Mount Rainier reflected in Tipsoo Lake at golden hour

Your Rainier playbook — six miles from the cabin

Your Rainier playbook

Everything between the cabin door and the summit, organized by what you actually want to do. No fluff, no filler — just the stuff worth your time.

Start here

What are you here for?

Pick your mission. We'll tell you exactly where to go.

I want the iconic photo

Reflection LakesClassic mirror reflection of Rainier. Best at dawn before the wind picks up.
Tipsoo LakeWildflowers + Rainier in a single frame. Peak bloom July through August.
Myrtle FallsWaterfall, meadow, and Rainier together — the trifecta shot.
Christine FallsStone bridge framing a waterfall. Works in any season.
Narada Falls168-foot waterfall with a paved viewpoint. Quick stop, big payoff.
Ricksecker PointWide panoramic valley views. Bring the telephoto.

I want to earn it

Easy

Trail of the Shadows0.7 mi · 50 ft gain
Nisqually Vista1.2 mi · 200 ft gain
Narada Falls0.4 mi · 160 ft gain
Carter & Madcap Falls2.2 mi · 500 ft gain

Moderate

Skyline Trail5.5 mi · 1,700 ft gain
Comet Falls3.8 mi · 1,400 ft gain
Bench & Snow Lake2.5 mi · 700 ft gain
Rampart Ridge4.6 mi · 1,339 ft gain

Strenuous

Camp Muir9 mi · 4,680 ft gain
Eagle Peak7.2 mi · 2,955 ft gain
Gobblers Knob6.6 mi · 1,500 ft gain

I want to eat well

Wildberry RestaurantAshford — Huckleberry pancakes, trail-day breakfast
Copper Creek RestaurantAshford — Steaks, timber-lodge atmosphere
Whittaker's CafeAshford — Good coffee, mountaineering history on the walls
Rainier BaseCamp Bar & GrillAshford — Craft beer, post-hike burgers
ScaleburgersElbe (7 mi west) — Cash-only burger stand. Worth the detour.
National Park Inn Dining RoomLongmire (inside park) — Year-round dining, warm after a winter hike
Paradise Inn Dining RoomParadise (inside park) — Late May through early October only

I want to do nothing

Hot tub in the rain
“We enjoyed the sound of the rain from the hot tub.”
Fire pit with s'mores
“Having an awesome fire and making s'mores brought back so many happy childhood memories!”
Coffee on the porch, deer in the backyard
“Being greeted by mama Doe & her 2 fawns was magical!”

“Having an awesome fire and making s'mores brought back so many happy childhood memories!”

Guest book entry

When to come

Every season hits different

Rainier is a four-season destination. Click a season to see what it looks like from the cabin.

☀️ Summer at Redtail

Peak season. Long days, wildflowers everywhere, trails fully open. The hot tub under the stars hits different after a 10-mile day.

Paradise hiking at full capacity
Wildflower meadows in bloom
Stargazing from the fire pit
All park roads open

Pro tip: Arrive early — parking lots at Paradise fill by 10 AM on weekends.

Summer at Redtail Rendezvous near Mount Rainier

Before you go

The practical stuff

🎟️ Park entrance fees

$30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $80 for an annual pass (covers all national parks). Pay at the Nisqually gate or buy online at nps.gov.

🚗 Getting here from Seattle

About 2 hours via I-5 South to WA-7 to WA-706. The last stretch through Elbe and Ashford is two-lane highway with occasional logging trucks. No stress, just pace yourself.

🛒 Nearest grocery

Eatonville is about 20 minutes west and has a full grocery store, gas stations, and a hardware store. Stock up before you get to Ashford — options are limited once you’re here.

The lay of the land

Your interactive Rainier map

Every trail, restaurant, photo spot, and scenic drive — mapped from the cabin door. Click any pin for details and directions.

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Lock in your dates

Book direct for the best rate. Same cabin, same hosts, no platform fees.