31 Best Stops Between Vancouver and Mount Rainier National Park
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedMar 31, 2023
How long is the drive from Vancouver to Mount Rainier National Park?
The direct drive from Vancouver to Mount Rainier National Park is 154 mi (247 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 53 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Vancouver to Mount Rainier National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Olympia, as well as top places to visit like Oregon Zoo and Washington Park, or the ever-popular Oregon International Air Show.
Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is located at the southern end of Puget Sound. The city boasts the impressive Washington State Capitol Campus, which includes the Legislative Building and Governor’s Mansion. Visitors can enjoy Percival Landing Park's boardwalk and public art along the downtown waterfront. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse bird species at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.
Most popular city on this route
25 minutes off the main route, 42% of way to Mount Rainier National Park
Best stops along Vancouver to Mount Rainier National Park drive
The top stops along the way from Vancouver to Mount Rainier National Park (with short detours) are Portland Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, and Mount Rainier. Other popular stops include Oregon Zoo, Washington State Capitol Building, and Johnston Ridge Observatory.
I was so ecstatic when I saw that the Navy Blue Angels were back, that I bought tickets as soon as they became available!
My husband and I attended yesterday's Air Show at the Mcminville Municipal Airport, and had such an amazing time! I'm still on an adrenaline high, and I know I will be for weeks!
The lineup of performers was just awesome, and it actually felt pre pandemic! Thank you for making our year! 🙏🏼
No words can describe what it feels like to watch our countries' elite take to the air!
Also, being surrounded by veterans and active duty military alike is a feeling I can not describe: you just need to experience it for yourself!
I truly wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every man and woman who have, or are currently serving our country! ❤️
Cynthia Scott — Google review
We go every year and they dont disappoint it's an awesome show with a great kid area with bounce houses and such! My 4 year old and loves it!
Keirstan Hayden — Google review
Amazing show!! My son is obsessed with airplanes and we spend the whole day on Sunday at the event. We were amazed by the quality of the show, airplanes, pilots and the whole event structure. Super recommend and we plan to make a family tradition moving forward!
camila thury — Google review
Absolutely had a blast it was fun from the time I got there to the time we left I could go on for a long time about the cool things so I'm just going to have to say that I highly recommend it I think it it's fun for the whole family and if you have an opportunity to go you should get tickets and go next year I will be going back
James Goforth — Google review
This was our first air show, and it was awesome! It was hot and sunny, so the shade umbrella we purchased came in handy! The show announcer, Brittany, made it fun and exciting-great job! The pilots put on an amazing show!
We purchased 2 reserved seats and the $40 parking in the lot near by, and paid almost $200 total, but it was worth it to us. You can definitely do it for way less $$ by bringing your own chairs, and parking in the free lot a little farther away. Will definitely be back to bring our boys next year!
J T — Google review
Great way to spend an evening watching fighter jets and acrobats. They have simulators and planes that you can visit too. Lots of food options. Plenty of parking, some paid some not. You may be able to find parking without paying if you turn up early. Have been to many of these. Always inspiring. Great fireworks at the end on Friday. No fireworks on the weekend shows. Free venues for great sighting of the planes include the Brookwood parkway Hillsboro library and the Costco parking lot in the south east corner of the airport. This is where you can see the planes turn.
Dhananjay Raghunathan — Google review
The parking here was theft - visitors were directed to an unkempt field with 2ft tall grass. It was dangerous to walk on much less suitable for anything other than an off-road vehicle to drive through, and charged FIFTY dollars for parking - that is on top of a steep general admission that only gets you dense crowds and overpriced fair food. The show itself was impressive, they had some very talented pilots, but I would have enjoyed it more parked on a side street watching from my car.
Jenna Martin — Google review
Zero stars. Aweful waste of time and money every year especially with so many plane crashes in the last few years at airshows and with small planes in general. I wish they would use their time and efforts to improve the community directly instead of ruining the air quality , scaring veterans, and any creature with hearing and calling it charity.
Mad Lion — Google review
Usually a 4 star Air Show, but this year I went to the McMinnville Airport location for the Oregon Air Show 2019. Two Stars at best for this one. I hope it does not go back there again. I know that the Hillsboro runway was getting fixed, but still...
I wonder whether I should give the poor review to the Show for it, or to the location, because it was so bad: the view of the runway was mainly blocked by the tents, some vendors, and the reserved seating, and the attendees needed to walk just between the seating and the general public, so... even less fun to see the show.
The staff and volunteers were great, but I cannot consider that show in McMinnville a serious one, even with the Air Museum just nearby.
The Show should definitely consider an earlier date, within August or very early September in order to avoid usual grey weather.
Ans Ast — Google review
Volunteer, parking, air shows, Performers are beyond five stars! I give three stars because it took two hours to get food, it has very limited food stores. Can you imagine if you need to queue for two hours just for one can of soda? Personally I don’t see “Wooow” moments compare to 2019/2018. Not many fighters jets, however all the performers are extremely humble, friendly and welcoming!
diane C — Google review
Fun local airport with local events for whole family! Sit in plane, simulation flight, ATP for-flight school! Fun watching planes take off and land too!!
The Oregon Zoo is a large zoo with many different animal exhibits. It is focused on promoting conservation and has many endangered animal species.
Went on the first of January and they still had some snow from the week before but all the pathways were very well cleaned and salted. Couldn’t see some of the animals because of the cold I guess (it was a 27° kind of day). Some staff giving out some good information here and there like in the polar bear place. Cute Christmas lights all around and enough coffee and food shops. Some fun places for kids all ages to play around too. Totally wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Daniele de Oliveira (Dani) — Google review
07/08/23: the ticket is $24 per non-membership adult, and I thought it was a little bit expensive for a zoo ticket. However, the zoo experience did not disappoint me, and I enjoyed every minute of there
There are tons of animal shows which are at 11:15 am and 1 pm. We visited on Saturday morning, and it got crowded quickly with parents and children.
The Oregon Zoo is completely beating the Seattle Zoo in many factors: animal diversity, sceneries, and food trucks. I would love to be back soon
Danny Tram — Google review
fun zoo the pathway is a little confusing sometimes and did cause us to backtrack to see the penguins. By far the coolest seal enclosure I've seen. the elephants seem well taken care of with lots of space compared to other zoo's. we went on a very hot day so some of the animals were away which I cant blame them one bit. overall good zoo experience. we have a 2 year old that almost never got out of her stroller cause she was tired and the zoo is very stroller accessible.
MacGyver Glaser — Google review
It's worth the membership.
I have a toddler and anytime we need an activity this is an easy go-to. The animals are well treated, the staff is decently friendly and, more importantly to me, trustworthy.
Twice I've lost items that were sent straight to the lost and found by the time i exited the park.
Plan ahead! See any of these viewings and you won't be disappointed:
Penguin feeding, Bird show, Elephant bath
You can also pet goats in the mornings, if you're into that sort of thing.
My toddler loves the train ride! It's super short and you won't see animals, but we always enjoy a little choochoo ride.
Find the harbor seals and the otters! They are my personal favorites.
I'm adding some holiday zoo lights photos as well.
S BB — Google review
This is definitely one of the most unique zoos I have every been to. It was beautiful with huge enclosures for all of their animals. I was especially impressed that you can see the animals pretty much anywhere they were in their enclosure. There are several ways to view each enclosure so you can be sure that you will get to see almost every animal they have. When we arrived at the zoo the bear cubs were high up in a tree and you could see them from the front gate. That was pretty awesome! My favorite enclosure was for the polar bears. They were playing in the water and were the most active I have ever seen polar bears in a zoo. There appears to be a lot of enrichment for the animals at this zoo and they appear to be pretty content. While we were there I would say we saw 95% of the animals they have which is pretty good in my experience. Usually there are animals put away or in areas that you cannot see. The way the zoo is laid out is really nice as well. We were there on a Tuesday morning in April and the zoo was fairly empty. It was really easy to get around and spend as much time as we wanted at each animal enclosure. I would definitely recommend going to this zoo if you are near Portland.
Rosie Turkin — Google review
With a membership it’s a steal! Me and my kid and their friend were free. Only 21 for my boyfriend. Today was extra special because my daughter got to see her favorite animal -the cheetah up and close. We also saw an elephant playing with toys and numerous other animals! This zoo is a beautiful place set with numerous walking paths through wooded areas. A little water fall along the path and plenty of areas where kids can play. Good eats and you may also pack your own food. Just a word of caution…it’s very stinky in the area of the penguins and bats, so plug your nose! My kid wanted to leave immediately and I was hoping she would stay to watch the penguins more. Enjoyed the carousel and watching the train. You can easily spend all day here! Also, FYI the bathrooms near the elephants have more stalls than the front. If you need to go, that’s where you go!
Daisie Sutton — Google review
This zoo was nice...I could see all the animals. When u get there....u need to get a parking ticket. Price is determined on how many hours u are gonna stay. Then I noticed that I needed to buy my ticket online so did that by the entrance...very fast...done. I enjoyed the zoo even though it was raining this day.
Nikki Kobayashi — Google review
Wife and I had a great time at the Oregon zoo. It was amazing to see the Polar bears. The zoo keeper calling them so that the public could see. They have a great structure in the zoo. Nice food (must try the elephant ears), great washrooms, lots of places ti site and take some rest. You can see the animals are well cared for. The gift shop is also a great stop, with lots of sustainable gifts. Staff is very polite and helpful.
Clauzi Guerini — Google review
A bit pricey at $24 per person, but overall a great experience. We visited on a Sunday and even with timed-ticket entry the zoo was crowded. There were multiple animal "shows" like scheduled feedings that were fun to watch. Very well planned walking path through the zoo, so visitors can view an animal enclosure from all sides and multiple angles.
Pete Johanson — Google review
Our family loves visiting this zoo. Besides normal visits, throughout the year, the zoo hosts fun events, like zoo lights, zoo nights, Halloween, etc. Our son loves looking at the variety of animals, especially the ones he has particular interest. The zoo also has a train he loved riding on, which does cost for each family member to ride on. If you plan on visiting more than twice I'd recommend getting an annual pass. Also, keep in mind you'll need to reserve a time slot before arriving. A great place to enjoy any time of the year!
Derek Masuda — Google review
This zoo is a really fun place to take your child. I've also taken dates here in the past and that was also fun. There are so many exhibits to see and interact with. Plenty of statues, and photo opportunities. The only problem I had was how expensive the food and drinks were. If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to bring all of your own food and drinks. You are allowed to bring your own so take advantage of it and do it. The zoo is already expensive unless you are low income and can show you receive food stamps or TANF. The elephant exhibit is amazing and I suggest seeing it.
Ian Kruse — Google review
Best medium sized zoo I've been to. The winding paths and elevation gains and losses create an adventure walk. Everything seems very well designed, organized, and enjoyable. The one way design makes navigating the crowds easier. Lots of food options about half way through is great. Elephant ears were a hit and we enjoyed the lunch we packed under a 4 bench picnic table with an umbrella. It was a workout making our way back up to the entrance. If we had more time, we would have enjoyed the train ride. Plan to go back if in town again in future.
Courtnie Wilder — Google review
Beautiful zoo! We went in late summer-early fall when the zoo was full of gorgeous flowers and plants between the exhibits which made for an amazing nature walk. The animals seemed well taken care of and happy. Fairly easy parking available with a lot of restrooms throughout the zoo and even free water filling stations which were nice on a hot day. They also have places you can buy lunch, dinner, etc; however, it is pretty expensive. For a water be prepared to pay $4+ and I believe a pb & j was pushing $7-10. You can bring your own picnic stuff though so come prepared. We didn’t make it into their store to shop as the day went by too quickly and we ran out of time. Check-in was simple with a quick scan of our mobile tickets. The online ticket situation was a bit confusing as they didn’t make it clear with the timed entry if that meant you only had a certain amount of time to be inside the zoo or they just wanted an idea how many people where inside. We were never told we had to leave in a set amount of time which was nice as the zoo takes several hours to make it through. The paths were clearly marked, they also have a zoo map available online and we also rode the zoo train that was fairly priced and our younger child really enjoyed it. Note there are not many animals you can see other than than elephants if they are where you can see them. It was a great family outing and we plan to go back again in a few years.
Tori — Google review
We did the Zoo Lights event! It was very well organized, free over flow parking with free bus ride to the front gates. There were some concession up with things like kettle corn, and elephant ears. The train ride is fun and you get so see even more lights. They do an amazing job getting so many lighted displays up. My 5 year old daughter really loved train and the trees that were wrapped in lights. The bug house was open for warming up and for viewing bugs. Most animals were not viewable, but elephants are awake at night and we were able to go to the indoor viewing area. 3 elephants were in their playing and eating! The keep was setting out hay bales to reach for and eat. It was wonderful.
It was sold out… but felt a bit crowded for my liking. Our group worn fun Christmas lights and it made it easier to keep track of each other with so many other people around.
Erin B — Google review
Went to the Oregon Zoo with family. Age range from 65 to 1 ½, with stroller.
Nice February Sunday afternoon. Everyone had a good time. A lot of the activities / informative shows were not in operation. Some animals were not visible, hibernating or just hiding. We still had an enjoyable time
I definitely recommend.
Wendell Hickerson — Google review
first of all this zoo is amazing! not only do the animals looks happy, it’s a gorgeous place to walk through, but what we really noticed the most was the staff! The staff were so vibrant and happy to share their love for the animals they care for. Every staff from the gate entry to the custodial worker were happily talking about the baby bears that were out that day! We had a great time and can’t wait to bring our family here!
Kate — Google review
Amazing experience! So many animals to see. Easy walking with all paths paved. Purchasing tickets online is easy. 3 hours was barely enough time to scratch the surface of what this Zoo has to offer. Early morning is best to avoid crowds. Will be back!
Dana Jara — Google review
I felt this zoo is underrated and should be more famous. The setting is beautifully done and each animal is given a lot of space to move around unlike the typical zoos. Probably this was the reason, every animal in here was actively moving around rather than lethargically lying in a corner. This makes it a fun experience for adults and kids alike. There were also some unusual exhibits like - Vultures feeding on a whole deer carcass which you can view at your own discretion, a beaver who has an underwater home inside a tunnel, weaver birds busy weaving pretty nests, playful otters, a mountain goat and much more. It's divided into ecosystems like African savanna, Polar passage, Primate forest, Great Northwest etc. There are other interactive experiences at different times and also a zoo train for five bucks. We went two hours before closing and had to rush through everything to complete on time. Ample amount of paid parking available.
Varna Vincent — Google review
You can be Around 10am or 11am is perfect and you could see Wild animals shows. And They feed to animals that around noon or 1pm. You can see them how to eat and enjoy the meals. Restrooms are clean mostly. Cafe and restaurant are pretty ok and little bit pricey. Parking lots are big but sometimes overcrowded. Summer time Friday and Saturday are busiest days. Sunday is little bit less people. But still busy. Animals mostly are happy and napping all the time. They seemed to clean up cages a lots. Kids have a great time. Best family time in Portland Oregon.
Morai Ball — Google review
Wonderful place for an easy and sweet date! We have a membership and popping over for a quick visit is so relaxing. Consider visiting on a hot day. Our last trip was over 90 degrees and the zoo was pretty empty. They set up misting stations and have cool drinks and plenty of shade. We were able to enjoy the trip without overheating!
Charlotte Bryan — Google review
Wow what an amazing zoo! The amount of trees and shade is wonderful on a hot day, the animals had a lot of room to roam and looked very healthy, and all the facilities were well kept.
We came on a Friday morning when they opened. We bought our tickets via mobile phone maybe 15 minutes before we entered prior to getting into our car to drive there. There was still a decent amount of availability. Entering was easy with the QR code we received.
We saw some otters, bears, went on a merry-go-round, and had a blast!
Paul M — Google review
We really do have a nice Zoo. The animals were all out and lively. The Red Panda was so adorable, I didn't get pictures, though. The Lions are just so majestic, I dropped everything and took pics of them.
However, the so-so food is really over priced, and they close way too early. They wouldn't let us go into the gift shop 30 minutes before closing. We were ready to overspend in there, but they were more concerned with closing the doors on time. That's fine. We will just bring our own food next time, and go earlier I guess.
Monika — Google review
The Zoo is a everlasting source of joy, offering year-round fun for all ages. With kids in tow, our visits are never hurried, and that's part of the charm—we always discover something new every time we visit.
Having cherished memories of this zoo since my own childhood, I've witnessed remarkable changes. The upgrades and new exhibits have transformed it into a captivating space. And let's talk about the Zoo Lights—it's a must-see! While there may not be many animals on display during this event, the breathtaking lights make up for it.
The Zoo Lights experience is pure magic. The dazzling display creates a spectacular atmosphere, and the best part is, you can go at your own pace. It's a mesmerizing journey that adds an extra layer of enchantment to this already fantastic place.
In summary, the Zoo offers not just a fun time but also a touch of magic, especially during Zoo Lights. The upgrades and thoughtful additions have truly elevated the experience. Highly recommend for families and anyone seeking a delightful escape!
