We once spent 5 hours driving from Seattle to Rainier and waiting in a LONG line on an august weekend, so...just don't do that. Stay as close to the park as possible.

We stayed at an ABnB about 10 minutes from the Paradise entrance. Worked great! Not much in the way of groceries nearby though. Bring food!

We did this trip last year. Stayed at Paradise Inn because yes it’s a long drive in and out of the park. And that’s on top of an already long drive from Olympic.

My advice is to make park reservations way in advance, and aim for midweek. Personally I would try to stay in the park itself. You can leave and come back, but is a huge park and a long drive in/out of the park. If you spend two days, you may be able to drive in the southwest entrance, camp or stay at the Paradise Inn, and then drive out on the northeast side so you don't have to backtrack. But if you don't mind the drive and the long lines to get into the park, I would probably go for Crystal Mountain. It's a ski resort and it has views, a nice restaurant, and (I think) wifi. Lots of the park doesn't have wifi and the Paradise Inn doesn't IIRC.

Ha... I knew something was off. My bad.

I just got the sillies. I’m literally laughing out loud imagining people who accidentally came to Mt Ranier for a hike.

What are you talking about? I think you have the wrong Washington and wrong mt. Rainier

🤣 you are in for the shock of your life if you plan some grand trip to DC to visit Mt Rainier Maryland

We are visiting Washington in August. Coming from Olympic National Park (the Forks) to Mt. Rainier. We are trying to figure out a base for 2 days to explore the park. Has anyone done this trip? We are torn between Ashford, Packwood and Crystal mountain area. Plan to hike both days. TIA!