A historic 1917 mountain lodge perched at 5,400 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, offering unparalleled access to the park's wildflower meadows and glaciers. The grand dining room and rustic timber architecture make it iconic.
Paradise Inn is a National Historic Landmark perched at 5,400 feet elevation within the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State, offering one of America's most distinctive mountain lodging experiences. Built in 1917 from massive Alaskan yellow cedar logs salvaged from a 1908 snowfall that flattened thousands of trees, the inn's rustic timber architecture — featuring a great hall, stone fireplaces, and hand-hewn furniture crafted from the original cedar — has welcomed guests for over a century beneath the glaciers and wildflower meadows of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic volcano.
The inn's location within the national park places it at the center of the Paradise area's remarkable natural environment. The surrounding meadows receive more snowfall annually than almost any inhabited location in the world, supporting year-round snowfields and in summer transforming into one of North America's most spectacular wildflower displays, with over 50 species of subalpine flowers blooming from mid-July through mid-August.
Accommodations consist of 121 rooms distributed between the original 1917 building and a 1920 annex, ranging from modest rooms with shared baths to private en-suite rooms. The rooms are rustic by design — reflecting the national park lodge tradition — without televisions and with limited Wi-Fi. The atmosphere emphasizes historic character and the spectacular outdoor setting over modern conveniences.
The inn's main dining room, with its cathedral-height ceilings, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Pacific Northwest influences. A gift shop and lounge occupy the grand lobby. Ranger-led programs, guided hikes, and snowshoe tours are available seasonally, and the Visitor Center is a short walk away.
Paradise Inn operates from late May through mid-October, managed by the park's concessionaire. The inn's south-slope position on Mount Rainier provides unobstructed views of the Muir Snowfield, Gibraltar Rock, and Nisqually Glacier from rooms and surrounding terraces.
Amenities
- restaurant
- gift shop
- guided activities
- wifi limited
Location
52807 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
46.7862, -121.7363 View on map
Highlights
- National Historic Landmark mountain lodge built in 1917 from Alaskan yellow cedar logs
- Perched at 5,400 feet within Mount Rainier National Park with glacier and snowfield views
- One of North America's most spectacular subalpine wildflower displays surrounds the inn in summer
- Grand cedar great hall with stone fireplaces and original hand-hewn furniture dating to 1917
- Gateway to trails toward Camp Muir, Skyline Loop, and the Muir Snowfield on Mount Rainier
Tips for visiting
- Book rooms six months or more in advance — the inn fills completely for summer weekends.
- Peak wildflower season runs mid-July through mid-August; plan visits within this window for maximum color.
- Paradise Road may close in spring due to snow — confirm road access dates before traveling.
- Morning hours at Paradise offer the clearest views before afternoon clouds build over the summit.
- Pack layers regardless of season — temperatures at 5,400 feet drop sharply even on warm summer days.
Accessibility
Paradise Inn has limited accessibility due to its historic designation and mountain terrain. A small number of ground-floor accessible rooms are available with advance booking, but the original 1917 building has uneven floors and multiple levels without elevator access. The National Park Service Visitor Center at Paradise has fully accessible facilities and paved overlook paths with mountain views.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Paradise Inn open?
Paradise Inn typically opens in late May and closes in early to mid-October depending on snowfall. The National Park Service website publishes opening and closing dates annually.
Do rooms at Paradise Inn have private bathrooms?
Some rooms have private en-suite bathrooms; others in the original 1917 building share facilities. Private bath rooms cost more and should be requested at booking.
Is there cell service or Wi-Fi at Paradise Inn?
Wi-Fi is available but limited given the remote mountain elevation. Cell service is extremely limited or absent in the Paradise area. Guests should plan accordingly.
How do visitors get to Paradise Inn?
Paradise Inn is reached via SR-706 from the Nisqually entrance on the south side of Mount Rainier National Park, approximately 19 miles from Ashford — a 45-minute drive. A National Park pass or fee is required at the entrance.
Is Paradise Inn suitable for families with children?
Yes. The inn has connecting rooms and the surrounding national park offers excellent family hiking on paved and gravel trails. The Visitor Center nearby runs ranger programs for children.