Where is the best place to stay when visiting Mount Rainier National Park?
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most iconic parks in the Pacific Northwest, known for its glacier-capped peak, wildflower meadows, and scenic hiking trails. If you’re planning a trip, one of the first questions you might ask is: “Where to stay near Mount Rainier National Park?”
There are no large cities right at the park entrance, but you’ll find plenty of charming lodges, historic inns, and cozy cabins in the surrounding gateway towns.
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels near Mount Rainier, family-friendly lodges, or rustic cabin stays, this guide has you covered.
Staying close to one of the park’s entrances allows you to maximize your time inside – especially important if you want to catch a sunrise at Sunrise or explore Paradise’s wildflower meadows before the crowds.
Best Hotel Near Mount Rainier National Park
Don’t have time to read the whole post? The best hotel near Mount Rainier is the National Park Inn, located inside the park at Longmire. It offers cozy rooms, a historic lodge atmosphere, and unbeatable access to park trails.
Table of Contents
My Top 3 Picks: Best Mount Rainier Hotels
🥇 National Park Inn – Longmire (Inside the Park)
Best for historic charm & convenience
Why it’s one of the best: This lodge is one of only two hotels inside Mount Rainier National Park, meaning you’re just steps away from hiking trails and scenic spots.
🥈 Packwood Lodge (Packwood)
Families & Budget Travelers
Why it’s one of the best: Located near the Stevens Canyon Entrance, Packwood Lodge offers affordable, clean rooms with easy access to both Paradise and Ohanapecosh. It’s a great base for families who want value and convenience.
🥉Paradise Village Hotel & Restaurant (Ashford)
Best For: Foodies & Couples
Why it’s one of the best: This boutique-style hotel offers modern rooms, an on-site Ukrainian restaurant, and a bakery. It’s a unique stay with personality, perfect for couples who want something different.
Comparison of the Top Hotels Near Mount Rainier
| Hotel Name | Photo | Location | Why Book (Unique Features) | Rating | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Park Inn | | Longmire (Inside Park) | Historic lodge, cozy rooms, right inside the park | 8.8 | BOOK NOW |
| Packwood Lodge | | Packwood | Affordable lodge near park’s southeast entrance | 8.5 | BOOK NOW |
| Paradise Village Hotel |  | Ashford | Boutique hotel with on-site restaurant & bakery | 8.7 | BOOK NOW |
| Alexander's Lodge |  | Ashford | Historic 1910 lodge with boutique rooms, near Nisqually Entrance | 8.4 | BOOK NOW |
| Gateway Inn |  | Ashford | Cabin-style lodging right outside the park gate | 8.1 | BOOK NOW |
| Nisqually Lodge |  | Ashford | Comfortable mid-range hotel with free breakfast | 8.3 | BOOK NOW |
| Mountain Meadows Inn |  | Ashford | Charming B&B with beautiful grounds and quiet location | 9.1 | BOOK NOW |
| Alta Crystal Resort |  | Near Crystal Mountain | Family-friendly resort with pool, hot tub, and cabins | 9.2 | BOOK NOW |
| Crest Trail Lodge |  | Packwood | Free breakfast, mountain views, mid-range option | 8.6 | BOOK NOW |
| Cowlitz River Lodge |  | Packwood | Budget-friendly option with complimentary breakfast | 8.4 | BOOK NOW |
Top Picks for Best Mount Rainier National Park Hotels
| Best For… | Hotel Name |
| Best Overall Stay | National Park Inn |
| Best Mountain Views | Paradise Inn |
| Best Family Resort | Alta Crystal Resort |
| Best Budget Option | Cowlitz River Lodge |
Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier National Park
Because Mount Rainier is so large, your base depends on which part of the park you want to explore:
Ashford (Nisqually Entrance – Southwest Side)
This is the most popular gateway town, just minutes from the Nisqually Entrance.
Stay here if: You want easy access to Paradise and a range of lodging from boutique inns to rustic cabins.
Paradise (Inside the Park)
The heart of the park, with panoramic mountain views and the most famous hiking trails.
Stay here if: You want to be right in the action and don’t mind rustic accommodations.
Packwood (Southeast Entrance)
A great base for exploring Ohanapecosh and the southeast part of the park.
Stay here if: You’re looking for more affordable lodging and easy access to hiking in the park’s quieter areas.
Crystal Mountain / Sunrise Side
Perfect if you’re coming in from the northeast and want to combine your trip with skiing or the scenic gondola ride at Crystal Mountain.
Stay here if: You want a family-friendly resort atmosphere and easy access to Sunrise.
