Every season is Rainier season - Lodging & Dining Activities & Events Trip Tips & Map
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S P R I N G F A M I L Y E D I T I O N Every season is Rainier season. Discover a mountain of fun this spring. Lodging & Dining Activities & Events Trip Tips & Map You've seen the postcards now make the memories. Is this the year you Rainier?
Table of Contents Is this the spring you 3 Crystal Mountain- take a break to stretch Washington’s largest ski resort your legs and take in 4 Crystal Mountain Lodging some fresh mountain 5 Dining in the Sunrise air? Whether it’s your and the Crystal Mountain Area first visit or your 50th, 6 Enumclaw your family can be 7 Enumclaw Dining among people from all 8 Enumclaw Lodging around the world who 9 Paradise & The Nisqually Valley come to explore the 10 Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Mount Rainier area, 11 Lodging at Longmire, Paradise including a temperate and the Surrounding Area rainforest, scenic steam 12 Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum train rides, horseback 13 Pioneer Farms and Ohop Indian Village riding, ziplining, hiking 13 Lowland Hiking and so much more. 14 Ashford County Park Come explore the most natural playground in 14 Ex Nihilo Sculpture Park Washington State. 14 Horseback Riding 15 Trip Tips 2 | VACATION PLANNER
Crystal Mountain- Washington’s largest ski resort The springtime flowers bloom in the valley but there’s SPECIAL EVENTS plenty of snow up at the mountain. Visitors can spend March 31, 2018 time on the slopes until April 23. With designated Wild Skills Junior Ski Patrol family areas, on-site equipment rentals, a kid’s club, and lessons available, the staff at Crystal Mountain make family fun at the mountain so easy! And even better, kids 10 and under get a free lift ticket when skiing with an adult. Even if you’re not a skier springtime on the mountain offers something for everyone. The Mt. Rainier Gondola rides deliver breathtaking scenery. In fact, on a clear day you can see Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, AND Mount St. Helens! And when you get hungry the Summit House serves up Washington’s highest elevation dining experience. At the base of Crystal Mountain you’ll find the friendly city of Enumclaw. This charming small- town offers big views of Rainier. Families can take a swing at the Enumclaw Golf Course. Rental clubs are available on site for adults and kids as young as six. 3 | VACATION PLANNER
Crystal Mountain Lodging Alta Crystal Resort Get the kids around a fire. Tell stories in a tepee. Whether you book a log cabin in the forest by a mountain stream or a resort with Pacific Northwest Elk Crossing Vacation Rental charm and modern-day amenities your family vacay near Crystal Mountain is a short drive from waterfalls, gondola rides, and horseback riding. There are over a dozen cabins, historic lodges, resorts, motels and vacation rentals and they’re only one click away. Elk Crossing Vacation Rental Tahoma Cabin Crystal Rainier Retreat 4 | VACATION PLANNER
Dining in the Sunrise and the Crystal Mountain Area A few of our flagship restaurants on this side of the mountain like the Alpine Inn and Summit House are closed for the fall but here’s where you can go to keep everyone in the family happy and avoid anyone feeling hangry. For a bite to eat this fall when exploring the Sunrise area visit: Alpine Inn Open March 21 thru mid-April. American fare shares the menu with European comfort food at this cozy eatery with a casual ambiance. Naches Tavern While the weather’s nice families can enjoy outdoor seating. The outdoor area is kid-friendly seating. The indoor seating is reserved for the 21 and older crowd. Families should dine early as at the establishment is 21 and older from 9:00 PM to close. Summit House Open March 21 thru mid-April. The Summit House is the highest elevation Naches Tavern dining experience in all of Washington State. This family-friendly lodge- like restaurant on a mountaintop features American fare, a deck & views of Mt. Rainier. Wapati Woolies A great shop to stop and visit for souvenirs, coffee, milkshakes, chocolates and snacks. Wapati Woolies Click here for a complete list of area restaurants: visitrainier.com/food-and-drink 5 | VACATION PLANNER
