Elbe, WA

Travel Guide

A neat little stop for anyone who loves trains and history. Catch it on the way to Mt.Rainier because on the way back your going to be very tired!
A neat little stop for anyone who loves trains and history. Catch it on the way to Mt.Rainier because on the way back your going to be very tired!
Great little store with handmade items including tee shirts, woodwork, honey, hand wrapped rock jewelry, local flavored ice creams, etc....
Lettered prominently on the steeple of the landmark Elbe Lutheran Church is "Ev. Luth. KIRCHE" (Evangelische Lutherische Kirche), a reminder of the founders' German origins.

This tiny (18-by-24 foot) church sits on its original location in the beautiful foothills west of Mount Rainier.  The town of Elbe, Washington, has a rich German heritage and bears the name of the founders' origin, the Elbe River valley near Hamburg, Germany. As it has since 1906, the church signifies peace
and tranquility to residents and tourists alike.
 
Beginning in 1893, worshipers met in homes and the town hall until the church was constructed in 1906. A founder of the town, Heinrich Lutkens, donated the land and material for the church. Pastor Karl Kilian designed this simple yet pleasing building, and the townspeople built it themselves. Pastor Kilian served his Elbe flock from 1906 to 1933.

Forged by the town's first blacksmith, a 4-foot iron cross tops the 46-foot steeple, which houses the first bell.  The church still features its original altar and elevated pulpit as well as one of the hand-carved pews. The original Farrand & Votey bellows organ is still used for worship and weddings. Offerings are taken with the traditional "Klingelbeutel" (a small red-velvet bag with a bell on it.)

Dr. Ervin E. Krebs conducted the research that led to the church's placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Experience the simple charm of this tiny church where "time meets eternity." Worship services are held at 2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month from March through November. Please join us if you are in the area. Open during the summer for tourists, the church is also a popular place for weddings.

Volunteers care for the Elbe Ev. Kirche, relying on
donations to maintain this historic church building.
Adorable town outside of Mt. Rainier. Historic little white church, Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, $1 Rainier cherries and a burger joint catering to bikers. If I'm not mistaken, you can stay the night in one of the train cars but don't quote me on that.
Gateway Inn

Gateway Inn

3 out of 5
38820 State Route 706 East Ashford WA
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,793 reviews)
Great service, location next to the park entrance, very quiet in the inside, loved the fireplace.

Reviewed on 2026/1/9

Gateway Inn
Paradise Village Hotel

Paradise Village Hotel

2.5 out of 5
31811 WA-706 Ashford WA
The price is NT$3,232 per night from Jan 21 to Jan 22
NT$3,232
NT$3,558 total
Jan 21 - Jan 22
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! (674 reviews)
Great experience workers were so nice loved the atmosphere food was delicious room smelled nice and was kept really clean

Reviewed on 2026/1/12

Paradise Village Hotel
National Park Inn

National Park Inn

2.5 out of 5
47009 Paradise Rd E Ashford WA
Stay at this hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (299 reviews)
Excellent! everyone was so happy and welcoming. The room was great. Liked the food at the restaurant and the lovely fireplace and amenities. If you’re looking to disconnect and relax, this is the place to go. We’ll be returning soon!

Reviewed on 2026/1/3

National Park Inn
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,793 reviews)
Great service, location next to the park entrance, very quiet in the inside, loved the fireplace.

Reviewed on 2026/1/9

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 cabin in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Allen Memorial Forest and Ashford Natural Resource Conservation ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (160 reviews)
Loved the Sky Cabin, very cozy, clean bathroom, clear self checkin instructions, close to Mt Rainier entrance

Reviewed on 2025/10/21

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

Cities near Elbe