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Before you go
Your trip to Ashford.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ashford – Washington State Destination Seattle and Olympic (Seattle; Port Angeles; Ashford)
How to get there
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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) SeaTac · 115 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Seattle it’s about two hours’ drive south, via Tacoma, to Highway 706. There is no regular train or bus to the settlement. The Nisqually park entrance is about 10 km to the east.
How many days
One long day covers Longmire and Paradise with a hike. With two days, there is time for the Skyline Trail and other trails in the Longmire area.
When to go
From July to September, when Paradise trails are free of snow and the meadows usually bloom. In winter the road to Paradise opens depending on conditions, with mandatory chains, and the area welcomes snowshoers.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. There is no public transport to Ashford nor inside the park. In winter, carry chains for your car; they are required on the road to Paradise. You drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ashford
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Morning
Longmire
Enter through the Nisqually gate, stop at Longmire and do the Trail of the Shadows. See Narada Falls on the way.
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Afternoon
Paradise
Visit the Paradise visitor center and walk a meadow trail, such as Myrtle Falls or part of the Skyline Trail.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashford close to Mount Rainier?
Yes. The settlement is a few kilometers from the Nisqually gate, southwest of the park. From there to Paradise is about another 30 km.
Can you visit Mount Rainier from Seattle in one day?
Yes. Leaving early, you can reach Paradise by midmorning and return at night: the drive takes around two and a half hours each way.
Do you need a reservation to enter Mount Rainier?
The park charges per vehicle, and the timed reservation system used in some summers may return. Check the park’s website before you go.
What to do in Ashford in winter?
Drive up to Paradise, when the road is open, for snowshoeing and snow hikes. Carry tire chains in your car.