BASECAMP FOR THE MOUNTAIN
A curated guide to Ashford and the mountain beyond.
Tucked against the southwest entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, Fjellsangin is surrounded by trails, forest, and quiet beauty.
Here, mornings begin in mist and evenings settle beneath a canopy of stars — a rhythm shaped by cedar, snowmelt, and stillness.
In the Park
The Mountain, Up Close
Mount Rainier’s western entrance lies less than ten minutes from Fjellsangin — a gateway to waterfalls, alpine meadows, and endless views.
Each trail reveals a different face of the mountain: ancient forest one moment, glacier-fed rivers the next.
Highlights:
Nisqually Vista Trail — A gentle, paved loop through alpine meadow with panoramic views of the Nisqually Glacier.
Skyline Trail to Glacier Vista — Classic Rainier scenery: wildflower meadows, sweeping snowfields, and the mountain at eye level.
Comet Falls Trail — A steeper hike with a 320-foot waterfall reward — one of the park’s most dramatic.
Trail of the Shadows — Short and lush, with ferns, hot springs, and traces of early homesteads near Longmire.
Beyond the Trails
Scenic Drives & Hidden Corners
Stevens Canyon Road — A winding drive connecting Paradise to Ohanapecosh, with alpine lakes, Reflection Lakes, and overlooks that stop you mid-sentence.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad — Ride a restored steam train through forest and foothills, then explore the history of the region’s logging heritage.
Ashford Creek Pottery & Gallery — A peaceful studio tucked beneath evergreens, featuring handcrafted ceramics and local art inspired by Rainier.
Eat & Explore
Fuel for the Trail, Flavor for the Soul
Ashford’s dining scene is small but full of character — the kind of places where hikers trade stories over coffee and every meal feels earned by fresh air.
Local Favorites:
Whittaker’s Bunkhouse Café — Espresso, breakfast sandwiches, and trail snacks beside the climbing school.
Paradise Village Bakery & Café — Ukrainian-American comfort food in a log-lodge setting: crepes, pierogies, borscht, and cake made from scratch.
Wildberry Restaurant — Himalayan flavors and American classics — from momos to yak burgers — served by a Rainier mountaineer family.
Copper Creek Restaurant — Serving hikers since 1946, known for hearty fare and its famous wild blackberry pie.
Basecamp Bar & Grill — A relaxed spot for burgers, local beer, and conversation after a day on the trails. Grab a seat outside on summer evenings for live music and mountain air.
Prefer to stay in? Order one of our Curated Dinner Kits — locally inspired and prepared in-house for effortless evenings.
Further Afield
Small-Town Stops Worth the Drive
The mountain’s edges are dotted with towns that tell their own quiet stories — places where craftsmanship and community thrive amid forest and fog.
Whether you’re arriving from Portland or Seattle, these stops turn the journey into part of the experience.
Highlights:
Morton (from the south)
Main Ave Coffee — Espresso and house-baked pastries in a sunny café at the heart of town.
Mountain View Wood Fired Pizza — Artisan pies, local ingredients, and views that live up to the name.
Morton Country Market — A practical grocery stop with small-town warmth and locally baked goods.
Eatonville (from the north)
Cruiser Café — Comfort food and generous hospitality — a true community hub.
Mill Haus Cider Co. — Hand-crafted ciders and farm-to-table plates inside a beautifully restored barn.
Plaza Market — Best grocery stop en route from Seattle for fresh produce, snacks, and wine.
Plan Ahead
Know Before You Go
Mt. Rainier is beautiful — and unpredictable. Weather shifts fast, shops close early, and cell signal fades into silence. A little preparation ensures your trip stays effortless.
Tips:
Shop for groceries and fuel before Ashford — Eatonville or Morton offer full markets and gas.
Bring layers: rain shell, fleece, and sturdy footwear.
Carry extra water, snacks, and a printed trail map.
Download directions and trail maps before entering the park; most areas have no service.
In winter (November – April), tire chains are required for all vehicles entering Mount Rainier National Park, regardless of seasonal conditions. Check the National Park Service website for current road updates and always keep chains in your car.
Follow Leave No Trace principles — the next hiker will thank you.
Adventure When You Want It. Stillness When You Need It.
At Fjellsangin, every stay is an invitation to explore deeper — into the forest, the mountain, or simply the quiet moments between.
Whether you come for the trails or the stillness, the beauty of Rainier begins here.