5 minute read
National Parks
Where to Stay
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Three Bears Cabins
Being located less than a minute from the Mount Rainier National Park entrance allows for the benefits of being close to the area while not having to deal with the slopes or traffic. The cabin is roomy and cozy simultaneously, with a loft-style second story and large open air dining room. There is also a spacious kitchen with all the fixings, so plan to bring food for lunch and dinner, but leave the dishes behind. For breakfast they’ve got you covered with pancake/waffle mix, a waffle iron, and maple syrup. The outdoors area is just beautiful and perfect for roasting marshmallows on the outdoor fire and relaxing in the large hot tub.
Lake Quinault Lodge
Located in the Olympic National Park, this Lodge built in 1926 is beautiful to look at, and heavily references the wooded forest surroundings of the park. The walls are lined with original black and white photographs of the construction of the lodge and historical snaps of the local area. It’s a neat feature that involves you more in the history of the people and the lodge itself. There’s even the piano originally saved from the first version of the lodge, which burned down in the twenties. I highly recommend staying in their Fireplace Rooms. A quick walk from the lobby and pool, these rooms offer more privacy than staying in the main lodge and a grand view of the lake.
Mt. Baker Lodging
With over 90 vacation rentals in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mt. Baker Lodging is a great spot for those looking for a quiet nature retreat. Each of the 90 vacation rentals are unique in their own way and equipped with everything to feel like a home away from home. Properties feature hot tubs, full kitchens, BBQs, WiFi, cable and more! Last winter we spent a winter getaway in a small cabin that sat on a small hill looking over a frosty forest, with enormous glass doors and windows providing the view. However, don’t only think of Mt. Baker as a winter getaway. It also makes for a fantastic summer trip, filled with hiking and bird watching.
Wellspring Spa
Located just off the National Park Hwy and about 10 minutes from the entrance to the Mt. Rainier Park, this small spa and lodging company is perfect for your next romantic getaway. During our last visit we stayed in a rustic cabin with a full size kitchen, wood burning fireplace, private two-person soaking tub and a king size bed. Wellspring is a popular wedding spot and even has a bridal cottage for that special day. The grounds are beautiful and during the summer there are several ways to entertain yourself. Some our of favorites include walking their hiking trails, lounging on the hammocks and visiting their spa. Be sure to check out their new Treehouse!
Where to Dine
Roosevelt Restaurant
Located inside the Lake Quinault Lodge is the historic Roosevelt Restaurant, named for the time President Franklin Roosevelt visited and had lunch there in 1937. They have a wide selection of food for all meals including dessert, and wide windows providing sweeping views of the lake and surrounding forests. They even have several hummingbird feeders hanging outside, so don’t be surprised to see a few of them humming around. Although they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, we highly recommend stopping by for dinner and trying the Shepherd’s Pie, or pumpkin ravioli. The lunch menu is mostly dominated by sandwiches and burgers, which is an easy crowd pleaser.
Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining
Set a few miles out of the Mt. Rainier National Park, this family owned and operated since 1987 diner is perfect for a pit stop or full dinner. Located in an old caboose, it offers a unique dining experience with mouth-watering house smoked tastes including alder smoked prime rib, smoked poultry and pork and fish. In the restaurant they offer a full line of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. During the summer months they have a lounge where you can enjoy an outside beer garden through Labor Day. Try their famous Derailer or one of their many other signature cocktails. Inside the lounge you can enjoy the full menu service in a friendly and fun environment.
What to Do
Visit the Beaches
If you get tired of the rain forest and want to soak up the sun and take advantage of the summer sunshine, what’s better than heading to the ocean! There are several great beaches to check out within a half hour drive of Lake Quinault, located right inside the Olympic National Park. Driving along the scenic Washington Coast is enough of a treat, but if you want to see something truly extraordinary, we recommend the Tree Root Cave at Kalaloch Campground. It’s a tree that had the soil under it eroded away over time, yet the depth of the roots on the side allows it to still stand. It appears to hover and is not only an exceptional sight of nature, but also a great photo opportunity to show your friends.
Rainforest Tour
With the Olympic National Park comes the Rainforest, a lush, green paradise bordering the beautiful lake front. Tours are provided that last around four hours, so it’s not a quick trip you can try for a lark. But once you get started, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. The tour is run by a guide in a small bus that seats comfortably about ten people. Your guide will share interesting facts on the different species of trees to be seen, the history of the Native American tribes that lived in the area, and the expeditions attempted by the early explorers.
Follow the Wildflowers
In the summer months, the meadows surrounding Paradise at Mount Rainier become alive with color and folks come from all over the world to delight in their beauty. Marvel over pink penstemon, purple lupine, yellow cinquefoils, red paintbrush and bright white avalanche lilies. Set out on the system of paved nature trails from Paradise and venture into these dazzling meadows. The gentle family-friendly Nisqually Vista Trail is a fan favorite for meandering the mountainside. For a more strenuous journey, continue up the Skyline Trail.
