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Mount Rainier National Park is the fifth oldest federal park in the United States. The beautiful location houses a 14,410 feet (4,401 m.) tall mountain peak that can be spotted from over 100 miles (160 km.) away. The scenery consists of natural waterfalls, slopes, and forests, while the adjacent city contains flavorful restaurants, thriving nightlife, and quality shopping.
Mt. Rainier is a popular travel destination with an array of vacation rentals to accommodate couples, families, and groups. Combined with the park’s rich history and over 260 miles (418 km.) of trails, Mt. Rainier offers stunning landscapes and exciting attractions for visitors throughout the year.
This article will discuss planning tips to make your trip a success, the best VRBO rentals for couples, families, and groups, and nearby activities that visitors can engage in during their stay.
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Mt. Rainier Planning Tips
To maximize your stay in Mt. Rainier, plan ahead for better access to the best facilities. Since the area is a popular skiing destination, it’s recommended to book your rental early so you get an ideal one suitable for your party. Consider any public holidays and school breaks, as these will inevitably draw in bigger crowds as well.
It’s also suggested to research the local ski slopes and resorts, book the necessary lessons in advance, and purchase a ski pass for the duration of your trip. Doing so will give you and your party the time needed to enjoy the slopes to the fullest.
If you’re into hiking and want an adventure, check out our tips on the best hiking trails in Mt. Rainier for all levels!
Best VRBO Rental for Couples: Mt. Rainier Private Cabin
The Mt. Rainier Private Cabin is a secluded cabin ideal for couples. This remote wooden house includes a hot tub that is fully accessible to you and your lover. After enjoying a warm stay in the bath, you can cuddle up in the premier loveseat featured in the cabin.
Additionally, there is a 60 in. (152 cm.) flat screen for entertainment and movie viewing. An extra perk is a complimentary Netflix subscription, so you will still have access to all your favorite shows.
If you’re not a fan of Netflix, there’s a vast book collection available for use.
Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with your friends and family. If you prefer to be unplugged from electronics during your stay, the owners offer free-to-use snowshoes for outdoor skiing.
During summer months, couples can enjoy free board games to spark their competitive spirits which include:
- Scrabble
- Backgammon
- Cribbage
- Checkers
There is also a featured barbeque grill for food lovers to prepare delicious steaks, while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
There is a romantic fire pit for visitors looking to warm themselves on cold nights. Firewood is also provided free of charge.
You can find everything a couple needs for an enjoyable vacation at this beautiful rental. Plus, the excitement is not limited to the cabin. There are many beautiful nearby attractions like restaurants and hiking grounds for fun outings.
Things To Do Nearby for Couples
The Copper Creek restaurant is a short distance away, and couples will not regret taking a visit for a slice of their renowned blackberry pie. This affordable restaurant ranks second-best in Ashford. Even if you and your spouse follow a non-traditional diet, the restaurant:
- Is vegetarian friendly
- Offers gluten-free meals
- Has vegan options
If you are looking for more than dining, the breathtaking Narada Falls is nearby. The journey will take less than half an hour by car. The falls are an ideal spot for a romantic excursion that both of you will never forget.
Best VRBO Rental for Families: Cowlitz Vista Vacation Retreat
Cowlitz Vista is a spacious vacation home that includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This rental can comfortably fit a family of six but has enough space for larger families of eight. Moreover, it is pet-friendly and has a large backyard for guests and their animals to walk or run around.
To keep the kids entertained, the vista includes an Xbox 360 and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, visitors will have full access to satellite or cable television during their stay. Consider having a family movie night using the free selection of DVDs.
For the adults, there is a romantic hot tub and a gourmet kitchen, so staying in for dinner is always an option. The kitchen comes complete with a toaster, coffee maker, oven, stove, dishwasher, and fridge.
Another great benefit is the provided first-aid kit for small accidents, which we all know is likely to happen on family trips like these. This item is essential for a vacation with children. Plus, parents can be assured that their children are safe with the added protection features like:
- Deadbolt lock
- Exterior lighting
- Smoke detector
- Fire extinguisher
Visitors can find all of the essentials for a safe and exciting family vacation at Cowlitz Vista. There are also nearby attractions that guests of all ages can enjoy.
Things To Do Nearby for Families
- If you are looking for excitement during your stay at the vista, you can take a visit to the White Pass Ski Resort, which is less than half an hour away from your vacation home. The ticket rates for young children are affordable, and it is also open to elders. Thus, skiing is a family activity that everyone can participate in, even the dogs.
- When you are looking for a nature trip, Mt. Rainier National Park is thirty minutes away. There are kid-friendly trails that are safe for the whole family to explore. Alternatively, take a visit to Mt. St. Helens for the entire family to be awe-struck by the last active volcano in the United States and pretend you are Pierce Brosnan.
Best VRBO Rental for Groups: Crystal Mountain Chalet
The Crystal Mountain Chalet is a five-bedroom rental with three bathrooms. Large groups of five can each have their own room. However, there are bunk beds available in two rooms, making the home capable of accommodating ten people. The other rooms have either a king or queen-sized bed, so there’s no need to worry about being cramped up during your stay.
A washer and dryer are available on-site for visitors to clean their clothes instead of packing a new outfit for every day of their vacation. Also, linens and toiletries are provided, so you have the option of leaving some items at home.
Visitors will have full access to unlimited internet and cable television for entertainment. When it’s time to put down the devices, guests can indulge in exquisite coffees and teas provided by the owners. Plus, there’s no need to worry about handling dishes during your stay; a housekeeper is there to take care of all the cleaning.
Another bonus that guests will enjoy is the beautiful scenery. Crystal Mountain Chalet overlooks the White River, and guests can fully view the expansive lake while enjoying a meal on the large balcony of their rental.
The three-story vacation home features all the amenities that are essential to a comfortable vacation, including:
Guests can have a home away from home with all of their necessities met in one place, and visitors will enjoy exploring the exciting activities available near the rental.
Things To Do Nearby for Groups
- While staying at the Crystal Mountain Chalet, guests can visit the ancient Naches Tavern and have dinner. It is within walking distance of the home, so there’s no need to cook indoors unless desired.
- For any visitors with a sweet tooth, Wapiti Outdoors is within proximity, offering ice cream, jams, and huckleberry chocolates.
- If you are looking for adventure, a skiing and snowboarding resort is only ten miles (16 km.) away. The Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is the largest in Washington state, and visitors will love their world-class slopes.
- Lastly, if you are looking to get in touch with the locals, downtown Seattle is under 1.5 hours away. Guests can experience high-class dining and cultural attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
If you are an outdoors enthusiast, you won’t find better scenery than Mt. Rainier. However, the location has much more to offer than its renowned mountain. Guests can delve into the area’s history and experience the majestic nature that unified different peoples in the past. You can also go skiing, hiking, and dining.
To familiarize yourself further with the terrain before your getaway, YouTuber Jordan Green has created a video exploring one hundred miles (160 km.) of Mt. Rainier National Park to give you a glimpse of the territory:
