Paradise, WA

Travel Guide

Paradise showing mountains
Paradise featuring snow
Paradise
Paradise which includes snow
Paradise which includes snow

With meadows of wildflowers at your feet and snowy peaks looming above you, it’s easy to see how this area in Mount Rainier National Park earned its name. 

Paradise is Mount Rainier National Park’s most visited area. Enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, visit its famous inn or hike among wildflowers and waterfalls to understand why it was originally deemed a paradise.

Begin your visit at the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center for exhibits, a film and general information about Paradise and the park. Sign up for a guided ranger tour. Buy a souvenir in the gift shop or have a snack in the cafeteria. 

Visit the quaint gray Paradise Ranger Station, which greets visitors entering the area. If you plan on climbing, skiing or camping, stop in the Guide House at the Paradise Climbing Information Center to apply for a climbing permit and get details about backcountry camping. Obtain services formerly available at the ranger station here.  

For a memorable stay, check into the Paradise Inn. This stone lodge, standing in Mount Rainier’s shadow since 1916, is recognized as a shining original example of “parkitecture,” the rustic building aesthetic preferred by the National Park Service. Step out the inn’s front door to access miles of hiking trails.

Trek along the short, relatively flat Nisqually Vista Trail for views of its namesake glacier, which occupies a large part of Mount Rainier’s southwestern face. The wheelchair-accessible portion of Skyline Trail leads to Myrtle Falls, with one of the most iconic views in the park. Take a moderate 1.3-hour hike on Alta Vista Trail through the valley’s wildflowers. 

From the Paradise Inn, follow Paradise Valley Road, a one-way road providing a winding journey through the wildflower-filled valley. Delight in summer’s pastels and autumn’s brilliant oranges, yellows and reds. 

Head east of Paradise Valley to Inspiration Point, a scenic overlook offering awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range beyond. 

In sun and snow, Paradise is a great place to visit year-round. Weather necessitates seasonal closures of some areas. Check with the National Park Service to see what’s open during your visit.

Paradise Inn

Paradise Inn

3 out of 5
52807 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ashford. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mount Rainier National Park and ...
"Great historical hotel, beautiful place, really enjoyed staying there. Great location, so close to lots of trails, amazing park. What I did not like much: quality and variety of meals at the restaurant was not great. The hotel has just one restaurant, it is expensive, but the meals are not good enough ..."

Reviewed on 2024/12/1

Paradise Inn
Cowlitz River Lodge

Cowlitz River Lodge

2.5 out of 5
13069 US HWY 12, P.O. BOX 488, Packwood, WA
The price is NT$4,156 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$4,156
NT$4,572 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Packwood. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"15 minutes from breathtaking views of Mt. Ranier"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Cowlitz River Lodge
Packwood Lodge

Packwood Lodge

2 out of 5
13807 U.S. Highway 12, Packwood, WA
The price is NT$5,352 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
NT$5,352
NT$5,887 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this lodge in Packwood. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great property. People are nice. Best of all, is the breakfast/lunch ( Santo Milagro) restaurant across the parking lot."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Packwood Lodge
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! (1,632 reviews)
"This was a great place to stay. We booked the family cabin to fit 4 people for 2 nights and it was spacious and very clean. The bathroom was clean and the beds were very comfortable. Check-in was fast and easy. Parking was easy and right outside of our cabin. Our cabin backed to a stream - which ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (146 reviews)
"Great spot to stay a few nights right outside Rainer. Amazing breakfast and tons of options for dinner. Cannot recommend enough."

Reviewed on 2025/7/26

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
Packwood Ski & Vacation Getaway

Packwood Ski & Vacation Getaway

3.5 out of 5
113 Belfair Court, Packwood, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Packwood. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
"We had a very restful and relaxing time in this amazing cabin"

Reviewed on 2025/7/17

Packwood Ski & Vacation Getaway
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.

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