Same here. But I guess it is still a risk

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.

Or breweries if that's more your style. There aren't as many but there are some really good ones around Eastern WA