Washington Cascades - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 343

Reopening in 2008 after a two-year, $30-million, earthquake-withstanding revamp, the
smallish rooms (some with shared bath) retain their close-to-the-wilderness essence,
while the communal areas are nothing short of regal.
National Park Inn HISTORIC INN$$$
( 360-569-2275; www.guestservices.com/rainier ; r with shared/private bath $116/164, units
$244; ) The National Park Inn, parts of which date from 1917, goes out of its way to
be rustic, with no TVs or telephones and small yet cozy facilities. But who needs HBO
and the Discovery Channel when you've got fine service, fantastic surroundings and de-
lectable complimentary afternoon tea and scones served in the comfortable dining room?
The inn's the pride of Longmire. Book ahead in the summer.
PARK INFORMATION
For information on the park check out the National Park Service website at
www.nps.gov/mora , which includes downloadable maps and descriptions of 50
park trails.
Park entrance fees are $15 per car and $5 for pedestrians and cyclists (those un-
der 17 are admitted free), and are valid for seven days from purchase. A $30 annu-
al pass admits the pass-holder and accompanying passengers for 12 months from
date of purchase.
The driving loop around the mountain is 147 miles (driving time is about five
hours without stops) and the main roads are usually open mid-May through Octo-
ber.
Eating
Aside from the two historic inns, the only eating in the park is in the cafeteria of the
Henry M Jackson Visitor Center ( Click here ). The Ashford area, just outside the
Nisqually entrance, has half a dozen options, spearheaded by the Copper Creek Inn.
Copper Creek Inn AMERICAN$$$
( www.coppercreekinn.com ; 35707 SR 706 E, Ashford; breakfast from $7, burgers $10, dinner mains
$12-27; 7am-9pm) Forget the historic inns. This is one of the state's great rural restaur-
ants, and breakfast is an absolute must if you're heading off for a lengthy hike inside the
park. Situated just outside the Nisqually entrance, the Copper Creek has been knocking
out pancakes, wild blackberry pie and its own home-roasted coffee since 1946.