Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(built in 1916 and refurbished in 2008) and the massive, informative Henry M Jackson
Visitor Center ( Click here ) . The center holds a cutting-edge museum with hands-on ex-
hibits on everything from flora to glacier formation and shows a must-see 21-minute
film entitled Mount Rainier: Restless Giant . Park naturalists lead free interpretive hikes
from the visitor center daily in summer, and snowshoe walks on winter weekends.
LONGMIRE HIKER INFORMATION CENTER VISITOR CENTER
( 360-569-2211, ext 3317; summer) F Worth a stop to stretch your legs or gain
an early glimpse of Rainier's mossy old-growth forest, Longmire was the brainchild of
a certain James Longmire, who first came here in 1883. Since 1917 the National Park
Inn has stood on this site - built in classic 'parkitecture' style - and is complemented
by a small store, some park offices, the tiny, free Longmire Museum (
360-569-2211,
ext 3314;
9am-6pm Jun-Sep, to 5pm Oct-May) and a number of important trailheads.
EATING & SLEEPING
Nisqually Entrance
COPPER CREEK INN AMERICAN $$
( www.coppercreekinn.com ; 35707 SR 706 E, Ashford; breakfast from $7, burgers $10, dinner mains
$12-27; 7am-9pm) This is one of the state's great rural restaurants, and breakfast is an
absolute must if you're heading off for a lengthy hike inside the park. Copper Creek has
been knocking out pancakes, wild-blackberry pie and its own home-roasted coffee
since 1946.
NATIONAL PARK INN HOMESTYLE $$
(mains $16-19; lunch & dinner) Hearty hiking fare is served at this homely inn- restaur-
ant and - in the absence of any real competition - it's surprisingly good.
PARADISE INN HOMESTYLE $$
(brunch $24, dinner mains $16-23; breakfast, lunch & dinner Jun-Sep) The huge stone fire-
place is the highlight of this dining room and it easily overshadows the food. Buffalo
meatloaf and crab mac 'n' cheese are the most enticing options.
WHITTAKER'S MOTEL & BUNKHOUSE HOSTEL $
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