Ariel Sasser - Local Realtor — Google review
I love this zoo. It is constantly improving. I've been going to the Oregon Zoo for 30+ years. It was fun to spend the day reminiscing about the way it used to look. Where the entrance used to be. What animals and events I'd been to over the many years. I love the knowledge of the volunteers and the friendliness of the staff. The animal enrichment keeps the animals rewarded and engaged and is so fun to watch. Membership is worth the price.
Stephanie Wisdom — Google review
First off, I really liked the loop design where you follow a one-way path all the way through. The exhibits are organized into biomes, and the Pacific Northwest part was my favorite due to the shade and tree coverage above the walkways. Good and semi-reasonable priced cafes at the entrance and exit. Also plenty of restrooms and water fountains throughout.
Connor M — Google review
The Oregon Zoo is absolutely amazing. I especially appreciate their elephant habitat. It is absolutely huge compared to any other zoo. They do a great job at providing their elephants with space. There is an enormous indoor space for when it rains. There is an elephant size pool, deep enough that the elephants can actually swim. The enclosure wraps around a significant portion of the zoo. Elephants can range quite a distance. Zoos are always a bitter sweet experience. Seeing such a large variety of majestic wild animals in one place is a great educational opportunity. On the flip side seeing the animals confined to enclosures instead of ranging freely in nature is always a bit sad. The Oregon Zoo does a great job of balancing the quality of life for their animals against the ability of the public to view and experience the animals.
Daniel Green — Google review
I was impressed. One of the most beautiful zoos I've been to and the high quality of animal care was apparent. We saw some playing tigers and bear cubs, a young orangutan, and something I'd never seen up close before - sea otters! The interpretation was also good at noting conservation efforts for the species and how guests can take action themselves.
A few critical notes. The zoo key felt like being robbed since the machines were hard to locate and rarely worked. We also were turned off by the large cutouts of cartoon animals stationed around the zoo. I think they were going for a fun whimsical take on wildlife, and sure, art is subjective, but our group found them to be rather undignified and running counter to the zoo's apparent goal of encouraging respect for animals. The other upsells like the carousel and train were also pretty underwhelming.
All in all a good visit and worth taking a look. Just please be respectful and kind when observing the animals!
S P — Google review
Loved loved loved!! Absolutely amazing how the zoo felt like it was part of the natural landscape. Amazingly curated of animals with educational information to learn more about the individual animals and its species. The way the zoo flows just makes sense and keeps the flow of people moving.
(*only thing I would say is don’t go in a colder day because some of the animals were not out to see)
Corey — Google review
The Oregon zoo is a wonderful zoo. The animals are well taken care of, and staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The elephant exhibit was amazing and the indoor part is so nice. Bathrooms are clean and well stocked. The zoo art is also very unique and fun to look at. If highly recommend visiting the zoo if you are in Portland
Matthew Mason — Google review
The Zoo lights during Christmas holidays are very nice, they did a great job decorating the beautiful lights in different animal shapes, and the big Christmas tree at the entrance is very cool. We enjoyed walking around in the park and seeing all kinds of animals lights. Definitely a good place to go at night with family and friends to have some holiday fun.
Prepared for big lines for the train rides.
Wish they have opened more areas, it feels smaller than before.
Lila C — Google review
Love the Oregon Zoo! One of the best zoos I've had the pleasure of visiting. Just went last weekend and got to see the polar bear, red panda, and a baby rhino! Fantastic activity on a nice sunny day.
Note: parking can be a headache when the Zoo is busy (usually on sunny days), so I recommend either getting there early or being prepared to park farther away and take the free shuttle in!
Ben Kirkpatrick — Google review
Had a wonderful time touring the zoo with the family. Got to see almost all of it in an afternoon. Even stopped for an elephant ear treat. We loved the exhibits. It’s nice to have stops along the way to walk in for air conditioning.
Would love for their to be more dietary options, especially for Gluten Free people. My husband ended up not eating anything because he didn’t want a salad. Lactose free ice cream options too would be awesome! We love the zoo and will continue to be members!
Melissa Dasaro — Google review
Pleasant stroll through a ni E well maintained zoo. The animals seemed well taken care of and they had a little of all the main zoo animals. The elephant portion is huge and I guess they're known for their elephant program. Swing by on a weekday, not as big if a crowd.
Washington Park is a large and well-maintained park in Portland, Oregon. The park has a variety of attractions, including a zoo, Japanese garden, rose garden, and Children's Museum. The park also has 15 miles of trails for walking, running or biking.
We visited the Japanese Garden, and it's beautiful! The waterfalls, the landscaping, and the trees are so amazing!
Parking fee was $4 for 2 hours. Entrance fee was $18 for adult, not bad at all.
From the parking lot, you have to hike maybe about one fourth of a mile to get on the top of the of hill to the garden.
Lots of friendly employees to show directions and answer questions.
As you enter into the garden, you'll notice a lot of rocks and mini waterfalls. And, a lot of stair!
Food is not allowed in the garden. Stepping on the moss is not allowed either. They really take care the garden beautifully.
One of the most beautiful place to visit in Portland Oregon!!
Elvira Evans — Google review
The zoo is an always amazing! I love the zoo! All of the otters are my favorite! My only complaints are I wish they would fix parking and maybe have more zoo volunteers and keeper engagement.
I wish keepers would talk more about our animals on their youtube channel similar to some of the zoo tv shows that exist. It’s fun to learn about the animals personalities and get to know them personally!
Tiffany Turgetto — Google review
Absolutely-loved-it. Fantastic. Green all around, great for the lungs and circadian rhythm. Not hard, but might not take little kids who aren't used to a little hike. (Think tree trunks and mud, small hilly areas.) Really liked my time there, think we hiked about an hour. (We walked down from the gardens, through the rose garden, to the right past the playground and on a trail up around the back of the garden.)
Stevie Lynn Smith — Google review
Lovely park on a hill overlooking Portland. Especially enjoyable are the gardens available on the grounds. The International Rose Test Garden is free to go in and wander and features an amazing assortment of different varieties of roses. The Japanese gardens are ticketed ($20 for adults at the ticket booth currently), but are well done and worth a visit if you enjoy Japanese gardens. Plenty of good spots for kids to run around as well, including an amphitheater area. The park is roughly a 30-45 minute walk from downtown Portland (45 minutes from the riverfront, less the closer in you are), but the hill could be a bit of a challenge for some.
James Koontz — Google review
Washington Park is a beautiful area with lots of trees and plenty of hiking trails. It is amazing that this huge park is in a city—you can easily forget where you are. There is a beautiful rose garden and a Japanese garden as well, if you care to visit. We enjoyed riding our bikes around the park but be warned—there are some hills.
Mary — Google review
Rose Garden and Japanese Garden were both beautiful. Rose Garden was free to walk through. It wasn't far from the Japanese garden. It was just after the tennis courts. Japanese garden was very relaxing. There are lots of places to sit and just take in nature. I would recommend going early and making a reservation if you want to eat at the cafe.
Mark Teodoro — Google review
Love this place. I visited the Forestry Building, the arboretum, the test gardens, the rose garden, the Japanese Garden, and diner inside the zoo entrance gates.
And the Max and Park shuttle are the best and easiest ways to travel
Dawn Harju — Google review
We visited the Japanese Garden in January -- and it was so beautiful to me, a Montanan! Green! A sunny day. Warm enough to be comfortable outside. It was a weekend so more crowded than I would have liked but who's complaining? Go on a weekday for a more serene experience. If I lived in Portland I'd visit the garden at least once a month.
Maureen Shaughnessy — Google review
Absolutely beautiful hike through trails upon trails of urban forests with lots of really cool trees to look at and learn about. HUGE PLACE, we were not able to do everything on site and will have to be back for the Japanese Garden, the Zoo, etc. But we did hike for like 6 hours just taking everything in that we possibly could in the Hoyt Arboretum, and we visited the Rose Garden which was gorgeous.
MiniKraid ForSmash — Google review
Everything is great here. Parking is scary. If you are able-bodied, there is more available parking down Sherwood Blvd than up near the park entrances. The rose garden is lovely and worth a visit. We also enjoyed the playground, it's ideal for 5-7 year olds I'd say
Bradley van Middelkoop — Google review
The Washington Park Rose Garden in Portland is a stunning oasis in the middle of the city. The garden is absolutely breathtaking, with rows upon rows of beautiful roses in every color and variety imaginable.
The aroma of the roses fills the air, making it a fantastic destination for anyone who loves nature. The garden is well designed, with pathways that allow visitors to walk among the flowers and appreciate their beauty up close. Moreover, it provides a perfect spot for photography and couples' shoot.
In addition to the sheer beauty of the garden, the park is also well maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff members who are always on hand to answer questions or provide information about the different types of roses.
Overall, I would highly recommend visiting the Washington Park Rose Garden for anyone visiting Portland - it's an absolute gem and a true testament to the beauty of nature.
Life Café — Google review
Spent less than $2 on parking and $22 on a admission and walked through for an hour. This was my second time visiting the Portland Japanese Garden, but first time during the middle of Fall season. The Falls colors are breathtakingly gorgeous and this would be a great location for a romantic outdoor picnic, depending on weather, and it's super peaceful and tranquil. They have restrooms, water fountains, a gift shop, a real tea house, and at certain times guided tours! Wonderful place to visit and walk through to just slow down and enjoy nature!
Christopher Wanamaker — Google review
We went to the Japanese garden. The park is huge ,clean and beautiful. The different colors from the leaves makes the surroundings look like a live painting.
Rogelio Aquino — Google review
Beautiful park adjacent to the Japanese garden in Portland. Tennis courts and roses...two of my favorites things. What a welcome surprise this was, only discovering it because I couldn't find parking nearby. Faced with a long walk back to the car, I was looking for a shortcut, and decided to cut through Washington park. This place was stunning with roses as far as the eye can see! How I wish I had made time to see the entire thing but what I did see just walking through the edge of it was spectacular!
Tonya Colombo — Google review
I love Washington Park for its numerous grand features! Amongst the vast hilly expanses and winding trails are various thematic gardens, including the massive arboretum! You have the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden just next to each other, and behind them runs Wildwood trail, leading to the Winter Garden, and then the Magnolia Garden as one of my favorite features about this enchanted gem! And can't forget the free-to-use outdoor archery range! 😱 Oh right and the zoo too.
M. Scott (Metrick Zane) — Google review
Great place for hike n bike. There are countless routes with beautiful scenery. There’s a view point with a possible view of the three nearby volcanic peaks, including the Rainier (of course in a clear weather)
Ben — Google review
Come see this place it is so nice and the Japanese garden masterpiece. The park is huge with different attractions but worth the time and money.
Mr O — Google review
This is such a beautiful park near downtown. There are tons of tennis courts, a playground, not to mention the rose garden, etc. We drove around the park and walked a bit, and we were so jealous we didn’t have our dogs with us to walk! Incredible for walking pups, a picnic, etc. So huge we didn’t even get through it all driving!
Shayla Smith — Google review
One of the greatest, if not the greatest urban park in the world. Can be accessed through a hike through the hills if your in downtown or a ride through the MAX, Washington Park will give you unfiltered access to the beauty of the PNW, all within a short reach of downtown. This is a pinnacle of how we should combine our cities to the nature that surrounds it, instead of an urban sprawl that destroys it. So many trails to explore, hills to climb (if you love to cycle) and sights to take in. Must visit for anyone in Portland.
This 16,000 square foot French Renaissance mansion from 1912 is now a museum and features period furnishings and scenic views. It is interesting to learn about the history of Portland and how it has evolved from a tiny Northwest town to its current city status.
The start of the story of Portland. The home of the family that put Portland on the map. If you want to know the story of our city you must visit the Pittock Mansion at least once. The architecture is beautiful, the gardens are well maintained. The views are a must see wether on a rainy or a clear day. If you only have a few hours in our city go to the Pittock Mansion. There’s some wonderful trails on this side of the park too. Just don’t forget to pay for parking.
lorena S — Google review
I can't believe in over a decade living in Portland I've never visited the Pittock Mansion. What a spectacular glimpse of history. Loaded with beautiful architecture and fun facts about the family and home. We really enjoyed our visit. I'm glad it's ticketed so it didn't feel too crowded despite a beautiful, December weekend day. I can't wait to be back and stroll the property (on a less chilly day!).
Kelsea LaVoie — Google review
Beautiful place to visit. It’s fun to read about the history of the mansion. You do have a pay for parking and then tickets to the mansion were $14.50 a person. They also have a gift shop. The view that overlooks Portland was really nice. The rooms are set up and some of the pieces are originals but some are not.
Greg Towers — Google review
Really nice mansion with a lot of information on the origins of Portland and history of the city. The furniture is more representative of the period than actually from the mansion itself. Tickets can be purchased at the door, there was no wait on a Saturday. Museum is paid, although you can walk the grounds and go to the viewpoint for free.
Liza — Google review
I enjoyed the visit to Pittock Mansion. I was able to avail of the Cultural Passes through our local library and get two free adult tickets and one child ticket. I paid for one more adult ticket and it was an easy process on the website. The house is delightful and the views from there look to be beautiful. We visited on a very foggy/overcast day, so sadly did not have the greatest vista views, but I can see they would be great on a sunny day.
Preeti Sugathan — Google review
This is a charming historical mansion built in 1914. Being from the East Coast, I am used to houses built earlier, so seeing one restored to the early 1900s was especially interesting. It is a self-guided tour. Informational signs made it easy to learn about the house, family, and time period. There are also wonderful gardens and trails that we didn't have time to explore.
Sherri Meyer — Google review
This place is absolutely amazing! If your in Portland or near the West Hills this place is a must on sunny day, great views and just a super cool vibe being here. I've never been and I lived in Portland all my life! 🤟🏼
Cory Ternes — Google review
Fantastic views over the city and excellent photo ops in the beautiful surrounds. A small expense on parking only, about 2 dollars an hour. Could be a great trek or hike down from here to Washington park but we drove to a from. A great first stop when visiting Portland to get your overall bearings. Possibly worth touring the mansion too but we didn't have time. Give yourself 30mins to an hour to explore the outside surrounds.
John Phelan — Google review
Great place to visit. Very interesting mansion and had a great view of Portland. You have to pay to park and then another fee to pay to go inside. Probably spend a good hour here. I don't think you need to pay if you just want to look around outside.
Jessa Mitchell — Google review
Portland Life at the top circa 1912… worth the walk through a lifestyle of the past. Sweeping Views of Portland. Wedding photography going in there! Hiking trials too. $8 to park and don’t leave valuables in car…
Cam Mu — Google review
My friend took us here right before they were set to close to get a nice view of Portland at sunset. We arrived at the parking area at 8:50pm and the ranger told us that he closes the gate at 9pm. But he still let us go check out the view quickly and also look at the mansion. The mansion looks nice from the outside because we couldn't go inside. But the view from the backyard is priceless and was perfect at sunset. They have a decent amount of parking but I think it can get busy during the afternoon time.
Peter Xaymountry — Google review
The botanical grounds and views are arguably the best in Portland. Add in a hike on the Forest Park trail the intersects.
Interior on the home is kept in period pieces and decor. Cared for by a non-profit, not the city. Consider donating!
Parking: try parking on the city street outside the gate to avoid crowded parking, then walk up to the Mansion or find the trail offshoot just inside the gate and stay to the left to end up at near the Mansion after a short walk.
Brad — Google review
Not too far from the city and the mansion is on a hill with a parking lot. Buy a ticket will allow you to enter the mansion and another building. There’s a spot can make you shoot a nice city view down there. The entire environment has well maintained the grass, flowers, even the trees are very good condition and beautiful.
Stanley Yeh — Google review
So worth it. Even if you don't go inside ($20 admission fee). My friend says the tour is great. The views are amazing and the trails were great. A little muddy, but hey, it's Portland. Seriously great views, don't miss this.
Andrew Kub — Google review
when you walk into this mansion you feel like you just traveled back in time. It does not disappoint for the price it has loads of rooms for you to explore and has some amazing views. It took me about 2 hours to go through the mansion. The parking is reasonable for 2 dollars and hour.
pandish panda — Google review
06/10/23: this awesome mansion is near the Witch’s Castle and it definitely is worth a visit. It has an outstanding horizon view of the city of Portland.
I did not buy a ticket to get inside the mansion but I heard so many great things inside. Please consider buying a ticket to have a full experience. The mansion is well-maintained, clean, and spacious. I enjoyed the beautiful view and historical meaning of this mansion. Worth a visit!!
Danny Tram — Google review
Beautiful house on top of the hill, love all the flowers along the way. On a sunny day, blue sky, green grass, colorful flowers - the view is just fabulous. Looking at the mountain and the city, probably one of the best places to visit in the area.
The Christmas decorations are beautiful.
Lila C — Google review
It was nice to see the property and learn a bit about the history. The Christmas decorations were fun for my wife and the views are great. During December they have live music which was nice. We got lucky with parking. Worth a visit or two. We would like to come back in the Spring / Summer to see the foliage and flowers in full bloom.
