A crackling fire.  Birds chirping.  Elk grazing.  A fresh spring snow fall outside our cabin window.  Excited 6-year old exclamations.  Twisting, turning mountain roads that took my breath away, and brought tears to my eyes.  Clip-clopping horse hooves as they navigate the trail.  Bubbling geothermal phenomena.  The yummy crunch of snowshoes and sleds on fresh snow.

These are the sights and sounds lingering in my mind from a spring time visit to Mount Rainier.  Of course any time of year will provide visitors with a remarkable experience, but spring brings surprises and changes as the mountain and surrounding area transition from a long winter.  Plus, don’t tell anyone else, you’ll find fewer crowds, giving you more space to take-in this wonderland in all it’s glory.

To maximize your time, in the following quick guide, you’ll find ideas for family-friendly lodging, activities, and dining in Elbe and Ashford, the towns that serve as a gateway to Mount Rainier’s Nisqually (south) entrance.

Where to Stay near Mount Rainier

Mounthaven Resort

Located just 1/2 mile from the Mount Rainier’s entrance, the cabins, vacation homes, and camping sites of the forested Mount Haven Resort make a lovely home base for families.  Cabins and vacations homes provide plenty of room for family members to spread out, and amenities like hot tubs, a playground and games, and on-site laundry facility supply comfort and fun!

Altimeter Cabin

Also located on a heavily wooded property, and located about 3.5 miles from Mount Rainier’s Nisqually entrance, the Altimeter Cabin has a way of transporting travelers to a magical land.  This magical land features a slower pace of life, and focuses on what really matters: togetherness, connection, and the great outdoors!  The cabin, formerly owned by mountaineer Lou Whittaker, is expertly equipped, and thoughtfully decorated with nods to the natural environment and history of the property.

Kids will love the cozy loft featuring 2 twin beds, the putting green just outside the front door, cozy hammock, game collection, and inviting hot tub.  Parents will appreciate the comfortable queen bed with quality linens, indoor and outdoor cooking options, and the chance to sooth aching muscles in the cabin’s gorgeous claw foot tub!

Activities in and around Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park

• Hit the trail: Wander the Trail of the Shadows (0.7 miles) from Mount Rainier’s Longmire district, and learn about local history, natural science from the informative signs and placards.  If snow is sufficient, consider renting snowshoes from Whittaker Mountaineering before heading into the park.  Extend the trek, by adding Rampart Ridge (5.2 loop), or follow the Nisqually River along the Wonderland Trail (Cougar Rock Campground is a good aim at 2 miles) until little legs tire out!
• Catch a view: If the mountain is cooperating, stop at the Kautz Creek viewpoint on your way to Longmire or Paradise, or just take a break at one of the many stopping points along the way. Did you know that the roads in Mount Rainier National Park were designed to be an experience, not just merely a way to get from point a to point b?
• Play in the snow: The sledding runs close in late March or early April (weather and condition dependent), but there is still plenty of snow to trudge through or pick up an impromptu snow ball fight at Paradise or even nearby Narada Falls.  Speaking of falls, the waterfalls of the park are quite spectacular this time of year thanks to spring time snow melt.
• Become a Junior Ranger: Stop by one of the Visitor Centers, at either Longmire or Paradise, and pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Book from a ranger.  Kids choose activities to complete based on their age.  Then upon completion and check-in with a ranger, they are awarded with a badge and certificate.
• Dive into history, science, and nature: Explore the interactive exhibits at the Longmire Museum or Jackson Visitor Center to learn more about Mount Rainier history, flora, fauna, geology, and weather patterns.  Many exhibits are interactive, and some even have a game or competitive element, so kids will find these areas highly engaging.

EZ Times Horseback Trail Riding

Take in our Pacific Northwest trails in a whole new way! Nestled in the foothills of Mount Rainier, EZ Times offers horseback experiences for nearly all ages and abilities.  My 6-year old and I were treated to a 1-hour trail ride above EZ Time’s property and into Elbe Hills State Forest.  Our horses, Homer and Destiny, were gentle and well trained.  Staff patiently oriented us, and created a ride that truly lived up to the business’ name!

Bergen (his first time riding a horse) was led via rope on Homer by our guide, Thomas, while I rode Desiny in the back of our pack of four.  Longer rides for older and more experienced riders are also available, as well as simple rides around the immediate property for younger children.

Explore Ashford and Elbe

• Whittaker Mountaineering: Great spot to rent snowshoes. Staff provides up-to-date information on trails and conditions. Kids will also enjoy testing their skills on the climbing walls (outside and open to everyone) or taking a ride in the chairlift swing.

• Ashford County Park: This forested park features an easy 1.2 mile walking path and inviting playground, and comes out of hibernation (from fall and winter closure) just in time for spring!
• Mt. Rainier Railroad & Museum: Families can take a ride on this historic steam train starting in May, or just take in the beauty of the trains (along with nearby Hobo Inn’s restored railway carriages) year round.
• The Little White Church of Elbe: One of the smallest, most adorable churches! With limited hours, you might not able about to explore the inside, but it’s worth your time to take a peek at this nationally recognized church.

Dining in and around Mount Rainier

• Copper Creek Inn

A visit to Mount Rainier just wouldn’t be complete for our family without stopping in for a meal at Copper Creek.  The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the theme “Country cooking with an urban flare”.  Make sure to leave room for a slice, generously portioned, big enough for a family to share, of their blackberry pie!

• Elbe Junction

This charming market serves Olympia Coffee Roasting Company coffee and espresso along with a nice selection of MarketSpice Teas.  In addition to high quality snacks, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, the store features art, clothing, and other handmade items from local artists and businesses.

• Whittaker’s Cafe and Espresso

After picking up rental gear or supplies at Whittaker Mountaineering, stop into their cafe for a hot drink, treat, or warm breakfast.  You can also get a little history lesson and orientation with their namesake and founder, mountaineer, Lou Whittaker.

• National Park Inn Dining Room

After a long hike, the National Park Inn Dining Room located in the Longmire district of Mount Rainier National Park, is the perfect spot to fill your belly with comfort food! Also a great spot for kids to work on their Junior Ranger Activity book while they wait.

In the words of Robin Williams, “Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party!” Have you visited Mount Rainier National Park, and during which season?

This post was created in collaboration (with compensation provided) with Visit Rainier, the official site of Mount Rainier. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

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