Where to Stay in and Around Mount Rainier National Park

Browse rental homes and hotels with jaw-dropping mountain views, trail access, and reinvigorating spa treatments.VrboJust a two-to-three-hour drive from Seattle and Portland, Mount Rainier National Park draws visitors from all over the world with its cascading waterfalls, old-growth forests, flower-filled alpine meadows, sparkling lakes, and, of course, close-up views of the volcano's glaciers. I grew up in Seattle, have been visiting the park since I could walk, and return several times a year for its snowy treks, wildflower hikes, and cozy cabin weekends.On a clear day, the glaciated peak of Mount Rainier—known as Tahoma or Tacoma by the Lushootseed-speaking Coast Salish people—can be spotted from Seattle. Around town, there's a saying: “The mountain is out.” Even during the long winter months, when much of the national park lies buried beneath snow, its 14,410-foot summit is a constant presence across western Washington.With the exception of two historic inns and the park's campgrounds, the majority of lodging for Mount Rainier–bound travelers is found beyond the park limits. If you want something a bit more personal and private, most vacation rentals are in the nearby towns of Ashford and Packwood, both a short drive from the park. There are also a couple of wonderful mountain lodges complete with excellent spas, breathtaking views, and stellar service. Below, I've rounded up the best places to stay near Mount Rainier National Park, from historic lodges to A-frames and tree houses; these are the best places to rest your head in between scenic hikes.Vacation rentals near Mount Rainier National ParkHotels near Mount Rainier National ParkAshford tree house for twoNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Tree house–style, forest views, stainless steel appliancesSleep among Douglas firs in this elevated tree house just outside Mount Rainier National Park. Built around the surrounding trees, the home pairs a red cedar exterior with black walnut countertops and warm wooden interiors. Minimal furnishings let the forest outside shine, while details including a newly tiled shower and stainless steel appliances add modern comfort. It's an ideal hideaway for two after a day exploring Rainier's trails.Location: AshfordThings to do nearby: Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier, Wildberry Restaurant, Glacier View WildernessPackwood cabin with a cedar hot tub and saunaNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathWhy we love it: Cedar hot tub, EV charger, fireplace, firepitThis A-frame squeezes in a lot of magic into a compact space. Hidden within evergreens near Packwood, the cabin is made for book lovers and slow evenings: unwind in the cedar hot tub, warm up in the sauna, then curl up beside the fireplace with a book from the well-stocked shelves. Maps, artwork, and cozy furnishings give the interiors a vintage feel, while the lofted bedroom's skylight lets you fall asleep beneath a sky full of stars. When you’re ready to venture out, it’s a short drive to Mount Rainier for hiking and sightseeing, and even closer to downtown Packwood for a dinner on the town.Location: PackwoodThings to do nearby: Packwood Lake, Packwood Baking Company, Tatoosh FallsA-frame with excellent nature viewsNumber of guests: 7Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Wood-burning stove, games, forest viewsThis 1960s-era A-frame embraces midcentury mountain style with wood-paneled walls, local artwork, and PNW–inspired textiles. Sitting among a grove of evergreen trees in Packwood, mornings begin with coffee on the expansive deck overlooking the forest, while evenings are best spent around the wood-burning stove, playing board games or flipping through the cabin's collection of books. The cozy two-bedroom is a nostalgic base for exploring Mount Rainier and the local offerings around Packwood.Location: PackwoodThings to do nearby: Tatoosh Falls, Packwood Brewing Company, Backbone Lake TrailLuxury cabin for groupsNumber of guests: 8Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Hot tub, game room, river views, firepitIdeal for groups and families, this three-bedroom cabin sits on five acres of property at the edge of the Cowlitz River. Spend the afternoon soaking in the hot tub with views toward Tatoosh Peak, gather around the firepit after sunset, or challenge each other to ping-pong, shuffleboard, or darts in the game room. Adventures are just a short drive away. The cabin is located minutes from Packwood’s restaurants and brewery and less than a 15-minute drive from the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park.Location: PackwoodThings to do nearby: Grove of the Patriarchs trail, Longmire Museum, Cowlitz RiverRiver retreat with a game roomNumber of guests: 12Bed and bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Riverfront beach access, hot tub, bocce ball, game roomWith private beach access to the Cowlitz River and an expansive deck overlooking the trees, a different type of outdoors takes center stage at this spacious retreat. Four bedrooms and plenty of gathering spaces make it well-suited to families or friend groups, while extras like a hot tub, ping-pong table, bocce court, and game room ensure there's plenty to do after a day in the park. Less than a 30-minute drive away, Mount Rainier