Enumclaw courtesy ??????????????????????????? This is a great gateway city to Rainier with great restaurants, golfing and affordable lodging. In As a gateway city to Rainier, Enumclaw offers a variety of restaurants, shops and activities. Happiness is ice cream, chocolate, and caramels! There’s a delicious shop in Enumclaw called Sweet Necessities. Here you’ll find closed, parking is available to the west off of SR chocolates, truffles, caramels and fabulous 410. Parking Pass/Entry Fee: Discover Pass fudge made from scratch in small batches using quality ingredients. The store also sells bulk The Enumclaw Golf Course is an 18-hole teas, espresso and ice cream. facility that meanders through tall pines in one of the Northwest’s most beautiful golf Let the kids burn off that sugar on the walking settings below Mt. Rainer. With some of the trails in the Federation Forest State Park. most challenging Par 3’s, smaller greens and Explore the mostly flat and partially shaded a tricky Par 5 on number 7, the uniqueness trails. You’ll be rewarded with From Enumclaw of this course offers something for everyone. travel east on SR 410 about 18 miles, at milepost Early birds may see some of the local wildlife 41 find well-signed Federation Forest State Park including deer, elk, coyote, otters, herons and on the right-hand side of the highway. There is bald eagles as well as salmon coming up Boise a restroom and ranger office along the trail. Creek during spawning season. A restaurant is Driving Directions: From Enumclaw follow on site with a kid’s menu. Located just off State state Route 410 for nearly 17 miles east to park Highway 410 at 45220 288th Avenue Southeast, entrance (Milepost 41). When the park gate is with easy parking and access. 6 | VACATION PLANNER
Enumclaw Dining Charlie’s Café Family owned and operated in Enumclaw since 1976. Known for breakfast specialties, great food and excellent customer service. Voted best breakfast in town! Try the Bigfoot Challenge or the 4th of July Waffle. Great for groups. Catering services available. Historic Mint Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and the most amazing fries! The kids’ menu is served on a Mint frisbee with a kid’s drink and choice of fruit or fries. Parent’s try the bacon jam burger. Jackson’s Pizza Gourmet pizzas, hearty pastas, “grinders” specialty sandwiches that promise to fill your family up. Kelly’s Mercantile Open for lunch and dinner. Kid approved “Merc and Cheese” along with other favorites. Casual dining. Delicious sandwiches, salads and seasonal entrees made with locally sourced ingredients. Rainier Bar and Grill If you are looking for good food, charming atmosphere and some history of the Mountain this establishment was named after, you’ve found it. Historic photos adorn the walls, offering a touch of authenticity and nostalgia. The Kettle The Kettle serves breakfast and burgers. Kids and groups welcome, large and small. Invite your family and friends for coffee, breakfast or lunch breaks. Breakfast scrambles are the favorite meal with enough to share or box up and take home! The Lee Comfort food, good company and plenty of coffee. Meals served up home-style – breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Local Need a caffeine boost? Stop by The Local. This coffeehouse and modern day general store serves Stumptown Coffee, lattes, protein shakes, and assorted grab and go food with a welcoming kids’ corner. Click here for a complete list of Enumclaw area restaurants: visitrainier.com/food-and-drink 7 | VACATION PLANNER
Enumclaw Lodging Courtesy Cedars Inn Families visiting Enumclaw will discover an affordable motel with an outdoor heated pool and an Inn located within walking distance of dining and shops. This is comfortable lodging for your family to establish your Mt. Rainier home base. For personal assistance over the phone, please contact the friendly team at the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce Courtesy GuestHouse Inn Visitor Center (360) 825-7666. 8 | VACATION PLANNER
Paradise & The Nisqually Valley Mount Rainier National Park – Winter isn’t over SPECIAL EVENTS up here. Come play in March 24-25, 2018 the snow this spring. Guided Snowshoe Walks at Mt. Rainier National Park Warmer weather makes March 31-April 1, 2018 spring a great time to play in the mountains. Guided Snowshoe Walks at Mt. Rainier National Park Be sure to pack your April 1, 2018 sunscreen and a smile! Easter Sunday Brunch at the National Park Inn If you’ve got a 4th grader April 21, 2018 in the family, take Fee-free Days at Mount Rainier National Park advantage of the “Every May 13, 2018 Kid in a Park” program Mother’s Day Buffet at the National Park Inn to get free admission. 9 | VACATION PLANNER