Sung Cho — Google review
It's hard to believe I've never been here in all the years I've lived here! So glad I came when it was all decked out for Christmas!
Note: park in the pull outs up the driveway for free and hike up the road a tad to avoid the city's parking meter and minimal parking. You must use their parking kitty app or their meter, which was not working when we were there. Parking tickets are sky high if they issue you one for not paying so word to the wise!
They do have an elevator, clean bathrooms, a gift shop, and a wonderful view of the city!
The 16,000 Sq ft French Renaissance style home is characterized by its impressive architecture and 23 art- and antique-filled rooms, where you can learn about the fascinating success story of early Portland moguls Henry and Georgiana Pittock, instrumental in the city's development.
Crystal Atkinson — Google review
It is a well kept mansion that represent what wealth could buy a hundred years back. The architecture is beautiful, art and amenities are excellent. Ticket is bit pricey for not letting the viewers to see the upper areas. Paid parking is bit annoying.
Ram Dongre — Google review
Great stop on my trip to Portland, the house is beautiful and there’s a lot of history to read about. The view was super scenic and a short ride up from the inner city! Highly recommend if you enjoy historical sight seeing.
Shannon Gaskin — Google review
The tour of Pittock Mansion was amazing. Its French Renaissance style really caught my eye. I loved the fancy woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. The gardens were lovely too, blending perfectly with the mansion. It was a visit I won't forget!
Daysi T — Google review
The self guided tour during Christmas is the best as the mansion is decorated for the season. I would plan for good weather to tour the grounds and view point, at the front of the property, as it is best on a clear day. We were lucky enough to see portland and down town. Allow about an hour to tour the mansion.
George Scott — Google review
Pittock Mansion is a museum dedicated to Henry and Georgianna Pittock. The museum is located at the top of a hill that is somewhat steep.
The museum is in pristine condition and is very popular. The mansion is well organized and offers a glimpse into life at the beginning of the 20th century.
Parking is not free and it is best to download the app. The reason is, the kiosks are not always operational and parking enforcement does patrol the area.
A bit of advice, avoid insulting the place out loud. You might regret it.
Adam Wear — Google review
Perched in the West Hills, Pittock Mansion offers stunning city views and a peek into early 20th-century life. The mansion and its gardens are beautifully kept, making it a great spot for history buffs or anyone enjoying a scenic outing. A must-see in Portland.
Aysa Fan — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. To see the top notch for 1914. Indoor plumbing, refrigerator room, an elevator and a dumbwaiter. Beautiful views. You can also go to hike and see the lookout
Lindsey Large — Google review
One of the best views in Portland Oregon all for free. The views are treasures by many who live here for good reason, as the moment you see Mt. Hood and the rest of the city on a clear day your breath will be taken away and you'll gain an appreciation for the beauty of our city.
One of my favorite spots to climb to by bike (very hard but fun!) and one of my favorite spots to enjoy thirty minutes of our beautiful city and nature.
The Portland Japanese Garden is a tranquil, peaceful space with features like a waterfall and teahouse that offer stunning views of the cityscape. The garden is composed of five different styles of gardens spread over 5.5 acres and offers visitors a chance to learn more about Japanese culture through displays and activities.
You should definitely check out this Japanese Garden if you're in the area because it is totally worth it. You have to pay an admission fee to enter but it's not a lot and you're supporting the garden. You have to take a small hike to go to the main entrance but it is well worth it. They have a little cafe here but there isn't a lot of options so just be aware. The view that you get of the waterfall, design and being with nature is wonderful. You can spend a good 30 minutes just walking around and enjoying your view. There are also workers around the garden as well if you need help or someone to take your picture. We really like the main little waterfall that they have here. Parking is not free I think so just be aware that you might have to pay for that as well. They have a little gift shop where my wife got an earring from. Just follow the pathway and you won't get lost.
Peter Xaymountry — Google review
The garden was beautiful! It was a little smaller than I expected, but it had nicely paved paths, nice spring blooms and a peaceful vibe. The queue for the Japanese cafe inside is super long, so make sure to reserve your spot first thing when you get in. Would be even more beautiful if the cherry blossoms weren't at the end of their bloom.
Amy Wu — Google review
Definitely worth a visit! It was super peaceful and so beautiful. They have tours there but it seemed like most just walked through on their own. It’s not huge so you can get through it somewhat quick so take your time. The paths are uneven but there was a sign saying they did that on purpose so you would be forced to take your time. It’s all very intentional which is super cool. All the sounds of nature are really pretty and it’s well groomed. Bought our tickets ahead of time so we got in pretty quick at our allotted time. There is parking up top and I think it’s a couple bucks an hour but we just walked our way in. I’m sure the parking fills up quick though. There’s a nice little cafe and gift shop and information center at the top before you walk into the garden as well. The gift shop was cool and it seemed like the cafe had some authentic options.
Tristan C — Google review
Really lovely, the map you get given does look like it's a big place but when you walk around, it's actually not as big as you think. So take your time, enjoy it. It really is an amazing piece of artwork.
Sam — Google review
Absolutely stunning and peaceful. The beautiful nature combined with the maintenance of the garden is just incredible. So many beautiful statues, structures, settings, and more. We went on a lightly rainy day and walked around for approximately 3 hours. It was definitely a hike, so be prepared shoe wise. Be respectful.
Jessica Hughes — Google review
At first I thought the price for entry was a bit on the pricey side, but I think it was well worth it. The garden was very peaceful and relaxing. Went in the morning when it was still cool and crisp out. The sounds of the flowing streams and the few small waterfalls while staring at the zen garden make all the difference. 10/10
B P — Google review
The Portland Japanese Gardens extraordinarily beautiful. I happened to go when it was a perfect day and I enjoyed every aspect of it. I read some complaints about the hike up, but to that help to segment the garden to its own world. The gift shops were really awesome. There were a pretty large variety of items to purchase. On top of that there was a showcase of art right next to it. The garden itself has multiple sections to walk through. Each segment had its own unique identity. Truly my only complaint about the garden is one it’s entrance fee and two it’s size. I felt that for how small it was the fee was not up to par. If it was bigger I’d honestly be completely okay with how much I spent. Though I wouldn’t let that deter any new newcomers because it’s still an amazing experience.
Sonam — Google review
Walk into a place of tranquility and rediscovery. This is oasis hidden among the city. A leisurely walk through the garden will put your state of mind of calmness and escaping the day to day. The views are beautiful. The bonsai trees are a very welcoming addition. Go from place to place and see what a bit of meditation can bring around. Take in the air in its purest form. This is definitely a place that I'll come back to visit again. Gift shop, restrooms, and a fairly decent sized restaurant. There are plenty of customer service attendants walking around if you do have questions regarding the area. Go by and see. Look into your own personal life and see what happens.
Robert Herrera — Google review
Beautiful, of course. Can't take in outside food or drinks. There is ramps in places, but a lot of stairs and uneven ground. Lots of benches to stop rest or take it all in. Think fall would be the best time to come and enjoy the mapels showing off and a nice chill in the air
Misky B — Google review
Very beautiful Japanese garden. A wonderful and educational place for family pastime and enjoy Japanese culture. We walked for 2 hours and enjoyed it very much. We managed to see the feeding of koi carp, it was very interesting for the children. Beautiful and very picturesque place, solitude and peace. Wonderful gift shop. There is a restaurant nearby in case you get hungry after a 2 hour walk through this incredible place. The price justifies expectations. Thank you very much, we will definitely be back.
Kseniya Pfau — Google review
Our early October visit to the Portland Japanese Gardens provided us a monochromatic view of the beauty of the gardens. Having read some of the Google Maps Reviews, we saw how other visitors have contributed photos of beautiful gardens full of color. We missed that season by months, but that didn’t take away from our visit. We were fascinated by the textures, the variety of steps, the water. Even though the clouds were low and it began to lightly rain, it didn’t distract from our visit.
We did take advantage of the free shuttle to the top of the hill and enjoyed our stroll down.
There are no restrooms by the entrance; they are at the top of the hill.
Would love to return and visit during the other seasons.
Sue Martindale — Google review
This is an oasis in Portland. The grounds are meticulously kept, and the buildings are beautiful recreations of historic Japanese structures. There are tours offered, a gift shop, and a modern tea house on site. However, it was an hour and a half wait on the Sunday we visited, so we had to skip it. It is a hike to get from the shuttle drop off area or parking to the top of the hill where this resides but there is also a free shuttle back and forth from the top fi you need it. Limited options for refreshments: On Sunday afternoon we went, I was informed they had sold out of water, but there were a few water fountains available. The bathrooms are nice, and the garden areas are varied. Your experience may be affected by others who don't understand keeping their voices subdued in tranquil and relaxing settings. There are plenty of small seating areas to enjoy some snatched privacy or the views. On a clear day like we had you can also catch an amazing view of Mount Baker in the distance towering over the city.
M A — Google review
I go here every month with my family and it’s so fun! Never gets boring. It has a very nice cafe and gift shop :) I got my friend a really nice birthday gift from there. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Although I suggest getting a membership because it can get really crowded on some days.
silly — Google review
Very nice design. It has three levels, ground entry level, middle exhibition level, and garden level. You can enjoy the design concept that combines artificial with nature in an elegant way. You need to spend at least 1 hour to appreciate the beauty of the garden.
Zhong Shang — Google review
This place is beautiful! Very relaxing and amazing place to take pictures. My girls really enjoyed the fish and site seeing. They have a Cafe restaurant, a gift shop, a learning center and bathrooms. The walk is not crazy long but it took is about 1 1/2 hours to go through it all. Most of it is up hill , with some leveled areas. If you have never been it's definitely a place to try out.
Parking was tight lots of people on a Sunday. You have to pay for parking and then line up to pay the entrance fee. Children 5 and younger are free.
Jessenia Renteria — Google review
What a great start to our weekend Portland trip. The grounds are beautiful and so well maintained. It took us about 1.5 hours to wander the grounds. The only feedback I would give is that when I researched the garden before going it did not mention that there is a bit of a hike to even get to the garden. I navigated it fine but I could see this being an obstacle for others.
Meghan McGee — Google review
This is definitely one of my favorite places in Portland and one of my favorite garden spaces in the country. What a gem of a space. Definitely sign up for a tour as it is time well spent getting the background and history of the space and learning about all of the thoughtfulness and intentionality that went into this beautiful space. It was great to catch a tea ceremony demonstration and to have tea in the tea house at the end. This is one place in Portland I will plan to visit on every trip.
Ryan C. Van Wyk — Google review
It is best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and truly soak in the serenity. This was my first time, and even at 11am on a summer Wednesday, there were lots of people on the paths. There's a lot to enjoy from the bonsai, trees, bushes, bamboo, coi fish, stone pathways, streams, and gift shops. It was inspiring to consider some of these designs for my own garden.
Sabrina Lozano — Google review
This is a wonderful place to stroll through. The ticket price is justifiable considering this is a private funded garden. We spent 2 hours walking through. Fun art installments and gift shop. Not to mention the cultural performers. This is a fun outing and worth a visit. Thank you Portland Japanese Garden!
Nik Ledger — Google review
Probably THE Most popular tourist place in Portland city. Claimed to be the biggest Japanese garden in north America. True to the fame, the garden is really well designed and staffed. Beautiful view throughout the year. Often you can find surprise local Japanese capture presentations at the site for free. Also right next to the Japanese garden is the beautiful rose garden. so lot of things to do there. At the top of the hill, some time it could get chilly. Bring a thick jacket if needed.
Shrek Wynn — Google review
The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene oasis that offers a tranquil and beautiful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As you wander through the paths, you’re greeted with meticulously maintained landscapes that showcase the art of Japanese gardening. Each area of the garden has its unique charm, from the peaceful Koi ponds to the stunningly manicured trees and plants.
The attention to detail in every aspect of the garden is remarkable. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the changing seasons, each bringing its own unique beauty. The garden also offers lovely views of the city, adding to its charm.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, contributing to an overall welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for contemplation, photography, or simply a peaceful walk. A visit to the Portland Japanese Garden is a must for anyone looking to experience a slice of tranquility and beauty.
Nihar Bendre — Google review
If you're out in Portland visiting, I highly recommend coming here! It was raining when I went, but I was still able to see everything the garden had to offer. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and there's enough to keep you occupied at least for half of the day. It wasn't too crowded either and very peaceful to walk around the garden. There's a decent sized parking lot, but you do have to pay. Also, you do have to walk uphill and climb a few stairs to get to the actual garden as a fair warning. But I had a great experience and would come back again!
franchesica kilt — Google review
If you’re coming here you probably have an interest in Japanese gardens or wanted a pretty place to be in nature whether by yourself or with friends and family, well I have to say it was indeed beautiful.
I’d say if you were to really speed run the sites you can walk through the whole park in 30 minutes to an hour but considering we should be mindful of the details that go into this beautiful garden I’d say if you’re an adult you can properly take in the sites and surroundings in 1.5-2 hours. So many small details and signs of beauty you would miss if you hurry through.
It was a great way to spend the day, it was gorgeous and I really did feel at peace here while trying to be mindful of the work the staff put into maintaining this beautiful garden. On a clear day there’s a wonderful view of Mt. Hood? And you could spend much longer than 1.5-2 hours there if you chose to do so. You can walk up from the entrance to the main gardens or there is a bus and or parking that can get you up to the main attractions (I think). There’s also an area in the gardens where they hold exhibits, the current miniature exhibit (as of 02/24) was great and interesting and I’d recommend checking it out as well.
There were no real negatives but I’ll list out what I wish I knew, as of now (02/24) the koi aren’t out in their usual numbers as they are doing something to keep them healthy until spring time comes in. And the traditional tea house is not what’s generally open to the public but a place where you can take photos of and walk by. I’m sure you can reserve a tea ceremony somehow, but I was excited to drink tea in a traditional tea house and didn’t realize the tea house/cafe on site was more modern (yet good and welcoming but not what I was hoping to do while here).
Overall it’s gorgeous, a good time and when in Portland I’d recommend checking it out for sure, even in the winter (02/24) it was gorgeous and I can’t wait to experience this place during the different seasons!
Joe Johnson — Google review
We went 3/24 - the cherry blossoms were gorgeous and in full bloom, along with the camellias and magnolias. It was a wonderful stroll but definitely not very accessible, lots of stone pathways and rocky slopes. I would also suggest putting your name in for the cafe when you first get there - you can then enjoy the garden and have tea after as there is usually a long wait it seems.
Hayley Resk — Google review
I've been to the Portland Japanese Garden twice, once with a buddy of mine and then again with my partner. It's such a tranquil environment to spend some time in a controlled and well-organized mixture of culture nature. The garden itself isn't huge and you can explore a lot of it in a couple of hours, but I would recommend taking your time in viewing the scenery and experiencing the places with all senses possible.
If you're able to go on a weekday, it's especially well worth your money, as there are less people and you can enjoy the calmness of the environment. My partner and I went here on Valentine's Day and had an amazing first part of our day. It can get distracting and hectic here on the weekends with more people and a lot of kids involved, which I feel can be detracting from the place, though they do a good job attempting to combat that problem by setting a limit on how many people can enter at a certain time.
The garden is different during all four seasons, and now my partner and I want to experience all of them together. There are a lot of reasons to go back besides that, though. It's a nice way to spend some time and decompress while still being outside and feeling productive. They have a cute little café and gift shop. Employees are kind and knowledgeable, and they look happy to work at this place.
Angelyka Cava — Google review
Our visit to the Portland Japanese Garden was really nice. Walking through the garden felt like stepping into a peaceful place, far away from the usual hustle and bustle. The paths, the well-kept plants, and the calm atmosphere made our time there very enjoyable. The Umami Cafe offered We especially liked the small ponds and the view. It's clear a lot of care goes into keeping the garden beautiful. Adding to the experience, the Umami Cafe offered great-tasting tea and pastries that are definitely worth trying. We had a great time and definitely recommend a visit.
Aysa Fan — Google review
Wrapping 2023 in a peaceful and tranquil place. As soon as you walk in the garden you feel relaxed and your mind quiets down. Everything looks so green and fresh in the rain, I’m sure that spring time is gorgeous with all the flowers, I will have to go back to check it out then. There is a little cute shop when you get to the top of the gardens and also a miniature sculptures exhibit. On a nice clear day you can see mount Hood. There is enough parking space but you have to pay for parking, and of course a restroom on premises.
The International Rose Test Garden is a public garden in Southwest Portland, Oregon, United States. It is 4.5 acres (1.8ha) and has award-winning rose varieties, as well as Shakespeare Garden adjacent with flora mentioned in the Bards most famous works and roses named after characters from his plays. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk during the summer months.
We when here a few years ago and I absolutely loved it! It's such a beautiful place to walk around and take pictures with the many different types of roses! The fact that it's free is a bonus in my book.
Ashley Roberts — Google review
An awesome place to visit! You get to see so many varieties of roses and colors ! It’s very gorgeous and feels so good. Best of all there is no entry free to visit this place. You just need to get parking or can opt for pay by your parking. Do visit this place in jun end types for full bloom. You can easily spend two hours.. there is also a open area where you could plan a picnic with kids n enjoy leisurely the beautiful garden! You can’t get enough pics of the roses !
