Your Weekend Guide to Mount Rainier’s Nisqually Entrance
The road to Mount Rainier’s Nisqually Entrance winds through old-growth forest — the kind that feels eternal. Sunlight flickers between cedar and fir, and the air turns cooler as the elevation rises. Within minutes of the gate, everything slows.
This is where Fjellsangin sits — surrounded by trees, close enough to the mountain that you can feel its quiet pull. Whether you’re here for hikes and waterfalls or just the hush of forest mornings, the Nisqually side of Rainier offers the perfect rhythm for a weekend escape.
Friday: Arrive, Unwind, Begin Again
Evenings at Fjellsangin unfold softly.
Unpack, breathe, and let the forest settle around you. There’s no rush to go anywhere — the weekend begins the moment you arrive.
If you’re feeling restless after the drive, stop by Ashford County Park for a short stroll through meadows and forest paths just five minutes away. Otherwise, stay close to home and ease into the quiet: wander the Japanese-Norwegian inspired Fjellsangin garden, listen to the wind through the evergreens, or settle onto the porch with a drink from the Sparkle Bar as the light fades through the trees.
Later, prepare one of our Curated Dinner Kits and enjoy a calm evening inside — the soft glow of the gas fire, the scent of cedar, and the stillness of the forest wrapping gently around you.
Saturday: Waterfalls, Wildflowers & Wide Horizons
Morning begins with coffee and mist drifting through the evergreens. Pack a Fjell Fuel Box or picnic and head into the park for a full day of exploration. The Nisqually Entrance gives you direct access to some of Rainier’s most iconic stops:
Christine Falls: Framed by a stone bridge, it’s a classic — especially when morning light catches the spray.
Narada Falls: Just a short walk from the parking area, this 176-foot cascade is pure drama in motion.
Paradise: The heart of Mount Rainier National Park. In summer, the meadows burst with lupine and paintbrush. In winter, snow blankets everything in silence.
Take your time. Pull off at overlooks. Breathe the mountain air that feels both ancient and electric. On the drive back, stop at the Longmire Museum for a touch of park history or grab a warm drink at the National Park Inn.
As daylight fades, return to Fjellsangin for a sauna or soak beneath the stars — that perfect blend of comfort and wildness that defines this place.
Sunday: Slow Mornings & Small-Town Charm
Your final morning deserves no hurry.
Savor breakfast by the window — perhaps Alpenglow Oats or a steaming mug from the coffee bar — and watch the forest shift from mist to morning light.
If time allows before checkout, explore a few Ashford favorites:
Ashford General Store: Stock up on local snacks, drinks, and gas for the road ahead.
Copper Creek Restaurant: Beloved for its rustic pies and comfort food served with mountain charm.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (Elbe): A nostalgic train ride through forest and foothills — open seasonally and worth the detour.
When you’re ready to leave, roll down the windows and let the scent of cedar linger. The mountain will stay with you long after you’ve gone.
Know Before You Go
Chains: Must be carried in all vehicles from November 1 – May 1, even with AWD or 4WD.
Weather: Conditions change fast — check the official National Park Service site before heading in.
Timing: Arrive early for parking at Paradise, especially on summer weekends.
