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 Centre. Just a 40-minute drive east from town, the visitor centre 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 centre'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 kilometres) 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 metres) 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

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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
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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 S$264 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
S$264
25 Jul - 26 Jul
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! (1,572 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay! Literally at the base of Mount Ranier. Plenty of space to spread out in our room."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Gateway Inn
Alexander's Lodge
Alexander's Lodge
3 out of 5
37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA
The price is S$271 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$271
9 Jul - 10 Jul
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! (818 reviews)
"The hotel and room are old, but very nicely maintained and decorated. There are restaurants and shops a few miles away. It is very close to the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. The room is small, but it is the only hotel around, and it is very clean. The room we had lost power at night and ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Alexander's Lodge
Paradise Village Hotel
Paradise Village Hotel
2.5 out of 5
31811 WA-706, Ashford, WA
Fully refundable
The price is S$390 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
S$390
15 Jul - 16 Jul
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! (612 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful. They walked me to my room and showed me were I could park. The location is great especially if you are visiting Mount Rainier National Park. Highly recommend and I will be back!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 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! (1,572 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay! Literally at the base of Mount Ranier. Plenty of space to spread out in our room."

Reviewed on 3 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (137 reviews)
Lovely cabin in the woods, convenient location
"Phenomenal. Booked Roselea’s suite and was immediately greeted by the cozy log cabin vibes and smell as I opened the door. Easy check-in instructions provided via email a few days before check-in. There were plates and cutlery, dish soap, amenities like shampoo and body wash. Convenient that this ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
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

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Reviews of Ashford

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Ashford is not a big place but is in the most scenic area of Washington State. It caters for all types of holiday makers.