Amruta M — Google review
The garden was an absolute delight. Even though the majority of the roses weren't in bloom yet the grounds are beautiful. You also get a lovely view of the city and mountains. The park is very hilly but has good ramp access. Although the park was very serene, unfortunately, my car was broken into. There didn't seem to be any security or cameras in the parking lot so do not bring any valuables to the park.
Altinay Cortes — Google review
Definitely not in season for roses but still beautiful! Loved the blossom trees. $2 per hour parking spots you can pay at meter with card or cash.
Jaslin Guiles — Google review
All the roses are in full bloom now! Now is the best time to see this garden! This Free entrance rose garden is one of the best rose garden I ever seen. So many pretty roses! It surely is garden lover’s dream come true. Try to avoid the huge crowds go on weekdays or late afternoon on the weekends. Parking is a little hard to fine, but I can guarantee you that this place is worth your patience to drive around for a parking spot.
J C — Google review
The rose garden is so beautiful and if you come on the perfect day then it just makes it more amazing. My wife and I came here today and the weather was great. The sun wasn't out yet, it was in the mid 60s and the air was fresh. We uber here so we didn't have to look for parking. The roses here are all amazing and you'll have a beautiful background no matter where you take your pictures. They also have a little Gazebo if you want to sit under there and take photos. The gift store here also have some nice products. My wife got 2 of their purses because she like the roses design. There a bathroom near the gift shop and they also give free tour at 1pm. You cannot go wrong by visiting this place because it's also near the Japanese Garden and amphitheater.
Peter Xaymountry — Google review
Such a beautiful place with so much to see. Find any colored rose here even tie-dye roses. Easy to access and get around with many places to sit and relax or to take a small break. Very very recommended. Close to the zoo, the children's museum, Japanese garden and a few other places you can spend an entire weekend in and near the area parks.
ExplOregon Jerry — Google review
This is our second visit and we live 2000 miles away! The roses are so beautiful and the variety is fantastic! Acres of the most amazing flowers you’ll ever see! The most peaceful experience you’ll ever have with the exception of the Japanese Gardens across the street.
Mickey Berry — Google review
If you appreciate roses and beautiful gardens with pleasant pathways, and stonework in general, you’ll love the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park.
This lush, tranquil and large garden setting is a perfect place to get your mind off the mundane day to day whilst taking a stroll or reading a book. I would recommend the summer months til October for the optimal experience as the roses are obviously not blooming in winter through early Spring (not sure why some reviewers were so surprised at this). Parking right now in October is best especially if you’re going on a week day, if you want to have a good experience here and avoid crowds definitely go on like a Monday.
Finally I’d recommend taking your time to fully enjoy the blooms, beautiful greenery and lovely setting, it’s a garden so strolling is best not a place to grab a few choice shots and then be off…
Shylo Saragosa — Google review
My family had a nice time visiting the rose garden and we will have to revisit again to be able to explore it in it’s entirety. You could easily spend a couple of hours here. They have different sections the roses are organized in. There is the Shakespeare Garden and an amphitheater. It was free to look around, we only had to pay for parking which was around a few dollars. Everything was very well kept, nice and neat.
Veena Violeta — Google review
06/11/23: what a gorgeous And fabulous rose garden!! It has different varieties of roses and they smell SO GOOD! aha, I would say it is an enormous garden connecting to different spaces (picnic areas, Japanese garden, Washington Park) and there is a fine for removing roses!!
There is no ticket and tons of paid parking lots in front of the garden. It does worth a visit and I would love to make several more visits to this beautiful garden
Danny Tram — Google review
We loved the International Rose Test Garden! It is so beautiful and they smell amazing!! Parking was only $3.50 for two hours, and it was right by the gardens. They have tennis courts, a botanical garden, and an ametheater. People were having picnics, doing yoga, and playing soccer throughout the gardens. It is a relaxing and awesome place to go see.
Callie Main — Google review
This is one of the best rose gardens I’ve ever been to. There are so many varieties of roses to choose from, and I love how many colors there are. If you visit Washington Park, make sure to stop by. The garden appeared to be in full bloom in mid to the end of June. There is no fee to walk through the garden, so take your time.
Mary — Google review
Lovely lovely lively! Many variety of roses to see and smell. The roses are in full bloom during this time of the year. They were beautiful and scentuous. We went on a weekend so I think there were more people visiting than on a weekday, but can't say for sure as I never been here during the weekday. Parking can be hard to find so you may need to park farther away, but the walk is not bad. There's a free tour, but they're only for a specific time of day. You can also do a self-guided tour. There are restrooms and even a souvenir shop.
Giuli C — Google review
The time and care and love put into raising these gorgeous roses is made evident by the luscious lawns and vibrant petals that cover these grounds. It’s well worth a visit, even though parking can be tight on days with good weather.
Excellent place for a date, boys and girls 😘
Ryan — Google review
The roses were not blooming yet. However, I enjoyed the rest of the scenery and the peacefulness of this garden. There’s also other beautiful gardens in walking distance to explore.
Vilma Yoder — Google review
Beautiful place and garden. Roses were still blooming as of Oct 22. The parking is $2 per hour. I found it easily. It's an amazing place with great views of the buildings as well. The Japanese garden is also closest. A lot of trails around and you can see a bunch of people running, walking and strolling their dogs. Definitely check it out if you can.
Sunny Binjola — Google review
Came here to spend a Saturday afternoon while visiting Portland. Very impressive varieties in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You can easily spend 1-2 hours just walking around the many varieties. They allow you to walk along the rows, trusting you won't touch the roses or bees pollinating the flowers. Basically, leave no trace behind.
There's different sections from the test garden, gold medal garden, Shakespeare Garden, climbing roses, miniature roses, landscape roses, shrub roses, grandiflora roses, floribunda roses, etc... Even if not a rose or flower expert, you can easily appreciate and learn about the many different varieties of roses. Definitely worth the free cost to walk around the roses.
LeWayne Ballard — Google review
We visited just to get a preview of what to expect in the spring. Loved the lay out, plenty of space. It seems to have a good variety of rose plants... love the serenity!
David Wynia — Google review
So wonderful! I love the rose snow ones in the summer, but year round the whole place is gorgeous. I wish there were more sheltered spaces so people could come and enjoy the view in the winter months, but it's a cute spot! Bathrooms are not the cleanest, but what can you really expect from a public park?
Lily L. — Google review
Beautiful park. If you love nature you will find it breathtaking...the flowers didn't bloom yet, but the park is beautiful
glamsense divas — Google review
Very nice and peaceful place to go for a walk. When the roses are blooming they look great right now I'll have to wait until spring. I highly recommend this location.
Guided hikes & wildlife observation are popular at this sprawling refuge with a variety of habitats.
Beautiful spot to stroll along the waterway. Been there twice but still haven't gotten to do the full loop because of the same section of trail being closed both times (once for flooding, once for herbicide application). Still, there's a lot to see. The tundra swans were there last time. The huge oak trees are always there and worth seeing in themselves. There is a $3 per car day use fee, so bring some cash to stuff in the envelope. Also, the refuge has a 4-mile driving loop a few miles away that's supposed to be beautiful. It was about to close (gate said it closes at 4:30) when we got there, so couldn't check it out. Next time.
Jennifer Anne — Google review
Fully newly renovated Wildlife Refuge Park that closes at 8:30 PM. Great place to take a long walk among Mother Nature and clear ones ahead. Beautiful nature all around among protected animals like ducks, deer, swans, bald eagle's, and more. A great place to walk and be a photographer.
Christopher Wanamaker — Google review
What a fun hike! This refuge is absolutely beautiful! The trees are a MUST see! The colors are simply breathtaking this time of year, as you will see from my photos/videos.
We saw a variety of different birds by the lake when we first arrived, and although we didn't see as much wildlife as we would have liked to today, we definitely heard it! The sounds of birds, squirrels, and coyotes made for an adventurous hiking experience for sure!
If you have not been here...GO! You will not be disappointed. If you love being in nature around water and wildlife, you will love it here!
Do keep in mind that the gates close at 5pm since it gets dark so early now, so plan accordingly so that you can get the full experience. In fact, I think I will be returning tomorrow. There is so much more I want to see. 🦌
Cynthia Scott — Google review
29mar2022 ~50s_F ~17:30, Swee and i arrived at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge WA for a ramble: (T) > 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 2 > 1 > G > 1 > (T) {Stats: Distance ~2.2 mi / Total Time 1 hr ).
There were ~3 vehicles parked, with many more lots available. The Trails were in good condition and seemed well maintained. Indeed, there are Restoration to some of the natural areas. And the Restrooms beside the Trailhead/Parking were Opened and Clean. Many thanks to the Ridgefield NWR 👍
Great views of the woods, lakes, and its surroundings. Saw a young deer, probably, 2 eagles .. but no other wildlife. Anyway, lots of peace and sweet solitude 😊
During our ~1.5 hours on the Trail, i encountered a total of 6 people; everyone was courteous, cheery, and friendly👍
Happy Trails Everyone 😊
01kk WAF00 — Google review
As a resident of Ridgefield WA, this is a wonderful place to walk, bike, and take in the scenery. Many varieties of plants, birds and wildlife can be safely observed and photographed here. I highly recommend coming out on a clear sunny day to walk the pathways and hike the trails. There is a car tour as well. Parking is inexpensive at the different entrances. I typically come several times a year, as it's a beautiful getaway right close to home.
Jennifer Perry — Google review
We drove (S-unit auto tour portion), beautiful day, had windows down, it is such a treat to have a place like this. We saw all kinds of ducks, nutria, couple blue herons, several deer, and a cow that was seemed quite happy under a shade tree all by itself. Beautiful, peaceful.
F Taylor — Google review
It was a cold early spring day but I was able to see so many different birds, and a muskrat too. You have to stay in your car unless you stop at the bird blind where there's a bathroom, or there is a 2 mile hike that's occasionally open. It's beautiful and depending on the weather your view becomes quite dramatic
Julie Gorham — Google review
A lovely huge place with many trails. Looks like it's under construction at the moment, so the visitor center wasn't open when we went. The trains are cool if you like trains and if you don't, they do fade as you walk.
Sue Day — Google review
I can't wait until the new visitor center is complete at the trailhead. Looks like a cool building and attractive landscaping. I loved the bridge.
I started my day by walking along Carty Lake to the boat launch. Note: There was a killdeer nesting nearby. I didn't see the notice / sign but the resident let me know I was too close and I backed away slowly.
On the north side of the refuge, the trail is still one-way which is great. Lots of opportunity to experience the area in solitude and listen to the birds and wind through the trees.
Cathlapotle House wasn't open when I was there but it was awesome to see the outside. Will have to go back when it's open.
Larry Moiola — Google review
Beautiful. We stopped on a whim. Pretty close to dusk/ closing time. Didn't have much time to explore, but we saw deer, squirrels and ducks and heard frogs calling and maybe geese? Definitely want to go back. Because we were there late in the day and on a Saturday, the visitors center was closed but there was a vault toilet (outhouse style restroom) in the parking lot. Not sure if it's ADA accessible but on the first part of the trail, a person in a wheelchair or walking with a cane COULD navigate the path, but might need help because of the incline.
I think I saw a sign that said pets were NOT allowed..
Jenn Davis — Google review
This is a great drive or walk in the wetlands of Ridgefield. It can be dusty from the cars driving through so you may want to consider when you do a walk on the roads. There are some off road trails so you can get in some miles if you want some time away from traffic.
Ex Plore RG — Google review
Such a fantastic place to spend time in nature!
My kids and I love to park at the Carty Unit entrance and walk the "Oaks to Wetlands Trail." It's an easy hike that's great for all ages.
On our most recent visit, we saw deer and lots of birds. We also enjoyed observing the gorgeous trees and spotted some cool mushrooms as well.
Sharon N — Google review
Beautiful place to have a peaceful time. Take binoculars with you, there’s many bird species, deers, swans, goose and colorful landscapes. Auto trail is cool, just follow instructions, stay in your car and don’t bother wildlife. Take your trash with you. We had the chance to see pink and water ferns in the creeks. Some trails may be closed for protection and conservation. Many birds migrate seasonally to this area.
Liz Gonzalez — Google review
Such a beautiful, peaceful place to drive through on a rainy day! It must be awesome during the warm, sunny months! We saw many different kinds of wildlife. There were 100's of Swans!
Karyn Grambusch — Google review
Entrance fee is a 3bucks they have an envelope for people near by entry, they have a public restrooms. Please don’t bring your pets(dogs) they really focused wild animals in there. We walked around 2miles during we saw deers, snakes, hawks, Beavers and so many unique birds so they don’t want to Dogs are barking, chasing, hunting at them. So Do not Bring your dogs PLEASE. Beautiful nature today is weather awesome Ridgefield is a beautiful town and great neighbors, I like a small Ridgefield downtown. Very cute and beautiful place. Great walk place with Children, friends and family.
Morai Ball — Google review
This is a well kept park with a few walking paths, most of which are seasonal. The northern section is primary for walking. The southern section has a walking path but the highlight is a tour you take while driving your own car. I highly recommend the tour, during which you download an audio tour guide on your phone (or pop in a CD which you can borrow from the kiosk) and drive a loop around a lake. The audio tour talks about the animals and plants at different checkpoints along the route. Super simple and thoughtful. I will be going back in the summer when more of the paths are open.
Katy B. — Google review
Fall is the best time for shroom hunting . My daughter and I only found 1 edible species, but had fun discovering many new to us types. I love this trail year round. We saw lots of snakes, beautiful birds, and trees galore. The trail is super easy.
Mary Foulk — Google review
Wonderful rainy season, kid activity! I packed a car “picnic” lunch and had the bestest time bird/animal watching. My little one was sick, so it was a perfect way to quarantine and get some fresh air and nature time!
Lauren Claire Bardis — Google review
4.6
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4.5
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28908 NW Main Ave- Carty Unit & 1071 S Hillhurst Rd.- River 'S' Unit, Ridgefield, WA 98642, USA
Busy casino resort with concerts, trade shows & dining, operated by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
This is huge beautifully appointed casino with tons of extras. Gamble, shop, eat, drink, relax. Ilani has it all. I highly suggest Michael Jordan's. Great food and amazing atmosphere.
Kathrine Richer — Google review
Well decorations during Christmas 🎄 and wonderful holding event at Cowlitz Ballroom there but floor was slid up in half for VIP and half not, creating berries for all guests enjoy event time.
Highly recommended for future need to create photos section for guess and singer take photos together. That will lovely
YinG YinG Yieu — Google review
Love that the casino is smoke-free! Hope it stays that way. Enjoyed our afternoon at the casino. Super clean and modern. On the day we went, Lady Luck was on our side!😀 Good choice of restaurants and games ( we mostly play the slots). I always mention this fact (if it's true)- which is that the restrooms are super clean! Always appreciate gambling establishments that keep facilities clean and tidy!
Marsha Johnson — Google review
Beautiful! Hotel staff were so nice and helpful! I got a mountain view room on the 14th floor and it was perfect. I highly appreciated the mini fridge, different types of charging ports, the robes and slippers, the toiletries, just everything! Now onto the Pool! Gorgeous cabanas, poolside bar (food & drinks), lounge beds, in pool lounge chairs, and kid friendly! There is so much more to this hotel, I 1000% recommend!!!!
Crystal R. (SultryNinja) — Google review
I love this place; it’s such great energy, and everything is new. We always have a lot of fun in the casino. And I love the restaurant's options. The sushi is one of my favorite places to go, and the steakhouse is fantastic! I suggest you try both because you will love it. The new hotel looks good. I didn't have time to stay there yet, but I can't wait to have fun and stay there!
Jessica Reed — Google review
Great resort with so many amazing restaurants, gaming options, player perks, and so much more. Their newly opened hotel promises to host many happy memories. And don't forget to check the upcoming entertainment for awesome live performances.
Jason Eberhardt — Google review
We've been to ilani on numerous occasions and really enjoy it! The casino is smoke free, very clean and the bar staff are friendly. I've seen comments re: tight slots, but the reality is, gambling is just that. We always budget a set amount we're willing to part with and leave happy if we win. In fact, we typically win some, although sometimes we end up giving it back. ;-) My only negative for this casino is, the temperature is VERY chilly. Summer or winter, bring a warm sweater or better yet, a coat.
Friday Surf & Turf at Michael Jordan's is a great value. There are also lots of dining choices in a lower price point.
The hotel is beautiful! We've been to Vegas upward of 60 times (lots of work trips) and rooms at ilani put Aria, Cosmopolitan etc. to shame. Sadly, Vegas hotels haven't rebounded well post Covid and any type of Housekeeping is a thing of the past. It's now not uncommon to check into one of the nicer (on the surface properties) only to find your room is dirty. This will NOT be the case at ilani, where you'll be greeted by the warmest front desk staff and given the key to an immaculate, beautifully appointed room. For us it's a lovely escape just 45 miles from home!
