thrice all american: Fun Awaits, Just Short of Paradise

Fun Awaits, Just Short of Paradise

· Posted Thursday April 12, 2007 by jamie

As you all probably well know, Mount Rainier National Park will be closed for a while longer while flood damage repair continues. The re-opening could happen as soon as May ~~1st~~ 5th (announced today), so that’s great news for all of us nature lovers and hikers. But don’t let it keep you from heading out the mountain highway to Ashford…

A bit of framework on why I’m writing about this. Melissa has been working away on her thesis, and occasional retreats from all of the distractions of home have proven very helpful in her making progress. She recently took a trip out to Grayland for a weekend of intensive work, and decided that her next destination would be Ashford. So she called up Stone Creek Lodge, where we’ve stayed many times before. According to owner Sandy, they have been virtually empty over the last several months, so I thought I’d give a quick plug for some of the places we have especially enjoyed in the area in hopes that others needing a getaway will consider heading in that direction.

Stone Creek Lodge, where Melissa will be heading this weekend, has neither a lodge nor a creek, but it does have some lovely cabins just outside the park entrance. Sandy, the owner, is very charming and helpful in making you feel at home and suggesting nearby activities and restaurants. The small cabins, perfect for two, have private hot tubs (shared with the next door cabin on an alternating-hour schedule), so that’s a nice bonus. No television, cell phone signal, etc., makes for a nice “away from it all” experience. Highly recommended.

The other lodging that I can highly suggest in the area is Wellspring Spa (360.569.2514). This place is absolutely amazing. A whole variety of lodging choices including awesome log cabins, larger lodge-like accommodations, a tree house, and themed “tent cabins” are all nestled into a peaceful hillside, where you can also experience spa services such as massage and hot tub sits. This is one of our favorite romantic getaways in the area, something of an attraction by itself independent of the mountain, so you can visit and not even be bothered by the fact the park is closed.

Also have to give a shout-out to one of our favorite places to eat in Ashford, the Copper Creek Inn, a fun historic roadside inn with good food and great atmosphere. Tasty breakfasts and awesome milkshakes. Not necessarily best eaten together, but that’s up to you…

As far as things to do, there are still hikes nearby despite the park being closed, so that would be my first recommendation. On your way up, you will pass EZ Times Outfitters in Elbe (360.569.2449), a horseback tours company. I’m a big fan of relaxing and reading, especially if you have a hot tub at your avail. The best part is, you just might have the whole place to yourself.

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