10 Best Hotels Near Mount Rainier National Park
1. National Park Inn
📍Address: 47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA, 98304
One of only two Mount Rainier National Park hotels inside the park, National Park Inn offers a truly classic national park experience. The lodge features a cozy fireplace lounge, on-site dining, and easy access to trails in the Longmire Historic District.
❓Why stay here?
For a classic national park lodge experience in the heart of Rainier.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Inside the park, historic charm, and unbeatable location.
❎ The Worst Parts: No TVs in rooms, limited Wi-Fi.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Travelers who want to stay inside the park and experience its history and tranquility.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
2. Packwood Lodge
📍Address: 13807 US-12, Packwood, WA 98361
An affordable and comfortable lodge near the park’s southeast entrance.
❓Why stay here?
For a practical, affordable base near Ohanapecosh
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Good value, close to Ohanapecosh.
❎ The Worst Parts: Simple furnishings.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Budget-conscious travelers exploring the park’s southeast side.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
3. Paradise Village Hotel & Restaurant (Ashford)
📍Address: 31811 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
A boutique hotel with modern rooms, plus a Ukrainian restaurant and bakery on-site.
❓Why stay here?
This boutique-style hotel stands out with its on-site Ukrainian restaurant and bakery, offering a unique cultural twist. Modern rooms and a welcoming vibe make it a memorable stay for couples and food lovers.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Unique dining, stylish rooms.
❎ The Worst Parts: Limited availability.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples and foodies.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
4. Alexander’s Lodge
📍Address: 37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
Built in 1910, this charming inn blends history with modern comforts. Each room is individually decorated, and the property is just two miles from the park entrance.
❓Why stay here?
For a century‑old inn with character and proximity to the park.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Historic charm, great location, friendly hosts.
❎ The Worst Parts: Rooms vary in size and style.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Travelers who appreciate historic properties and a boutique inn experience.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
5. Gateway Inn
📍Address: 38820 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
This rustic property offers cabins and rooms right outside the park gate. Perfect for those who want to maximize time in the park without driving far.
❓Why stay here?
For unbeatable convenience just steps from the park gate.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Walking distance to park entrance, rustic cabins.
❎ The Worst Parts: Basic amenities.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Travelers who want no-frills lodging as close as possible to Mount Rainier.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
6. Nisqually Lodge
📍Address: 31609 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
A comfortable lodge offering free breakfast and spacious rooms.
❓Why stay here?
For reliable, budget‑friendly lodging near the Nisqually Entrance.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Good value, free breakfast.
❎ The Worst Parts: Décor is a bit dated.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families and groups looking for affordable comfort.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
7. Mountain Meadows Inn
📍Address: 28912 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
A quiet B&B with beautiful gardens and a peaceful setting. Highlights are the homemade breakfast and tranquil atmosphere.
❓Why stay here?
For a restful, garden‑side retreat with homemade touches.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Peaceful setting, excellent breakfast.
❎ The Worst Parts: Limited number of rooms.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet retreat.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
8. Alta Crystal Resort
📍Address: 68317 WA-410, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Located near Crystal Mountain, this family-friendly resort offers cabins, a heated pool, and a hot tub — great for winter ski trips or summer hikes.
❓Why stay here?
For a resort‑style base with year‑round family fun.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Pool, hot tub, and family-friendly activities.
❎ The Worst Parts: Farther drive to Paradise (about 1.5 hours).
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families combining a Rainier trip with a Crystal Mountain visit.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
9. Crest Trail Lodge (Packwood)
📍Address: 12729 US Highway 12, Packwood, WA 98361
A mid-range lodge with free breakfast and mountain views.
❓Why stay here?
With free breakfast, mountain views, and a convenient location, Crest Trail Lodge is a reliable mid-range option. It’s especially appealing for hikers and families who want comfort and value without luxury prices.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Great value, breakfast included.
❎ The Worst Parts: Limited amenities.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Families and hikers.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
10. Cowlitz River Lodge
📍Address: 13069 US-12, Packwood, WA 98361
A budget-friendly hotel offering complimentary breakfast and spacious rooms.
❓Why stay here?
For roomy, economical comfort near Rainier’s southeast entrance.
➡️ Click here for the latest prices
✅ The Best Parts: Affordable, large rooms, free breakfast.
❎ The Worst Parts: Limited amenities.
✳️ This is the perfect choice for: Road-trippers and hikers looking for a practical base near Rainier.
➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices
Best Mount Rainier Hotels Map
Use this map to see where these Mount Rainier hotels WA are located and choose the best area based on your trip plan — whether you want to stay near Paradise, Longmire, or the northeast Sunrise area
Enjoy your stay wherever you choose!
Do you have any other tip picks for the best hotels close to Mount Rainier? I’d love to hear about it. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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