LiFo — Google review
Ilani does a really great job of checking for Covid without being invasive or overbearing. We went for the Miranda Lambert concert and the venue was awesome. The sound was fantastic and all of the seats had great views of the stage. I would go to another concert here without questions. Right outside the hall was a beautiful smoking area which was beautiful and didn't smell of smoke. Bonus: It was decorated for Christmas so lots of twinkle lights. There is a bathroom area within the concert venue area and plenty of stalls so no super long waits. One minus is the seating is all folding chairs so not the most comfortable, but we stood most of the time anyway. All of the restaurants have excellent food. The gift shop is full of high-end items including a few things for kids but kind of pricey for a gift shop.
ellen partal — Google review
My wife and I visited not too long after it opened and neither of us got a good vibe there but we decided to give it another try... it's great!
Plenty of choices for food and they actually let you win. So far we've only played slots but they have a pretty good variety machines and tables. Love the self-service drink stations and there's usually tons of parking.
Not a bad drive even if you're coming from the south Portland metro area.
g f — Google review
There was a free concert, but it was standing room only. By the end, my feet were in fire. One thing I really like about ilani is the No smoking policy!! I absolutely love that and will consider it for future date nights.
Clean Casino, but not much staff around if you need anything.
Art McConneha — Google review
It’s a nice new casino but they still don’t stock some of the latest slots. Also, there are never enough blackjack tables open. You have to wait around a while to get a spot while there are empty tables with no dealer. Usually only one table offering 5 dollar min bet and that’s only on weeknights. Drink prices are high and they are not complimentary while you gamble. As of late I never hear of people winning much, I think they cracked down on money out to pay for the hotel.
Benjamin Wreath — Google review
Even though it's established in a particular location, it's a new establishment with a lot of potential. I enjoyed the pool side. Bar tender was very nice. I didn't cath her name but she was wonderful. She always had a beautiful smile.
Rooms are very beautiful and clean.
Security to go up to different floors on the elevator was a good.
MrTripoli — Google review
Stayed one night. The staff was very friendly and worked hard, loved the $4 valet option. Get the mountain view room, the view is fantastic and the highway noise is barely noticeable and non-existent at night. The room is very luxurious, everything is soft and comfy, we enjoyed coffee in the sitting area overlooking the view.
The pool area was nice, we enjoyed the hot tub with plenty of room for 10 and the bar. We didn't gamble, but the floor is nice to walk around, with free coffee and soda machines around.
Many dining options, we ate at the Longhouse twice. The curry was outstanding, and the pho was good too. The poke was fine but lacked seasoning and was bland. We had drinks after dinner on the 15th floor and the Muse bar, and the cocktails there were the best. The pool and Longhouse cocktails were not as good but probably depends on who is working that day.
We'd definitely come again for an event, but otherwise could get boring if you're not there to gamble.
Adelina Mart — Google review
11/10/23, I came to the casino with my son, I had an excellent time. The service was absolutely wonderful. I had gone home and realized I had lost my checkbook and I called the next day. After I gave them my info they were able to find my checkbook. I was able to pick it up at the casino and the man that helped me (Joe) was very nice. The casino is beautiful, good parking, I would recommend it to anyone.
Thomas Evers — Google review
Night out with husband. Love this place. I always win here; tonight I won a $1400 jackpot and in December last year, I won a $9800 jackpot. I only spent $100 on the larger pot but the smaller I ended up being even. Fun vibe too. 4/5 stars because rooms are close to $300+ night and the restaurant wasn’t great.
ShanUd — Google review
The staff members specifically security here are not friendly. I came here to pick up my friend and I was sitting by the smoking section in the pick up zone waiting for him. Listening to music and the security manager approached my car a d told me that there are parking spots and should park there in the most rudest way. I tried explaining the I'm waiting for my friend and that he's right behind him and he told me it didn't matter.
I would have had no problem if he asked nicely but he didn't he was rude right of the bat.
Alpha Lilly — Google review
Loved the show! Great Casino, The concert venue sucked. Chairs were so close together you couldn't really stand up it was a rock show you don't sit, but the set up forces you to. It's on a flat ground (not stadium style), so when people do stand, you can't see ANYTHING. I had a 7ft guy in front of me. (no joke) he was cool though. If you had your phone out you got accosted by security. Again show was great however I will never pay for a concert here again. I'll drive to the beach.
HD_JMac_94 Macaree — Google review
What a nice casino! I really enjoyed the wide open layout, and the expansive selection of table games, loads more than my usual casino back home. All the staff was very polite and professional. We ate dinner at the Longhouse and it was fantastic! Had a good conversation with the bartender about our shared craft and enjoyed a few great drinks and amazing sushi. It's a shame I live several hours away otherwise this place would be my new spot!
Matt Shipman — Google review
It's huge. The food selections range from Micheal Jordan's steakhouse to Smashburger. Plenty of places to get a drink and the sports bar in the back called "The stadium" is wow. Many large screens to watch live sports, eat, & make your bets. Great place to burn some cash.
Romeo — Google review
My friends and I have been to the Casino several times, and we always have a great experience. The restaurant choices are plentiful, and the staff is friendly. They always have great live entertainment options as well. Full disclosure, I have played there in my band. That just gives me a bit more knowledge of the entertainers they hire as I have worked with many of them. All well known top notch bands. I have not had a chance to stay in any of the rooms yet as I live close enough to visit. I hear the new hotel is awesome though.
Eric Storm — Google review
I definitely do enjoy the new Hotel. Makes it easier to visit the Casino, knowing you have a place to stay if needed.
Clean rooms, if anything is needed they are quick to accommodate. Do wish the pool and hot tub area would be open later then 10pm.
Ej Avendano — Google review
Me, my boyfriend and my son all stayed here for mine and my boyfriend's anniversary. When we booked the room, we put in the notes it was our anniversary so they comped us an upgraded room. We stayed about a week, they have a kids quest so that was a plus. And they have all sorts of food here too. We had a great time! 5 stars.
Cora Solano — Google review
Beautiful rooms and amazing dining and pool area. Very large casino floor with plenty of slots and table games. Valet, bell hops, front desk, pool bartender, and steakhouse bartender were amazing! Super friendly and attentive. The girl in the coffee shop told me to hang on while she put her hair in a bun standing in front of me and the food. Then I asked if they had breakfast items. She told me to go to a restaurant. I did, and they hadn't opened yet. I went back to the coffee shop and ordered a ham sandwich. She started to heat it and I asked her not to. She said that's the way it comes. As I was cashing out, she said the machine wanted to know if you tipped me or not. It was so rude and so unexpected in a place where everyone else was so friendly. I'll be back because I doubt she will still be there, and I loved the hotel. Super close to I5.
Alicia Adamson — Google review
Update... They have changed a whole lot. To start, I like the parking garage. You can park and stay dry all the way to the inside.
They have roulette on a machine now if the table is closed. They rearranged the machines. The machines seem to pay out a tad bit more than before.
I like that they have little extras occasionally on the momentum. Just gotta look for it.
I saw the security at the door doing a great job 👍. I like that if you forget your card or new one, you have a kiosk to do it yourself if you choose.
I was able to get a burrito and it was vegetarian w/tofu.
I enjoy coming here with my mom and husband.
Terry L-H — Google review
It's absolutely amazing. I've only ever been to casinos in Vegas. This place was so fancy and nice. Went there for my husbands work party it was a gatsby party which was fabulous! The whole thing was just extraordinary! Definitely want to visit this casino again! Also, the bathrooms are crazy insane like amazing. The women's toilets have plastic on them and a button to push, and the old plastic rotates to a new plastic liner. So that when you sit, it is fully sanitized. I've never seen that in my life, just saying that was probably the fanciest pee I've ever had, lol
Jordan Bedrick — Google review
Honestly, I had a better experience here than I do when I go to Vegas. The casino is brand spanking now, the staff is very attentive, and the rooms are wonderful. There definitely isn’t much to do around the area, but for a place talked away from things, it really had Top-notch service, the food was good, and was impressed with the casino
David Allred — Google review
Went for dinner and a show.. Ate at the sports book, food was excellent service was incredibly slow due to no bartenders on a Saturday night. We were served half our order at a time so one of us had to watch the other eat and drink. Our drinks came one at a time when getting a refill we only got one. The show Queensrych was amazing!! Plenty of bartenders in the back
Rhianna Rogers — Google review
Standard Reservation Casino. Expensive drinks but well made. Mediocre food unless you're spending a fat stack. Free drinks only for high limit tables. Good rooms and good service. I lost my Jacket at a machine and they grabbed it and returned it for me. They stole my 420 vape out of my coat though, can't have weed on the reservation so I couldn't say anything. I've always thought casinos should be more friendly. Like some tables to help newcomers learn table games. Lots of fun themed brand new slots. They always keep it fresh with fun, creative ways to take your $$$.
Nate Tucker — Google review
Ignore the negative comments about RV parking. The RV parking situation is fantastic. When you arrive, go to the the parking lot south of the main lot, there's only one entrance and you can't miss it. You're supposed to check into the security shack but when we arrived there was nobody in it. We spotted security driving the lot as we entered and they instructed us where to park. It was a Friday night at about 8pm and there were only a handful of RVs so lots of room. The walk from the RV parking lot to the casino is easy, you do not need a shuttle. You have to cross the main road but there is a crosswalk with pedestrian crossing signs that light up when you push the button before crossing. It's very safe and convenient. We had some food and drinks and gambled a little before returning to the RV a little after midnight. We slept well and it was fairly quiet aside from some light highway noise. Overall this is a excellent RV setup and we will not hesitate to stop again.
LouieTeffeteller — Google review
Great place to people watch and go see a concert. Good parking is easy to get out with multiple roundabouts, keeping traffic flow smooth. They have complimentary self-serve sodas, water, and coffee. I will go back. There are places to sit if you're disabled.
Cathy Assad — Google review
Nearly everything was great about it. The rooms were beautiful, clean, high tech. Beds were comfortable. Pretty luxurious for the price. Service was awesome. We stayed there over Christmas, and I know it's not fun to have to work on Christmas day, but you wouldn't know it by interacting with the staff. They were pleasant as can be.
Just a few minor gripes that they can hopefully fix:
The pool is freezing cold. I've never been in an indoor pool that was so cold. It was just odd for how amazing the indoor pool looked for the water to be so unpleasantly cold. It seemed guests were spending 90% of the time in the hot tub and only a couple minutes in the pool.
The sliding door on the shower doesn't close. It closed halfway and then rolled back to be open a foot.
dsolomon — Google review
Upon arriving in our room we discovered that the toilet seat lid was broken when it fell onto the floor. Obviously the cleaning staff must have been aware of it. The big issue was a motion light censor located on the night stand between the beds that went off and on continuously all night resulting in no sleep. After the first day our room was not cleaned and no clean towels were furnished. When these issues were reported to the Hotel supervisor his response were as follows. Guests must request housekeeping at check in or none will be provided; we were not informed of this. As guests in our pajamas at midnight we would assume that repairs to the sensor light would not be performed in the middle of the night. The supervisor said if we had called they could have turned it off remotely. A placard in the room informing us of this would have been nice, how could we have known? We asked to speak to a manager, he was not in but was going to call, but never received his call. We will be sharing our experiences with family, friends, and acquaintances, and telling them to never stay at Ilani.
Scenic bridge leading to a small island with Japanese-inspired plants, rocks & water features.
Beautiful and peaceful Japanese inspired garden located on a small island. Water lilies and ducks can often be seen from the foot bridge to the garden. The garden has colorful maples in Fall and Rhododendrons and Azaleas in Spring. Open hours are limited, and the garden is sometimes closed to prevent disturbing wildlife, so plan ahead.
Jim Choate — Google review
These pictures are of the far West side of the lake close to Ocean Beach HWY. On the outer skirts of the lake is a dirt and light gravel wide walking path that circles the whole lake with multiple bridges along the path to cross over to the other side. People walk, run, jog, walk pets, bicycle, and some even kayak out on the lake. On the far West side of the lake is an island they built a walkable wooden bridge to and created a walk-around Japanese Garden that's only open at certain days and times. Around the center of the lake and on the far East side there are multiple playgrounds for kids and there's a multitude of park benches and picnic tables surrounding the entire lake. There's a ton of squirrels, ducks, and geese around the lake depending on the time of year. Everything 4th of July they have a fireworks show and flea market little fairgrounds festival around the center of the lake!
Christopher Wanamaker — Google review
Such a beautiful place! Definitely recommend visiting and taking a stroll
Melissa Evelyn — Google review
Stopped by to let this lil one roam for a minute. Very nice relaxing park, but the bathrooms were gross . . . I'd avoid those if you can...
Juanita Vanzzini — Google review
Nice little park, with plenty to do for everyone. The Japanese garden is the best part about the park in my opinion, but the lake is just as good. Small playground on one side of the park, a restroom, and people were walking their dogs around. If you wanted, you could also have a picnic, just wait for summer though.
DaBaby — Google review
Great place to walk. Nice views whether its sunny or not. Love this park!
Ann Weiland — Google review
Great place to relax and watch the geese. They also have a playground and the workers keep the place well kept up
Celena romaine — Google review
We went two weeks ago for the concert by the lake. We also went to the fair earlier in June. We're going tonight for one more concert.
It is a beautiful, well maintained place to visit.
Laureen Larson — Google review
This place is gorgeous, (specifically the Japanese Garden) lots of different spots for.a picnic (either on the ground or on a bench) & a great path for a mid-day walk or run! Also has a bunch of Poke spots, best place to Pokemon hunt in Longview (imo). My favorite spot to hangout was under the bridge.
Ghost — Google review
Not sure if I was here, but we stopped at a park in this area, the kids had fun, met some children to play with, it was nice. The park was next to a creek or small river, which was so cute.
Crystal Burch — Google review
A beautiful small Japanese garden. Worth checking out.
Christopher Walker — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous park,
Lot of shade in different times of the day,
Yes, dog friendly, waste bags available,
Yes, park has restrooms (newly built), but for such a huge park it's only one location (on Kessler side near playground)
Picnic tables are thru the park
Marina Orlovskaya-Vitus — Google review
Great walk to enjoy the scenery! This is a great place for your kids and pets! Lots of ducks in the pond. Went there during the leaves changing color and it was a very relaxing walk.
Andrea Delacruz — Google review
I lost over 40 pounds exercising at Lake Sacajawea Park in the last six months
Ryan Parr — Google review
Really nice and big park with so many different varieties of plant life…I had a great day walking around checking out the scenery
Gateway to the volcano with exhibits like a working seismograph, plus a wetlands hiking path.
Very beautiful place! Very people friendly wildlife.
Trails were spacious & clearly marked.
Sturdy boardwalk over the water was beautiful! Informational boards along the way.
Versatile impact trail if taken at your own pace.
Beano Trombino — Google review
Great visitor's center! Very informative, but interesting, too. Several hands-on things for kids and teens. Our whole family enjoyed out stop and really learned a lot.
You'll find restrooms and hiking trails, but the actual observation deck is a good drive away. Check in to make sure it's open and what the weather is like so that you don't make the drive for nothing
The visitor's center and observatory are pretty rural so plan on getting gas and food in Castle Rock proper.
Jennifer Nolen — Google review
Glad I stopped! Was headed to seaquest state park but unfortunately they are closed this year. The grounds keeper was super kind and informative while I stopped and asked her about the parks near by. A cute little nature walk about a mile was available to walk. It was a quick stop and super pretty views
Kay — Google review
The hall wasn't open, but the ranger was available as was a kiosk gift shop. The real draw was the marsh walk, with amazing views of Mt St Helens.
Jacintha Highland-Foorde — Google review
This is a very informative place, where you learn much of the history of the water bodies in the area. The lake, rivers and wetlands have all been drastically changed over eruptions from Helens. There is a single, day use parking lot right as you exit the highway, for Discovery Pass users who simply want to enjoy the wetland trail and not visit the visitors center. There are two larger lots, further in for those looking to partake of the center as well. We were lucky enough to enjoy the wetland trail for about forty minutes, before two busloads of visitors arrived...shortly after 1pm. There are multiple, beautiful spots to pause and take in the bounty and breadth of wetland flora and fauna. I learned about a plant that eats water dwelling beetles through traps in it's root system. On a clear day, you can enjoy distant views of Mt St Helens from the wetland boardwalk.
Dogs who are respectful and on leash are welcome. Our little ten pound putz enjoyed herself.
There are volunteers randomly walking around who will ask if you have any questions. The guy we ran into was knowledgable, quiet spoken and friendly.
The visitors center has bathrooms but none are accessible for only the trail. I highly recommend people check out this natural beauty.
Kelly Kirk — Google review
I've loved this place since I was a child. Moved here in 2000. Simple and serene little nature trail just along the Visitor Center that I enjoy walking. Rangers are very inviting. Neat and informative exhibit for those desiring to learn more about Mt. St. Helens. I'd recommend everyone coming here at least once.
Manon Kaufman — Google review
A very nice and well kept visitor center. Great key chain selection. You have to pay an extra $5 to see the exhibits and documentary. Its outside the park technically. Very well maintained.
