Mount Rainier National Park lodging includes two very different historic hotels. Paradise Inn sits higher up the mountain, among alpine meadows as beautiful as anything in Switzerland. National Park Inn at Longmire lies nestled thousands of feet below, within a deep old growth forest. Both locations are as spiritual and beautiful as any on earth, but each has its own innate qualities.
Both lodges are great, but what are their differences?
Paradise Inn – A Huge Alpine Lodge
Paradise Inn is a National Historic Landmark; built in 1917, at 5,400 ft. (The summit is over 14,000 ft.) Paradise is open in summer, usually June through early October. The rest of the year it’s snowed in. See Paradise Inn web cam. The hotel rooms are nothing fancy and the walls are thin, but the lobby, with its two massive fireplaces, exposed cedar logs, and hand-carved grandfather clock, make up for it. The lodge is built from local trees and rocks from the Nisqually Glacier above, and has recently been made handicap accessible.
There are many trails through the meadows, and around August the meadows bloom with spectacular wildflowers. Trails above Paradise can get a bit steep in some parts for city folk unaccustomed to the thinner air. However, it is magnificent to walk only a short distance along the path, maybe finding a clear mountain stream and wooden bridge.
Paradise Inn:
- Higher altitude
- Only open (approx.) June – early October
- Spectacular Views
- 100 guestrooms: without bath ($104), with bath ($154)
- Dining room and snack bar
- Busloads of tourists during peak season, avoid them by taking hikes
- Sub-alpine hiking trails of great beauty
- Most mountain climbers start their journey from Paradise Inn area
National Park Inn at Longmire, Rainier Washington Accommodation
The National Park Inn at Longmire (also a National Historic Landmark) is a smaller cozier hotel near the Nisqually entrance, about 6 miles inside Mount Rainier National Park. Longmire is the second most popular destination for visitors to Mount Rainier, after Paradise. National Park Inn has a small museum, a restaurant, and 25 guestrooms with private baths. The National Park Inn at Longmire is the only accommodation open year round.
Longmire is surrounded by old growth douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. It is near Cougar Rock Campground and the 93 mile Wonderland Trail, which encircles the mountain, and is used by backcountry campers. Some of the shorter trail walks nearby are: The Trail of the Shadows, the Rampart Ridge Loop Trail (with switchbacks), and the Eagle Peak Trail (with a steady grade). In winter, the trails are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
National Park Inn at Longmire:
- Lower altitude
- Nestled in a fabulously beautiful old growth forest
- Smaller, cozier hotel
- Open year round
- Many woodland hiking trails
- Bigger rivers and streams in the lowland area
Frugal and adventurous people may be interested in the best places for Washington State Camping. There is info about campsites here, the San Juans, and Eastern Washington. No tent? No problem. Many types of outdoor camping equipment can be rented. Check out "REI Gear Rentals". Also, look at used equipment on Craigslist.
Sunrise Day Lodge, No Overnight Accommodations
Sunrise Lodge no longer has overnight accommodations. It's still a beautiful place to visit and the highest point (6400 ft) that can be reached by car in Mount Rainier National Park. The Sunrise Day Lodge is usually open July – late September, and has food service, trails, and a visitor center.
People who want more privacy and less tourists may opt to rent a cabin at Mt. Rainier. Though there are no cabin rentals within the park proper, however, there are many beautiful spots right outside the three entrances.
Best Places for Kids at Mount Rainier
The best places for kids at Mount Rainier are just outside the park, as well as inside. Children love Northwest Trek, Mount Rainier Ranger talks, trail rides on horseback, the cool Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, and just about everything near Mount Rainier.
Click here for more info about Mount Rainier.
Where is the Best Place to Stay?
There are fabulous trails, roads, views, and ranger talks all over this national park. There is no such thing as a bad place to stay. This includes Mount Rainier campgrounds, too. Mount Rainier National Park Lodging, both Paradise Inn and National Park Inn at Longmire, are one of a kind. It’s difficult to choose one hotel over the other. Both are amazing, though different. And, park visitors have many trails, ranger talks, waterfalls, picnic areas, and views to experience while driving throughout this exquisite, near pristine mountain park.
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