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Located in the valley forest wild animals await. See the area’s most exciting wildlife in their natural habitat at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Moose, elk, mountain goats, and more fascinating animals are waiting to be seen on guided tours led by a naturalist through 435 acres of meadows and forests. Included with your admission is access to a new nature inspired playground. Toddlers to tweens will love to climb, slide and explore Kids’ Trek. If you’re up for even more adventure than consider adding on the Zip Wild Adventure Courses. The Super Kid Course is geared for tykes as young as five. The Discovery Course and Aerial Runway are best for ages 8 and up. The Adventure Course is open to ages ten and up. The challenging Sensation Course is ready for ages eighteen and up. Families of all ages can easily enjoy several hours of fun here. courtesy of Northwest Trek and Wildlife Park courtesy of Northwest Trek and Wildlife Park SPECIAL EVENTS April 7 -8, 2018 Spring Fling at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park April 7, 2018 Photo Tours at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park May 5, 2018 Photo Tours at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park June 2, 2018 Photo Tours at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park 10 | VACATION PLANNER
Lodging at Longmire, Paradise and the Surrounding Area Alder Cabin at Mounthaven Resort Three Bears Cabin It’s a big mountain with Stone Creek Lodge Cabin so much to discover. Stay overnight and wake up rested and ready for adventure. There are two historic lodges inside the National Park that have been welcoming families for over a century. These include the Paradise Inn, which will close October 2 for the season, and The National Park Inn, which stays open year-round. Just minutes away from the entrance you’ll find nearly 20 family-friendly cabins, inns, resorts and vacation rentals ready to accommodate you. Nisqually Lodge Take a break from all the back to school hustle-bustle and come play this fall! Want personal assistance on the phone? Call the Mt. Rainier Visitor Association at (360) 569-0910 11 | VACATION PLANNER
courtesy Allen’s Photographic Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum – All aboard living history! There’s nothing quite like riding a 100-year old steam train into the forest and over a glacial fed river! Train tickets include admission to a logging museum, home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of steam logging locomotives as well as stories of the pioneers of railroad logging camps in the early to mid-1900’s. 12 | VACATION PLANNER
Pioneer Farms Pioneer Farms and Ohop Indian and Ohop Village. No TV screen Indian Village or wi-fi required to have fun here. Come enjoy some hands-on natural fun. A visit to Pioneer Farms and Ohop Village gives families a chance to feel like they’ve stepped back in time. This interactive living history museum encourages kids to experience an old-fashioned farm and village. Learn how to milk a cow, gather eggs and more. Lowland Hiking When you hike the lowland area it can feel like spring one minute, and winter the next. Trails may be snow-free but are often muddy so wear boots and gaiters and dress accordingly. Be sure to get an up-to-date weather forecast to be prepared for the unexpected any time of the year as you prepare to enjoy the beauty of the Northwest. 13 | VACATION PLANNER
Ashford County Park Ashford County Park – Families will enjoy letting the littles get out and run around the Ashford County Park playground. There’s no admission and plenty of free parking. photo courtesy BoonDogWorld Ex Nihilo Closed in April Sculpture Park but opening again for the season in May. Enjoy dozens of Dan Klennert sculptures made from recycled iron. Whimsical life-size sculptures of horses, dinosaurs, trains and more inspire children to see the beauty and potential of three-dimensional art. Horseback Riding Horseback riding in Elbe is an experience your kids will never forget. Families can opt for a short hand-led ride around the grounds or saddle up for a longer trail ride through the forest. Come experience the area atop your new four-legged friend. 14 | VACATION PLANNER
Trip Tips Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your trip: • Place advance reservations so save your spot. • Top off your tank when you get the chance as the Mt. Rainier region covers several miles and gas stations are spread out. • Print out your driving directions or save them to your phone because there are sections of the region that don’t have cell service or wi-fi. • Check the road conditions before you drive. Bring chains for your vehicle if you’re planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park in March or April. • Knowing what the weather is going to do, and dressing accordingly, will ensure you enjoy yourself.ccordingly, will ensure you enjoy yourself. 15 | VACATION PLANNER
Every season is Follow us on Facebook Rainier season. and Instagram to read visitors’ stories from their spring trips, and be sure to share your own stories by tagging us in your posts using #VisitRainier.
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