Alex Melendez — Google review
This is a PERFECT outing for littles. The boardwalk loop is about a mile long, completely flat and very accessible (only struggled with one or two little bumps in the wheelchair). Nice educational signage throughout. Parking was abundant when we went, bathrooms were very clean, and there were plenty of places for them to stop for a rest or a snack. The views of the wetlands and foothills were stunning. Keep an eye out for fun bird species! Admission was only $5 and the interpretive center was fabulous. I highly recommend catching the short film if you can. Rangers were super friendly, enthusiastic, and informative. This place really sparked my oldest's interest and now we can't wait to venture closer to the mountain!
Chelsea Sonnenberg — Google review
The exhibits weren't open yet but there were rangers available on staff in the gift shop, which was still open. This signs on the road leading to the park may have been misleading to some indicating it was closed. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful with all of our questions. This was a very nice facility and the gift shop was incredible with its selection. I would definitely recommend stopping in if you are visiting the park in the future.
Martin ONeal — Google review
Really educational and not that expensive to get in. I really liked the movie that goes over what happened in detail. Beautiful walk around the back. I find it strange that it's nowhere near the actual mountain, it's like an hour's drive away but I'm European and used to everything being close together. Gift shop prices were insane though.
Deer Bones — Google review
Nice place to stop on the way up the mountain. The exhibits are nice but nothing special. There is an overlook above the building that overlooks the valley. They have telescopes and we could see some wildlife. When we visited they had a volunteer up at the overlook pointing out wildlife and points of interest. There are benches outside and a little gift shop. Staff were friendly and helpful.
chris m — Google review
Great small educational center! We went on a pretty cloudy day, but the staff was super polite and informative. Definitely plan to visit during the summer.
Emi M — Google review
April visit was cool and overcast, but still lovely. Hwy 504 is not open to the Johnson Ridge Observatory due to road damage.
Jean Hauritz — Google review
Educational and fun. Easy drive from Portland, great way to introduce kiddos to volcanoes.
Mini movie about the eruption is neat and teaches everyone something.
Cool model displays and oodles of learning in the museum. Great gift shop with any kind of mementos you could need.
Plenty of parking and shaded parking too, there’s even an area to walk your dog. Paths are very accessible though there is a small incline to access the loop through the marsh, you could definitely roll it or navigate with cane.
Tables and spots for picnics and if you don’t pack anything, the snack bar is reasonably priced and has caffeine.
Well worth the drive.
Aria — Google review
Very informative. There is a great view of Mt. St. Helens, but --- only after mid-day. Otherwise, it is backlite and the mountain top fades into the bright skyline. The grounds and buildings are wheelchair accessible. There are two levels, about 5 steps, but there is a ramp also.
Christopher Light — Google review
Beautiful Visitors Center at Mt. Saint Helens. It provides lots of information before you set out to discover Mt. Saint Helens. The Park Rangers are friendly and knowledgeable. There is a well-done display and a very informational movie; there's a $5 charge if you choose to see it. Of course, there's also the requisite Gift Shop on site.
Ruth Jones — Google review
I enjoy coming here very much. The trails are nicely maintained, the bathrooms are clean too. It is great to have places to visit that are free too. Thanks I will be back!
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters
National forest
Nature & Parks
Office of the National Park Service offering trip-planning information for the 110,000-acre park.
Yesterday, we did a private hike with guide Eileen Kiely up to the Crater Glacier Overlook. What an awesome day we had! Not only were we fortunate enough to have the perfect weather, but the wildflowers were in full bloom; the views of Mount St. Helens National Monument (including the crater, Spirit Lake and the expansive pumice plain), Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams were absolutely stellar; and the overall experience to be in the crater itself was one I will never forget. I highly recommend this hike!
Steve Carples — Google review
Worth visiting this national monument! The observatory has a lot if info and a great video. The views of the mountain are incredible.
Stacy Kunnassery — Google review
Recently participated in a hike into the crater with MSHI, and the entire experience was fantastic. The guide staff was very passionate, knowledgeable, and attendant to our safety while climbing. Outside of actually climbing into the crater, the staff provided a very comfortable camping experience, with just the right mix of 'roughing it' and creature comforts. I felt the whole experience was a great value especially given the campfire songs led by guided, Sarah and Sierra! Thanks, HSMI. Oh yeah, they fed us REALLY well, too.
Steve Olenchek — Google review
Setting aside land for a National Monument is a big deal. It means that future generations can see the setting in a mostly untouched state of being. There's much to see and experience in this area where mountain meets mankind.
Melanie Holmes — Google review
Staff were awesome. Sometimes the folks working the counter aren’t familiar with the locations but the young lady helping me was able to pick out the best places to view the mountain.
If you need directions, this is the place to stop.
Bushmaster 6 — Google review
A Washington Icon! Everyone knows the story, but to really understand the damage, even 40 years later, you have to visit for yourself. I highly recommend the Ape Canyon Trail, it snakes along the mudflow from the eruption along the SE side of the mountain.
Deirdre McAteer Gee — Google review
Great hike and visiting Mt. Saint Helens. Beautiful scenery.
Irish — Google review
Extremely disappointing and unorganized. They make people wait for 1 day at 9 AM to buy permits to climb the mountain. There site sucks big time. It wouldn't work. I've been trying since 9 am to buy 2 permits and had one issue after another issue. I tried to call, but they don't answer. There email was broken too! What a disaster and totally not acceptable. The federal government needs to take this back and run it with people who can actually manage it correctly!!!!! I'm so mad and upset! I've waited so patiently for this day to come only to be so disappointed. At 9 AM the site wouldn't even load correctly. Then by 9:30 it was partially loading. Finally around 10 AM it loaded and there was still 90 permits available for my date!!! Yeah.... so I thought. Selected my 2 permits only for the purchase button not too show up at all. I kept calling and calling... but no answer. Then at 10:40 AM the site actually let me select to purchase and enter my credit card. One would think this was a success, but not. There bloomin "submit order" button was broken. 8 tried various browsers on the computer and my cell phone. All with no success! 😢 Why is this even allowed? I did everything right and I got nothing except disappointment. They all need to be fired. Each year they get worse and worse. Thought it was suppose to improve!!
This is a review for the Polar Express train ride. After we purchased the tickets, I read reviews from years ago that mentioned negative things so we were worried about going. We still went with open mind and drove close to 2 hours in traffic to get there.
In short, we had such a great time! The staff on the train were friendly, including Santa. The hot chocolate they provided was rich and delicious. The cookie was chocolate mint, and it was vegan friendly. The train ride was about 50min or so with entertainment like the book reading, hot chocolate music with staff dancing and singing Christmas carol.
The North Pole setting was a little silly looking from an adult perspective, but my 6 year old loved seeing Santa and the helper there. Santa spent time with every child on the train and he gave us all silver bells. The tickets were expensive($60pp) but it was worth it!
Dana Michael — Google review
We had a good time on the Pumpkin Train. We took our 2 year old. The train was oversold at least for any indoor seating. There was a covered section on one of the open air cars which is where we sat. Thankfully we dressed for the weather as had been told. They added another run for those who couldn't make it on the train. Sadly there were little to no pumpkins left but our two year old didn't know or care and chose his pumpkin and was thrilled.
Shasta Christensen — Google review
The facility was well kept and had a few displays of antique rail pieces. The restrooms where clean and easy to find. The staff in the depot as well as on the train were top notch. The #15 train has local history back to the thirties. The ride was pleasant and it is smooth for a vintage train. The cost was reasonable for the quality and would be great for younger children since it is only about an hour and a half for their shorter excursion.
Frank Lewis — Google review
Kids really enjoyed the experience. A must experience for the family. Now the kids aren't afraid to watch the Tom Hanks version of the Polar Express lol.
Make sure to book online early as the train fills up fast.
Ronald Lashley, Jr. — Google review
We took the Pumpkin Train and even though it was fun. We're not sure it was worth the cost for a 30 minute ride. Additionally, we were in an inside car and there was a group of adults that weren't wearing masks and the staff passed by them several times and never asked them to put their masks on.
Erin K. Cleary-Parr — Google review
We rode the Santa train with our little granddaughters. We enjoyed the ride, Santa came through and gave everyone a candy cane and it was fun to see the scenery and the cows along the way.
Pam Davidson — Google review
I was deeply disappointed this year in the Polor Express. This use to be a tradition for me and my children but after today experience it will no longer be a continued tradition. I purchased my tickets 2 months in advanced for me and my children but when we arrived they had us assigned to two different tables verses together as a family. I was extremely upset. Why in the world would I pay for expensive tickets to sit with strangers at a table verses with my children. This has not been a problem before but was today. After speaking with the staff and advocating for my family we luckily got to sit together although another family that was mother and daughter sat next two each other at two different tables which is very sad. The seats are way to close together where you don't have room to move your seat at the table. My daughter had a mother with a child sitting behind her with her child in her lap that keep pushing my daughter into the table with no room to breathe. In our previous visits we had actually seats like similar to the train in the movie which is more comfortable. I kept having a child run into me and had grabbed my back and bottom while the parents did nothing. Having the actual train seats keeps families together and allows space for your feet and surroundings and avoids being harassed physically by another children. In previous visits we had all the characters involved in the movie from the two boys and girl, the conductor, hobo, and various other characters. They interacted with you and created a live theme atmosphere. Today there were hardly any characters or live singing. No children, no hobo, and the excitement of the staff was the temperature of my hot chocolate....luke warm. When they read the story they turned off the lights and you couldn't see the pictures. In previous visits the staff actually walked down the train and the lights were on so you could see the photos. The santa was nice and interacted with all the children no matter how many people were there I would say that was the only good part. In previous visits they played Christmas music and you actually got up and dance. Today experience there was no room for dancing and we sung songs out loud. During one the of songs people stopped singing in the middle of the song which was awkward and killed the vibe. A favorable memory was the conductor. He would whole punch your ticket like in the movie, but today the conductor punch one hole and went to the next table. Wasn't much interaction and we only saw him one time and was gone the rest of the train ride when in previous visits you saw the characters multiple times through out the train experience. This was way over priced for what was presented. I seen more interaction at events out of state. I no longer recommend the polor express and I am one who donated to the train to help with fixtures.
debbie h — Google review
Our family had a fun time on the Polar Express. I can't wait to take a ride in the vintage cars during warmer months. The crew are very kind and family friendly.
M Hill — Google review
First time Polar Express riders and the experience was truly magical!! We were in the dining room in the premiere car and had the best time with Connor the attendant and the chef.
Connor was entertaining, helpful and was wonderful! He kept us all laughing and having a great time. Our party of 8 kept him on his toes but he rolled with the punches and was fantastic.
The chef was so informative and attentive. She kept us laughing as well.
The car had great heat and plenty of room.
Will definitely be going back next year!
Stormie Rogers — Google review
Oh, it was cold that day but once we made our way in the train and our compartment, Wow! What fun. I felt like a child again. The entertainment and service was exceptional. The hot cocoa was warm. But, I understand giving a child scalding cocoa would not fare well and the big peppermint chocolate cookies were good. Santa was great! What a blast! A bit spendy but well worth the experience.
DeAnna Dewbre' — Google review
This is a review of the Polar Express train ride. Whatever you do, do not pay the extra money to have upgraded seats. The regular seats are all in a train car that is nicely decorated with tables to sit at and look out the windows. That part looked pretty cute and had we sat there this review might be different. The 'upgraded' seating was a bathroom (literal toilet and sink, no table) with a dirty couch-like seat in it. It smelled super strong of cleaner and when we got on they were rushing to 'put a blanket down' before we got in the room. I was so disappointed I almost cried. Luckily my child is so young it didn't seem to phase him, but I would have happily downgraded to sit anywhere else. The cocoa was fine, the cookie was fine, the staff were just kids who weren't really interested in being there or acting out any parts. They gave us a book to read along with and asked people to sing carols for entertainment. The 'North Pole' was okay, but even my 4 year old called out that it's clearly not real. The Santa however was wonderful. He sees every child and gives them a pretty silver bell. He spent a few minutes with us and my kid beamed the whole time. He was really great and the main reason for 3 stars.
Chelsea Hendrickson — Google review
We did the polar express for the first time, and we loved it! There was a group of 8 and everyone was so nice and attentive. The best part of the experience was Connor. He was so much fun and made the experience so much better. The chef was amazing and our kids loved that part. The hot chocolate was the best we have had and the peppermint hot chocolate cookies were FANTASTIC. We can’t wait for next year to do it again.
Jonathan McMillan — Google review
Very cool experience, especially for kids. My 4 year old LOVED IT!!! They do a great job of suggesting we're to sit because we had an infant with us as well, it was suggested to sit inside due to the sun and more so about the crazy loud train horn! Excellent time!
Spirit Lake Hwy, also known as Highway 504, is a scenic route that ascends about 4,000 feet from Castle Rock to the vicinity of Mount St. Helens. The winding road offers breathtaking views and takes travelers through diverse landscapes as they make their way towards the mountain.
4.5
(96)
Washington, USA
14
Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.6
(23)
•
4.0
(54)
15000 Spirit Lake Hwy, Toutle, WA 98649, USA
15
Ape Cave
Cave
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
In addition to views of Mount St. Helens, this national forest also features a popular cave trail.
Place is still pretty but it's been closed since covid but you can still go. Only problem is some kids today painted over the sign to tell you which way is harder then the other. And they tagged a lot of the walls. If you go at least have the respect for places like this and don't trash them.
Natalie Mulliniks — Google review
Goonies adventure in a cave! This was amazing! Bring 2 flash lights,warm clothing. The lower cave is great for kids and not so adventurous adults. The upper cave is for a serious strenuous hike in the pitch black with many rock piles and obstacles cliffs to climb. Not for the faint hearted. It was a great experience!
Mat D — Google review
It was raining outside but with the cave being underground it didn’t matter what the weather was like outside. We did the lower trail with our 1 year old baby and was a nice walk. Make sure to have at last 2 lights per person we brought extras! At one point we turned off the light and it was completely pitch black, surreal. Exploring the Ape Cave was a fun adventure!
Nikki Hyodo — Google review
This place was awesome and I met the nicest lady who lent me one of her headlamps and we went through the cave together. Its a first-time experience I would like to live over again and again. DO bring a coat (its cold down there year-round) and do bring your own flashlight (even though I did not)
Bronson Allen — Google review
We went to the Ape Cave on a very rainy day and had a great time despite the weather. You need to bring flashlights for each member of your party. If you forget, you can rent them. It is pitch dark inside. It was cool walking through the lava tube all the way to the end. It felt like we were in a movie. Parts of the cave were very easy to get through and other parts were a little challenging. They have 2 routes you can take. One of them is very challenging so don't take that one if you are not physically fit.
Hilda Martinez — Google review
This was a fantastic hike in and out of the caves. There are two paths inside. One super easy and recommended for the young and elderly and the moderate side.
The moderate side can be just a little intense with climbing over boulders and rocks and climbing up walls and squeezing through very very tight spaces. I'm 5'7" at 130lbs and I even had to take my backpack off to fit through some spaces.
And when you think you've hit a dead end, look again!
The hike outside is nice and beautiful.
Definitely recommend.
Junior Fras — Google review
Cool cave to walk through. Be sure to bring VERY bright lights, comfy walking shoes and a second layer (coat or sweater! I run warm so I took my jacket off halfway through the hike through.
Tiara Watson — Google review
Amazing cave. Did lower and upper caves in about 3 hours. Great mix of terrain in the caves. Often wet (it was raining above) but never slippery. Only bad thing was how loud people choose to be - sound can really echo. At the latter part of the upper cave we didn’t see anyone else for a long time which was great since some parts were very crowded. Beautiful up above too on the hike back.
Joel Bartlett — Google review
Very adventurous and exciting. Technical hiking through pitch black, lighting is required. Very light climbing at one or two places. Regular sneakers we're fine for me and a simple flashlight. Less is more, you probably don't need a backpack and a bottle of water, just take a flashlight and maybe a sweater. The air is cool and rich inside. There are places where the ceiling fell and so you have to scramble up and over the rocks which have since fell. They are stable though and navigating for me was quick and easy. If you are the adventurous type and are also the athletic type, then I'm sure you'll love this hike! Oh, there are two different options, one is a through hike from one cave entrance to a different exit, that one is the more adventurous, longer, and technical hike. The other one is the lower hike which is preportedly easier and shorter. I didn't see any bats or signs of life. Stopping at The Cougar Restaurant was nice afterwards.
Lucas Kerper — Google review
Did a lot of hikes around the Washington area but none was as unique as Upper Caves. APE cave has 2 trails one called upper cave and other lower. I did the upper cave which is supposed to be longer and more difficult. Truly astonishing hike and one you can't forget. It took us 1 hour 30 minutes to complete the upper cave. Add another 30 minutes to complete the trek loop to the parking spot after coming out of the cave. You should carry water with you. You will get at least 20 rock boulder kind of terrain on the upper cave. Having good hiking shoes with ankle support is highly recommended. Also carry gloves with you. One of my friends got her hand cut by a rock. Rocks can be sharp here and you should watch your head. There is no way you can do this hike without a flashlight. Flashlights are a must. Headlamps are optional but are more convenient.
