DeaditeMessiah t1_j1wm5nj wrote on December 27, 2022 at 11:07 PM

That's too early in the season to properly experience Rainier or the NCNP. Either plan more for mid July or explore the much larger and cooler Olympic NP, which is mostly open year round (stay in Forks or Port Angeles).

MaryPoppppinBottles OP t1_j1wq9sx wrote on December 27, 2022 at 11:36 PM

Thank you kind Redditor! I appreciate the feedback and recommendation. I’ll take a look at Olympic NP!

DeaditeMessiah t1_j1wsqvh wrote on December 27, 2022 at 11:54 PM

It's huge and way better than Rainier anyway. Rainier is beautiful, but you can see it from half the state.

The Olympic NP is magic. But seeing the whole park requires a lot of driving. If you are wanting to just go to one place and stay in that area, try the Lake Quinault Area of the ONP.

byebyekittytreats t1_j1x81hi wrote on December 28, 2022 at 1:49 AM

If you like old cabins, I would recommend staying at Locharie Resort. It's magical any time of year (been in Jaunary and March), there are lots of trails nearby, and waking up on the lake watching the otters and eagles in the morning is a balm for the soul. You're also not too far from the ocean if you want to get some salt air in your diet.

Perenially_behind t1_j1xpagw wrote on December 28, 2022 at 4:07 AM

The old cabins are great, but not the old saggy mattresses. At least the ones in the Colonel Bob cabin when we stayed there some time ago.

But you can't beat the location. It is magical.

Marmotskinner t1_j1xoots wrote on December 28, 2022 at 4:01 AM

Yep. If you want to get a spot at ONP, you have to leave at 0 dark 30, on a weekday —and when you land a place, keep it. Because you won’t find jackshit if you try to head out after work on a Friday afternoon.

monkey_trumpets t1_j1y1e5l wrote on December 28, 2022 at 6:01 AM

I also don't particularly recommend the Rain Forest Village Resort. It was kinda shabby. I would suggest looking into vrbo. For only slightly more than a cabin/hotel you can rent an entire house, often on a decent amount of land. There is also the Lake Quinault Lodge, which is a more upscale standard sort of hotel. Also, if you're planning on eating in, you'll want to stock up before heading to the Lake Quinault area since the nearest grocery store is an hour away. Internet is also spotty throughout the entire area, so download any maps you'll want to use before heading out (and maybe some movies). I will also highly recommend the Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail. It is like walking through a fairy tale. Also taking the scenic drive around the lake, starting at the south side of the lake. Just be aware that after a point the road turns to gravel, and the return trip on the north side of the lake (Northshore Rd) is also gravel for a good stretch, and only one lane for quite a bit, through a fairly spooky and not super exciting stretch. Also, when we were there, December 16th-20th, the only restaurant that served lunch was a bit away in Amanda Park, so that is something to take into consideration. Not sure what it is like other times of the year.

Hbdrickybake t1_j1xivnj wrote on December 28, 2022 at 3:14 AM

False, this is a great time to experience Rainier! It is totally different than it is during the summer but if you enjoy the snow it is a great time to go. It offers world class back country skiing and snowshoeing (I think you can rent either in Ashford). I love Ashford and Rainier that time of year.

Olympic NP is amazing and definitely worth checking out but to say Rainier isn't worth it because you can see it from half the state shows how little of Rainier NP you have experienced.

There are restaurants open this time of year but the town and area is definitely still in the off season so not everything is open. Asford will likely not have snow but Rainier will. If it is bad weather the road up to Paradise could be closed for a few hours or even for a few days.

DeaditeMessiah t1_j1xt7n2 wrote on December 28, 2022 at 4:41 AM

I've been all over that park. That time of year, you're missing the reflective lakes and most of the wildlife. You're getting snow and a big beautiful mountain.

But if you're only going to spend a few days in April at a Washington national park, it's gotta be the Olympics. It's four times the size, and in full bloom that time of year.