it was very cozy, loved the view, and loved how close the location was to Mt. Rainier. Good place to go for a short ..."

Reviewed on 30 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! (1,628 reviews)
"Beds were comfortable. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 30 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! (146 reviews)
"Great spot to stay a few nights right outside Rainer. Amazing breakfast and tons of options for dinner. Cannot recommend enough."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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! (271 reviews)
"Amazing little cabin, with a view to remember! 100% recommended."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do