Kumar Vaibhav — Google review
Wonderful Adventure. If you don’t like the cold definitely bundle up. Bring a good flashlight as it’s 100% needed. Good Shoes is another important thing to bring. Stellar times with amazing photo opportunities. The hike was great but very easy if your in basic shape. Overall it’s a great hike to get out in nature.
Coach T — Google review
Very cool lava tube, very refreshing. Was 42 degrees when we were in there end of July. Great break from the heat. Near experience
jack petty — Google review
Amazing place,
The pay/ reserve sytem can be confusing but no worries ws unless busy you can pay $2 at upper lot per person, etc.
Be sure to get a $5 heavy duty flashlight at upper parking lot before going up to the cave.
The flashlight has a couple settings and can spread light to the side as well as the beam on the front.
The caves are much more enjoyable the more light you have to see the intricate differences of the walls and ceilings.
Note:
There is about 18 piles of rubble to climb over &/or walk thru as well as its quite chilly about 55 degrees- Do not go down without a hoodie & or beanie! Jeans are suggested though i went with shorts and only got on knees one time for 3-5 feet.
The gifts shop is really cute and has plenty of souvenirs too!
Christopher Styles — Google review
Do prepare scrambling with gloves, water, headlights, long pants, hiking boots! Enjoy and be careful. Take care, Nick!
La Coqueta Jewelry — Google review
Impressive! We could have done the upper cave but we needed better shoes for climbing rocks and more time. The lower cave is kid friendly, despite having a dead end. For both, you can use a cellphone flashlight but it's more comfortable to use a head lamp for the upper cave. In this picture what you see is not worms over a rock but empty bubbles from volcanic gases. This rock is 1/3 inside the upper cave.
Emilia Fichter — Google review
The cave temperature is very cool (42°F) but I felt fine in a breathable t-shirt and shorts, however I would still recommend packing some sort of long sleeve shirt or jacket.
Regular tennis shoes are fine, but make sure they have traction as the ground is very uneven and there are a lot of sections involving clambering over boulders, some of which are wet from the condensation dripping from the ceiling.
If you plan on exploring any of the few "offshoots" or short tunnels that deviate from the main path, BRING KNEEPADS AND GLOVES. The ground is VERY rough and will destroy your knees.
While the hike is short in distance, it is very technical and feels much longer. You don't need any equipment, but there is one section (the lava falls) that is difficult to climb if you aren't able to easily lift your own body weight. I had to help a group up that likely would've had to turn back without some assistance.
Lastly, make sure you buy your recreation pass ($5) and your reservation ($2) online and PRINT THEM BOTH before you go. There is no internet here and you will have to turn around to get internet and buy your pass if you don't beforehand.
Noah Ranum — Google review
4.7
(532)
•
4.5
(333)
Washington 98616, USA
I'll never travel to Mount Rainier National Park without this trip planner again
454-acre lakefront park with campsites, cabins, RV hookups, boat launches & a swimming area.
I spent a snow and icy night here at Ike Kinswa State Park. It was pretty empty, but the majority of spaces had reservation tags on the night of my stay and the following night, which was New Year. I have to assume that because of the snow and ice, people with reservations opted to stay put and not travel to the park, which was probably the right choice! However, the dedicated park ranger fellow was hard at work blading snow with a tractor, prepping spaces and the loop road for guest that again I assume, wouldn't arrive. I think this may be a super popular park though, and it did look idyllic in the snow. I was hard to tell from the circumstances while I was there how well the park was maintained, but the facilities were very clean and smelled fresh with the only distraction to the pleasantness being the cut in to the bathroom partition walls political fervor of certain right-winged individuals that lack the honor and respect to not destroy and deface public property. Ike Kinswa is worth a visit. The lake looked amazing! And the cabins looked a great as well.
Rey M — Google review
It’s closed now due to construction, but when we did come here we we had such a good time here. Super private camp spots. Easy walks to the bathroom. Each site at the section we were in had its own little private water access. We saw an owl sitting in the ditch on our way in. Heard howls at night. The scenery is amazing. 10/10 can’t wait to camp here again. Scheduling is the hardest part. It’s always booked!
Brandy B — Google review
Awesome location! Does get busy on the weekends, so make sure to reserve a spot. The staff was super helpful and kind. Easy self check-in 🙌
Spots are close together but well accommodating for rv hookup. Bathrooms, showers and dumps are available.
Despite being fully booked, everyone was respectful and quiet in the evening. Perfect location for water activities 👌
We will return with Kayaks and fishing poles 🎣
David Ross — Google review
Beautiful Lakeside State Park. Great for kayaking or paddle boarding or swimming, good family time, trails easy to negotiate. The reason I get it I’ll need to stars is there is no escaping the highway nice you are constantly hearing the Rambo and wine of Highway vehicles but you can still have hear the birds and it’s still beautiful. cabins one, one, two, three, are the best
Patricia Gail McClary — Google review
Always a great way to kick off the camping season! Love this park!
Sarah Porter — Google review
Great place for the family. Just wish they would open the park again soon. We love brining the dogs here. And they have a few picnic tables but you have to grab them quick.
Candice Roggenkamp — Google review
We spent 7 days in this beautiful campground. We were quite surprised at how busy it was for the Thanksgiving week but most everyone was kind and respectful of other people's space. Park rangers were helpful and friendly. Our pup had a wonderful time exploring, on leash of course, this is how she earned her Bark Ranger bandana.
L — Google review
A snowy and frozen night at Ike Kinswa State Park Campground.
I absolutely enjoyed my stay closing out 2021 in a lovely and picturesque park campground.
Only two other people were at the park, but interestingly, almost all the sites had reservation tags on them. The only loop that was open had all but 2 sites with power and water. I don't use power or water in my van as I'm entirely self contained. The space rates were 20$ for regular sites, and 30 for hook-up sites. I paid twenty and left a note on the payment envelope that I had to use a hook-up site because the only two non hook-up sites that were available we're out of reach due.to snow and ice. The ranger was out the next morning with a tractor clearing snow and ice from sites and told me it wasn't a problem at all, that he had seen tracks attempting to get in to the non hook-up area and saw the slipping and sliding tracks. Anyway, he was very kind, polite and amicable, a great set of qualities for a park ranger.
This is a beautifully wooded park. There are very nice looking cabins just off the shore of Mayfield Lake. Lovely views. The community toilets were very clean and smelled well taken care of. As we left, we made the loop once again to get a good look at all the sites. I'm my opinion, IKSP is a top-tier state park. As we left, we saw the ranger diligently clearing out spaces for many travelers that probably wouldn't show up due to the weather.
I totally recommend Ike Kinswa. 10 of 10!
Rey Mendez — Google review
Pretty campground but much of it was closed and there were signs posted for "No Beach Access"
jennifer shelton — Google review
very clean area, well maintained. could use a little more privacy in the spots, but over all a very good camp site and would definitely come back.
Mooo000ooo — Google review
This is a very nice park. I was in a 20' travel trailer and at the time, there were only partial hookup spaces available. They have a dump station though. Construction was taking place on a full hookup area, and it looks like that will be ready by summer. The park is very clean, the staff are very friendly. Caught trout at the lake. A bald eagle dropped down and snatched one right in front of me, that was pretty cool. Deer roam the park. Beautiful lake with incredible sunsets.
Ray Thiessen — Google review
Fantastic state park with great staff, roomy sites and lots of fun things to do. The lake is very accessible and not too crowded with swim areas. Trails are well kept and have beautiful views. The roads are in excellent shape and are designed for larger campers. Many of the sites are deep enough for longer trailers and hookups are convenient. This was a great place to unwind and enjoy the amenities.
Mike C — Google review
I recently had the opportunity to visit Ike Kinswa State Park and I must say, it was a wonderful experience. The park was well-maintained and there were plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. The hiking trails were absolutely stunning, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. The lake was also very clean and perfect for swimming. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. The facilities were clean and well-equipped, ensuring a comfortable stay. Overall, I highly recommend Ike Kinswa State Park for anyone looking for a great outdoor experience!
John — Google review
Only Cash or check pay station, limited open bathrooms after August.
LOTS of bird poop. Otherwise we'll groomed area to play. There are grills and lots of table's. **updated playground & painted bathrooms 🚻
Holly G — Google review
Great quiet little park. Ranger was very cool with our shenanigans. Even had a Sasquatch sighting.
Ben Benson — Google review
Very clean & quiet. Beautiful area. Trash has to be hauled near the dump station when you leave the park. May have been others closer but it's sorta off season. (Went camping Thanksgiving week).
Lots of cabins on the lake to rent here. They looked well maintained and a group we talked to said they were cozy.
Some sites had electric and water but I don't think any sites had sewer. There is a nice size dump station as you leave the park.
There are nice walking trails around the area. I ended up driving to see Mt Saint Helens during my visit which was about 2hour drive to the overlook we went to.
Lots of trees have been cut down and are sorts sprawled everywhere. I'm feeling it's more off-season and they are working on maintenance throughout the park which is great.
Definitely worth camping here! Sorry didn't take photos of the maps of the park this time.
Johnston Ridge Observatory is a visitor center located near the summit of Mount St. Helens, which offers interpretive displays, ranger talks and a gift shop. It is named after scientist David Johnston who was killed by the mountain's lateral blast. The observatory provides stunning vistas of the crater with smoke rising from it, showcasing the unique nature of this mountain.
Amazing views of the crater!
On a clear day you can see the smoke rising and the growing nature of this unique mountain.
There are many trails and walkways in summer.
In winter its a long hard hike and careful planning as its around 14 miles round trip.
The road is gated just after the Coldwater lake, hence the walk will be long and will need snowgear in winter.
Either way in all seasons its amazing!
Neo Xplores — Google review
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is absolutely amazing with the most stunning views. We went with a tour company called Jeff’s Eco Tours and it was such a fun day.
Veronica Lanni — Google review
Fantastic view of the mountain. In late April the drive up to the observatory was completely clear, but a few of the viewpoints and all the trails were covered in feet of snow.
Matty B — Google review
This is an amazing observatory. It explains what happened during the 1980 volcano and talks about volcanic activity since then. It has this wonderful 3d model of the mountain that shows you exactly what happened that morning. Plus more exhibits including stories of survivors. And the view is exquisite! We are hikers and have hiked around the mountain, but non hikers can really enjoy the view of the mountain. Everyone should visit this site!
S Tower — Google review
We showed up on a clear winter day, enjoyed the exhibits, and joined in on an interpretive ranger program about the history of Mount St. Helens. The program was absolutely captivating, led by one of the most passionate educators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. Everyone in the group was so enthralled that we didn’t even notice it had started snowing very hard until the ranger pointed it out at the end, saying “you all were so interested in the story, I didn’t want to distract you from it!”. I wish I had thanked that ranger more thoroughly for a lovely experience.
Lindsay C — Google review
Enjoyed this view to Mt Saint Helen. Drove up the mountain mid-day on a October brisk Fall day (50°F-56°), do not go up if fog heavy or clouds are low you will not be able to see it. But, make sure winter clothing is on deck (coat,gloves & jacket). At this location it's a scene you must see. If you have trouble breathing or walking uphill be prepared is 4000+ ft above elevation.
Yolanda Simmons — Google review
Worth the drive to reach this observatory, which is named for a scientist who saved numerous people with his early warnings to evacuate but died himself in the 1980 eruption. We visited when there were clouds around the top of the summit, which made the views more eerie. Informative exhibits, take the hike on the trails. Parts of the landscape has yet to recover.
Kevin James Shay — Google review
Got there Sunday, just as they were closing (6pm), but had enough time to get some souvenirs. The prices were fair, and they had a nice selection. The views were spectacular! We got some beautiful photos. The roads are well maintained, with some great pulloffs. Keep in mind that they're dark, steep and windy, so don't stay up there too late. This was a "bucket list" item that SHOULD HAVE BEEN on my list - do yourself a favor and put it on yours!
Patricia Vasko — Google review
Beautiful spot to get a good look at Mt Saint Helen's, good for all ages an abilities. Once you park you'll have to walk up a hill to the center, but it's all paved ect an wheelchair accessible. There's a little loop that is paved, but has some rough spots. We hiked up to Coldwater peak, was cloudy so couldn't see a lot but was beautiful. Got to hangout with a couple goats while we had lunch
Mark Aloisio — Google review
Wonderful. The view you have with My St Helens, there's no words. I was speechless. No pictures or TV can really do justice. If you have the park pass? Then you can go in the building for free. Although that was Labor Day day so check into it. You won't be sorry. All the forest you'll see has come back after she blew. Beautiful.
Ty Lynn Young — Google review
Amazing beauty. The drive is quite pleasant with many view stops along the way. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Be aware the Ranger talks (usually on the hour) are canceled if the weather is cloudy in the morning, regardless of if it clears up later in the day.
mystyrica — Google review
Just wow! We are local Washingtonians, but this up close view of the inside of the volcano never gets old. The drive up is always worth it. Local hint: Get there at 10:00 am when it opens and you’ll have very little traffic and the visitor center will be less crowded, then, on the way back down, about 8 miles, you will see signs for Coldwater Lake. It was a lake created by a landslide with the eruption. It’s gorgeous, has an interpretive trail, and if you cross the shallow creek that is at the picnic area’s parking lot (just at the start of the trail), you can have a large sandy beach to yourself. Bring a picnic (pack everything out). Great day trip from Portland or Seattle.
Jimmy Harris — Google review
Me and my husband recently traveled here and it was amazing. Mt. St. Helen's is in bird's-eye view. There is a gift shop on sight if you wanted to purchase some goodies from your visit here. There is plenty of parking and a coffee stand if you wanted a good cup of coffee and a light refreshment. The walk up is really nice and paved. There are also hiking trails available. I would highly recommend going here.
Brewery Park, located at Tumwater Falls, covers 15 acres of riverside nature. Visitors can enjoy trails, cascades, lawns and a children's play area. The park is pet-friendly and offers great photo opportunities. It is not usually crowded and is a good spot for picnics. The falls are easily accessible with well-maintained paths that make it easy to walk or push a stroller through them even with children as young as two years old.
Was so lucky to catch the Chinook salmon run at the end of September! Thousands of salmon coming up the river and into the fish ladder. It was mesmerizing to watch.
We didn’t go on the trails, but I would like to come back and explore more. The waterfall was nothing special. Salmon is what made the day.
There isn’t a lot of parking inside the park, but there are spots on the road, right outside the entrance. Very odd spot for parking, but at least it’s free.
Jen S — Google review
It was a nice day for a day so we hit the road and decided to stop by Brewery Park
It was a brief walk but very cool to say the least. You can walk your dogs and there's plenty of photo ops to take advantage of.
It wasn't to crowded and it seemed to be a good place to sit a have a bite to eat.
Rawlins Maye — Google review
Great stop to stretch your legs on Seattle to Portland run. Trails follow the river and falls down paths through the woods and the water drowned out most of the freeway noise. Not sure what's going on with the fish ladder, looked like it was no longer in use but the structure was intriguing. Good picnic area and had some parking available.
Lis Weller — Google review
"It's the water, and a lot more."
Even a solar panel to blend into the background!
Can you feel the power?
Yes in-deedy... when you visit. Hope you get to enjoy the great views from so many angles! 😊
#wheelchair accessible
DJ Jazzy JeffZ — Google review
My husband and I had one of our first dates here and returned 5 years later with our 2 kids. It's very clean and beautiful. The walk around the falls is easy and the path is well cared for. My stroller made it just fine, as well as my 2 year old was able to walk it with no issues.
Deziray McNally — Google review
This place is pretty incredible! Hard to believe it can be found right next to I-5. The waterfall and surrounding park is great and certainly worth a visit even if you are just passing through. There is also a decent amount of history about the waterfall for those so inclined. Not often do you find a waterfall like this “in-town”.
Montana Canton — Google review
This place is pretty awesome. We took a walk around and enjoyed the incredible view before w me sat down for a picnic. Very family friendly . The bathrooms were pretty clean.
Adele O — Google review
This historic site was recently renamed unfortunately. Tumwater Falls is located next to the former Olympia Beer but is so much more. Native tribes had seasonal homes here. There have been grist and flour mills, power sources and even a railroad. Filled with beauty, native plants and the falls, the easy stroll will transport you away from the hustle and into nature. Sit on the benches and relax. There is a play area, many shady picnic spots with benches and the Falls Restaurant (I have not eaten here)
Laurie Empherson — Google review
This beautiful little gorge is really tucked out of sight. I finally made a point to find it, and the salmon are running, leaping up the gorgeous falls, and can be viewed in the fishery there. It was exhilarating. A perfect loop trail in the middle of places I go shopping, so this will be a regular place to enjoy.