awaits.Location: PackwoodThings to do nearby: Cowlitz River, Backbone Lake Trail, Tatoosh TrailheadPrivate Aldergrove chalet in the heart of AshfordNumber of guests: 10Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Barrel sauna, hot tub, EV charger, private trailThis mountain chalet is primed for restorative mornings and evenings between days of adventuring. Fuel up with a warm beverage from the fully stocked coffee and hot chocolate bar before heading to the Nisqually Entrance of the park, just minutes from your front door. After a day of hiking, return to warm up in the barrel sauna or soak in the seven-person hot tub beneath the stars. On slower days, wander the property's whimsical private trail, where gnome statues are tucked among the trees. Three bedrooms sleep up to 10 across a king bed, two queens, two singles, and a sofa bed, making it the perfect escape for the whole family.Location: AshfordThings to do nearby: Wildberry Restaurant, Snow Lake trail, Christine FallsTwo-bedroom retreat with a saunaNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathsWhy we love it: Hot tub, cedar sauna, EV chargerJust a stone’s throw away from Mount Rainier's Nisqually entrance, this Scandinavian-inspired cabin blends Nordic wellness traditions with modern mountain design. The calming space accented with natural wood finishes invites slow mornings, perfect for gazing out at the forest from the outdoor deck or the living room picture windows. The standout feature is the outdoor wellness circuit, complete with a cedar sauna, outdoor shower, and hot tub—the ideal way to recharge after a day on the trails.Location: AshfordThings to do nearby: Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier, Wildberry Restaurant, Ashford Creek Pottery and GalleryParadise InnNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Historic atmosphere, fireplace, viewsLocated inside Mount Rainier National Park, this 1917-era landmark feels like it’s on top of the world, enveloped by soaring glaciers in the heart of Paradise. Open seasonally from May through September, the 121-room Paradise Inn sits just steps from the park's famous wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Inside the hotel, timber beams, cedar furnishings, historic photographs, and a towering stone fireplace preserve its rustic character. There's no Wi-Fi, but with views of Mount Rainier right outside, you likely won't miss it.Location: ParadiseThings to do nearby: Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, Myrtle Falls, Mazama RidgeRead Full ReviewGravity Haus Alta CrystalNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Fireplace, forest views, pool, hot tubSet in the forests just up the road from Crystal Mountain, Gravity Haus Alta Crystal Resort offers a comfortable year-round base for exploring the park. Spend your summer hiking Rainier's trails or winter skiing the slopes of Crystal Mountain before returning for a soak in the property’s heated pool and hot tub. Cabins and suites come with fireplaces and mountain views, and the property has reliable Wi-Fi and a camp store stocked with trail snacks. Located just minutes from the park, you’ll be able to explore at your leisure.Location: Crystal MountainThings to do nearby: Crystal Mountain Resort, Snorting Elk Bar, Goat FallsRead Full ReviewParadise Village LodgeNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Mountain village, wood-fired hot tub and sauna, bee therapy (guests rest on specially designed beds in sealed structures above active beehives)Just outside Mount Rainier's Nisqually Entrance, Paradise Village combines the feel of a small mountain village with a wellness retreat. Cabins, A-frames, and lodge rooms are spread across the leafy property, while a wood-fired sauna and a hot tub heated over an open fire are the perfect finale to a day spent wandering Rainier’s trails. Don't leave without dinner at the on-site restaurant, which serves hearty Ukrainian specialties like borsch and sour cherry pierogi.Location: AshfordThings to do nearby: Paradise Village Restaurant, Mount Rainier Railroad MuseumRead Full ReviewCopper Creek InnNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Firepits, historic charm, forest locationBuilt by a lumber baron in 1919, Copper Creek Inn remains one of the region’s classic stop-offs en route to Mount Rainier. The collection of historic log cabins, tucked beneath towering evergreens just outside the park, has a nostalgic mountain-camp atmosphere. The restaurant of the same name—Washington's oldest continuously operating restaurant—draws in crowds interested in filling up on Pacific Northwest fare and the inn’s legendary blackberry pie.Location: AshfordThings to do nearby: Copper Creek Restaurant, Copper CreekRead Full ReviewAlicia is a freelance travel writer currently based in East Africa, with a focus on adventure travel, sustainability, and food and wine origins. Although she has roots in the Pacific Northwest, Alicia grew up as a third culture kid and has continued to live around the world ever since, calling ... Read MoreMore hotels nearby$$ | United States, Ashford, 31811 WA-706$$ | United States, Ashford, 35707 SR 706 E P.O. BOX 159Gravity Haus Alta Crystal$ | United States, Enumclaw, 68317 WA-410 , WA 98022Four Seasons Hotel Seattle$$$ | United States, Seattle, 99 Union St.By most any measure, Seattle’s top hotel