Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
state's best all-around ski area due to the variety of terrain. Lift ticket prices range
from $20 for night skiing to $45 for a weekend all-day pass. Call for hours of
operation. Experienced backcountry skiers will also find some challenging cross-
country skiing here at Crystal Mountain.
You'll also find downhill and cross-country skiing less than 20 miles from the
southeast corner of the park on U.S. 12 at the small
White Pass Ski Area
(
&
509/672-3100;
www.skiwhitepass.com). Rental equipment is available. Lift
rates range from $19 for an adult half-day midweek ticket to $38 for a full-day
weekend ticket. Nordic track passes are $8.
OTHER ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE THE PARK
Between Memorial Day and the end of September (and also on Dec weekends), the
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
(
&
888/STEAM-11
or 360/569-2351; www.mrsr.
com) operates vintage steam locomotives and both enclosed and open passenger
cars along a 14-mile stretch of track between Elbe and Mineral Lake, just west of
the park's Nisqually entrance. The trips last 1
1
⁄
2
hours and cost $13 for adults, $12
for seniors, $8.50 for children 4 to 12, and are free for children under 3.
WHERE TO STAY
INSIDE THE PARK
National Park Inn
Located in Longmire, in the southwest corner of the
park, this rustic lodge opened in 1920. The inn's front veranda has a view of the
mountain, and it is here that guests often gather at sunset on clear days. There's
also a lounge with a river-rock fireplace that's the perfect place to relax on a win-
ter's night. Guest rooms vary in size and have rustic furnishings but are definitely
not the most memorable part of a stay here. The inn's restaurant manages to
have something for everyone, and there are a gift shop and cross-country
ski/snowshoe rental shop adjacent to the inn. Because the setting here is not as
spectacular as that of the Paradise Inn, this lodge is not nearly as popular, and
consequently room reservations are easier to come by. In winter, the National
Park Inn is popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304.
&
360/569-2275.
www.guestservices.com/rainier. 25 units,
7 with shared bathroom. $87 double with shared bathroom; $118-$159 double with private bathroom. Late Oct
to late Apr, rates include breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant (American);
lounge. In room:Coffeemaker, hair dryer, no phone.
Paradise Inn
Built in 1917 high on the flanks of Mount Rainier in an
area aptly known as Paradise, this rustic lodge should be your first choice of
accommodations in the park—but be sure to book early. Cedar-shake siding,
huge exposed beams, cathedral ceilings, and a gigantic stone fireplace make this
the quintessential mountain retreat. Offering breathtaking views of the moun-
tain, the inn is also the starting point for miles of trails that in summer wander
through flower-filled meadows. Guest rooms vary in size, but all have rustic
hickory furniture. The Sunday brunch in the inn's large dining room is leg-
endary. A snack bar and lounge are dining options.
Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304.
&
360/569-2275.
www.guestservices.com/rainier. 117
units, 33 with shared bathroom. $82 double with shared bathroom; $123-$169 double with private bath-
room; $185 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Closed early Oct to mid-May. Free parking.
Amenities:
2 restaurants
(American, snack bar); lounge. In room:No phone.
OUTSIDE THE SOUTHWEST (NISQUALLY) ENTRANCE
Alexander's Country Inn
Located just outside the park's Nisqually
entrance, this large B&B first opened as an inn back in 1912. Today, as then, it