Heidi Bohan — Google review
Great spot to stop in for a walk while in/ around Olympia. Plenty of parking, public restroom, picnic area, and a collection of trails along the river. Great for a quick visit to the falls and hatchery or a longer visit. Rain or shine, both enjoyable. Leashed dog friendly.
Jesse James White — Google review
Great little park hidden along side of I-5. This gem has a well kept upper park area with a fish hatchery, stepped water falls, and a short hiking trail along the river. It is great for families and anyone wanting to get outside and enjoy nature.
Chris Blacknall — Google review
It was a nice day for a day so we hit the road and decided to stop by Brewery Park
It was a brief walk but very cool to say the least. You can walk your dogs and there's plenty of photo ops to take advantage of.
It wasn't to crowded and it seemed to be a good place to sit a have a bite to eat.
Rawlins Maye — Google review
A hidden gem. Been driving past this park for years and had no idea it was here let alone how amazing and beautiful it is. Quickly rose to my top 10 parks in Washington. Take time to seee this wonderful experience
Matthew Lepley — Google review
I haven't been here in 34 years last time I was here I was a little kid barely remember any of it had a blast yesterday over there. This is an edit went back again with my son today we had a blast we walked all the way to the end checked out the waterfall at the end we had a lot of fun I want to know when they're releasing the salmon to go down the river and when the salmon or running up the river so that I can bring my kids back to see that that would be awesome if anyone knows this information please leave a comment
Michael Heinicke — Google review
Nice, short walk along both sides of the river. Several scenic places for photos. Hatchery was not in operation. Not sure if restrooms are available. Restaurant and ice cream store nearby.
Brooke Holderbaum — Google review
This beautiful park is located near downtown Tumwater with an easy, 1 mile, mostly-paved trail that boasts 3 beautiful waterfalls. Upper Tumwater falls is located near the restrooms, Middle Tumwater falls is located past the bridges next to the Fish ladders, and Tumwater falls is at the end of the loop trail.
PNWJessica — Google review
Viewing photos and not being from the area, it throws you for a little surprise that it's smack dab in the middle of town. It's just a little turn off by the freeway, and it's a whole different little world for a moment.
It was such a cool and very pretty walk around. There were many little waterfalls due to the large amount of rainfall. I did hear this is the highest it's been in some time. Very cool little nature area.
Therese Marie — Google review
Young and old will enjoy a short and flat walk around Tumwater Falls. Do the short level walk across bridges, explore both sides of the roaring water and falls. You might see Salmon in early fall. However check out romantic expressions of love when couples write names on key locks and attach the locks to some of the fences. Park for kids, clean and safe bathrooms, picnic tables, historical markers and lots of free parking. No discover pass needed. Local favorite for Olympia and Tumwater like myself. Short walk 15/20 minutes.
David Bacalis — Google review
Great place to go for a walk. My dog loves Timwater Falls Park. I love to watch the seasons change and to see the salmon run. We went a few weeks ago after the big rain and the power of the water was unbelievable 😳. Great place to take kids to get them into nature.
Phil Aust — Google review
Used to be Tumwater Falls Park, this park is a truly amazing hidden gem. Kids love to watch salmon run at the hatchery's glass wall. Rainbow 🌈 over the thundering lower fall in a sunny day, historic red brewery tower, yellow big leaves in the fall, rhododendrons in the spring, ..., you name it.
Amenities are well maintained: plenty of parking places, a clean restroom, picnic tables, even a restaurant.
Bing Z. — Google review
Beautiful spot just south of Olympia. Highly recommend. Historical landmarks are marked and facts are displayed along trails. The trails are well maintained and have guard rails. We were lucky enough to be there mid September so we got to see salmon swimming along the falls! There's also a salmon hatchery on site.
Katherine Fee — Google review
The hiking here is perfect for most people. The path is paved and has a lot to look at. The route is fairly extensive, especially for an urban setting. I'd recommend visiting if in the area, especially if you have kids or a dog.
The Washington State Capitol Building, constructed in 1928, is a legislative edifice located on a spacious twelve-acre property. It provides complimentary guided tours to visitors.
The Hands On Children's Museum provides interactive exhibits and educational programs that focus on both art and science for children of all ages. The facility offers various areas for imaginative play, with a specific section dedicated to children aged four and under. Outdoor activities include a large pebbled play area with trucks and flowing water, suitable for all age groups. The museum is recommended as a great place to spend several hours, particularly during weekdays in mid-afternoon when younger children are less likely to be present.
This place is the best! Keeps kids entertained for hours. It's best for younger kids but older kids have fun also. Kids can pretend to shop for groceries, pick veggies, serve ice cream, and make pizza. The emergency services room has an interactive ambulance, fire truck, police car and helicopter. There are too many activities to list all of them here!!
Alexis Telles — Google review
It's definitely worth visiting! The staff is amazing, I took cash out so I didn't need to use my card when we visited the gift shop, but I was short 84 cents no biggie was gonna use my card, but the lady insisted I not use my card for such a small amount and she would cover it. I bought my tickets off the website for $15, but there is an ebt discount for $3 a ticket. The exhibits were great, and my son had a blast! Will definitely b back!
Tiffany Weaver — Google review
Love this place for the kids. We've been coming almost every 2 months for 1.5 years (we live 40 min away, otherwise we would come a lot more). My boys are almost 4 years apart (4 & 7.5) but they both love it.
I've taken pictures of the food boards, since there is nowhere else you can find prices. The food is pretty yummy, and not priced like amusement park food either.
Katie Czerniak — Google review
Fun place for my cousins to hangout and have fun. As well as get some energy out. They enjoy coming here to so much and always look forward to coming
Taylor Nickeson — Google review
Super good, this place is better than the Tacoma children museum and Bellevue KidsQuest children museum. 4 hours is not enough, next time I will aim for 6 hours for my kid. Outside and inside playhouse were awesome.
Lily Wong — Google review
This is such a fun place for both younger and older children! We loved all the fun areas for imaginative play downstairs and all the creative areas upstairs, including a fun part exclusively for ages 4 and under. The outdoors is also a blast for all ages, especially with the large pebbled play area with trucks and water flowing. I highly recommend you check it out at least once and be prepared to stay for as many hours as your children will last. A weekday mid-afternoon seems to be a good time to come when the youngest children tend to not be here and it's mainly older children who no longer nap. If we didn't live over an hour away, we'd for sure become members!
Jenny Ma — Google review
What an awesome place! I highly recommend taking your children! All ages could have fun, I’m 26 and I did! Lol. We will definitely be back! So much to do and see, with only so much time!
Marissa Longtain — Google review
Yes! The Children's Museum that we have always wished for! Our group had people from 4 yrs old through to 57 years and we all had a blast! We got a membership so we will be back.
The employees were all friendly and helpful!
You have to check this place out!
Suzanne Houser — Google review
This place is amazing! We were lucky enough to attend an anniversary party for my husband's work, D L Henricksen. They rented out the entire museum and it was seriously a blast. There's so much to do. My 6 year old had so much fun and we are already planning out next visit.
C W — Google review
This is a great museum for kids, our 4 year old daughter loved this! Outside near the museum is also public water play area which worked out perfect for a hot day.
There are all kinds of areas to explore for kids of various ages.
Outside there's a track to ride a tricycle around, there's a ship, there was areas to build your own mud pie, and areas to climb and play. Inside there was some slides, play areas, and other interesting things.
Absolutely fantastic and highly recommended. We were just in Olympia one night, this was a perfect activity.
Paul M — Google review
Having a young child in Washington means dealing with rain a lot of the time. Now don't get me wrong, I love rainy-day adventures even outside. But sometimes it's great even on sunny days to let your kid just run around and safely have a blast while learning.
I have been attending the Hands-On Museum for over 20 years with my older children and now my young son. It's great to see how much it has changed and the location where it's at is a beautiful structure. Proud to have been part of the fundraising a long time ago for this location. My son loves running around and so do I because I get to just be a child with him again and see the things that he sees.
It can be loud and chaotic, but it goes with the place and it's accepted and expected. Fortunately for those who have sensory issues, they do have quiet hours. A great place for a birthday party or to take a grandchild or a niece or a nephew as the fun Aunt or Uncle. You can go as a one time visit but honestly a membership pays off in 1 or 2 visits.
In the summer it has a great water structure that the kids love to just splash and get wet in. Not intended for swimming, just for dipping your feet and simply being a child or with child like wonder. I'd recommend you attend with a child, or cool off elsewhere in warm months, it's just creepy otherwise hanging out around young children and their family.
Jen Procick — Google review
This is amazing for children of all ages. Spent the entire day. My 3 year old son was over the moon with the place. Food was excellent. I cant think of anything they didnt have to entertain children and adults. Would recommend this place to all.
Saundra Quillen — Google review
I'm an adult and I love this place. My kids always leave smiling. The staff are super friendly to kids and stressed out adults. Every time we go there is something new to do. We are so lucky to have this place in our backyard.
Sarah Barnwell — Google review
I attended a Christmas party there and it was amazing, many things to do with the children.
Glacier Lloyd — Google review
What a blast for kids of all ages! I had fun exploring too. So many stimulating and problem solving activities to get those wheels turning. A fantastic place to let yourself and kids imagination run wild and live in a creative world. You need at least 3 hours to enjoy everything. Make sure to take water to stay hydrated because you are going to be all over the place trying to keep up lol.
The Nessassities — Google review
Great place! So happy to see more businesses having programs that cater to single income families on state funded programs. What would have cost me over 60 dollars cost under 10, just to get in the doors. You can easily spend all day with the family. Hope to be back soon, we came at a time of day that my littles would normally be napping and we became overwhelmed pretty quickly between the things to see and other children, etc. Thank you for being such a fantastic place. Truly.
Locally owned cineplex with a light-filled lobby showing first-run films on 8 screens.
Let me just start off by saying, This Theater was AMAZING and then some!! RECLINING LEATHER SEATS with cup holders AND armrests!!! 🤩
Great popcorn and not bad for pricing. The kids snack asst. was an incredibly affordable deal. And I mean AFFORDABLE! - FREE Refills on soda and popcorn during your movie, and that includes your choice of buttery topping, caramel dust, and more to choose from..how fun right? The bathrooms were clean and the Theater was continuously swept and disinfected. My son LOVED getting to choose where we sat for our movie, as well as what flavor to add to his soda! (he chose "vanilla" cola 😆) The staff were like little wisps you hardly noticed them as they quietly and consistently stayed busy with a smile. There are NO complaints to be addressed. This was worth more in memories than I had anticipated. We will be coming back to the movies, and more often! Thank you Yelm Cinema for your efforts to please!!!
Chelsea Barnett — Google review
I really like the seats, and the way they have their popcorn and drink area. Also, its really convenient to be able to go to the Uptown Lounge (that is sharing the building) for lunch or dinner before the movie.
Heidi Padilla — Google review
This is another hidden gym in this little village of Yelm. Great movies, comfortable, seating, clean restrooms, and very polite staff. The whole experience for dinner and movies is an amazing one. They have a restaurant next-door called uptown lounge. You can also get dinner and movies for two for $30 if you have the coupon, we really enjoy ourselves on date night when we go out to the movies the surround sound system is excellent
MUHAMMAD Ayub — Google review
Our visit here was long overdue. The staff tonight were excellent: helpful and kind. The theater itself was well appointed with their cushioned recliners and ample space to spread out. The bathrooms were all tidy. There were many options for food and drink too. Yelm is lucky to have this establishment in town.
Kree S — Google review
My husband and I haven't been to a movie since covid. We were so impressed we intend to go back next week. The price on Wednesday's is great. The seats are so comfortable that you could fall asleep. The staff are friendly and helpful. This makes for a great date night.
Michelle Fruth — Google review
Love the seating. Every seat has a great view. Friendly service. Only minus is the popcorn seemed stale. Not very good, I would drive further to go to this theater than one that is only 5 mins from me.
Dawn Parr — Google review
Worth the drive! Staff was friendly, theater is clean, standard seating for most theaters. Pricing for both tickets and concessions were good. Their popcorn and soda with refills (plural) is a great deal!
horatioclemens — Google review
The best movie theater I've ever been to. Now I haven't been to many, but when I and my family moved to Yelm it was a semi frequent discussion how glad we are to have a great theater. Service is always great. Concessions prices are.....less great, but kind of typical of movie theaters. BIG fan of the freestyle soda machine so it's always worth the money to me. Bottomless popcorn. and the best part is two people can go see a movie for under 20 dollars (Concessions not counted.)
I lied, the actual best part is the atmosphere. This is the kind of movie theater they put in movies. It's beautiful and oozes a love of cinema and every time reminds me why it's worth it to go to the theater at all.
Noelle Rutledge — Google review
Very comfy. Popcorn is fresh! Place was clean. Screen was clear, sound quality good. Plenty of parking. The extra drive is worth it for us. Made a great date night. The theater seat are big and plush recliners. I'm a big guy, normally my hip always hits the recliner buttons, but these were big enough to not have that problem!! This is my theater of choice for the area.
Kyle Stewar6rd — Google review
My wife and I have been to the Yelm Cinema at least four times (maybe five), and have enjoyed it every time. Typically, the staff are made up of very hospitable and respectful young adults. The refreshments are plentiful and the place is always clean, including the bathrooms. The movie selection is good and the reclining seats are very comfortable. There's also a restaurant there, but we've never ate there so I can't rate it, but I'm sure the food is good.
David Hudson — Google review
I love going to the throwback movies. And the refills on popcorn is so helpful. My husband loves the seasonings, I judt like regular popcorn, so we can both get what we want!
briana sartain — Google review
Very nice theater, the staff were friendly, popcorn was good, the seating was great, power leather recliner, felt right at home, very clean. Definitely will be back to watch another movie. Oh, and they have a very nice restaurant.
L Man — Google review
Our mid-afternoon matinee was enjoyed by the whole family! The affordable tickets and small theater sizes with comfy electrical leather seats had the kids ready to sit back and relax with their bottomless popcorn and drinks! Can't wait to visit again to enjoy some libations and snacks in the Uptown Lounge, sans the kids. I can definitely say we are all looking forward to seeing our next movie there!
Rosy Gutierrez — Google review
Went to see The Goonies at the Yelm theater and it was amazing! First time here and the staffing was so friendly and the manager at the time, superb! The theater was clean and the lazy boy chairs were super comfy! Definitely have to come back, they have a lounge. Thank you for making the date night wonderful!
janell price — Google review
Yelm Cinemas makes the other theaters in our neighboring cities look bad. It has all the perks of the bigger theater chains (picking seats online, reclining chairs, decent movie variety, updated aesthetic) with the perks of being locally-owned as well (clean, friendly staff, affordable prices). Being able to get $5 tickets on Wednesdays seems too good to be true, but it's not! We will never go to any other theater as long as we live here in Yelm.
Jack Ferner — Google review
This is my favorite Movie Theater by far! The staff keep it very clean! Including keeping the parking lot clean as well! I am impressed with the youth who work there. They are always busy cleaning and keeping things beautiful. I feel safe kicking back in the recliners to watch a movie! And their prices are very reasonable. Especially in this day and age. The bathrooms are very clean! I highly recommend this adorable movie theater! Dinner at Uptown Lounge afterwards is a favorite treat! Their food and service is excellent! Chef's kiss for sure!
Rebecca Rau — Google review
Recliner seats, plenty of space to be comfortable in any matter. Connected to the Uptown Lounge restaurant, which is wonderful. Endless Sodas from the theatre, which offers the "make your own" flavors. Snacks and popcorn is reasonable. Absolute wonderful view of Mt Rainier from outside the theatre.
Purple Angry Zmurf — Google review
It was cool, comfy, nice. I have been here before this and everything went well this time was just a little different. We ended up being in theater 8 (6,7,8 are smaller than others i think)There was a blue dot on the screen the whole movie it was distracting but small so it wasn’t a big deal. But during the quieter parts of the movie I could hear what I think was cars from the theater next to us (it was very loud not too loud though) But we ran out of popcorn so I went to go get more and there was none left.We were there late (the movie started at 9:25pm) so I get it but they had none in the middle of the movie. It was not a fantastic experience but not terrible and I know this place is good so I gave it a3/5
lux'iolani batacan — Google review
Nice, small theater with reclining seats and food delivery, which was a surprise. Food was good, theater pleasant and comfortable. If you don't want to deal with crowds, take a trip down Yelm highway, past Red Wind casino, and enjoy a small-town atmosphere in a modern building.
Francie Harville — Google review
Really comfortable seats, great sound quality. Concessions need updating, a lot of stale flavors. The movie was terrific, only one other couple there in the matinee.
TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! We were looking for something fun and memorable to do for Christmas, and this was definitely it. The staff is incredibly friendly, and go above and beyond to accommodate to make the make the ride special for everyone. The train is decorated for Christmas, and the route that is taken is gorgeous. If you are looking to make an awesome memory with your family I highly recommend making it with the Mount Rainier Railroad!!!
Amanda Bartling — Google review
We went on the cider tour and it was great! It was a beautiful ride both to and from the museum. We had first class tickets and were able to experience some cider tastings on board!
The gluten free food options and the quality of the food was not the best. But the museum, train ride, and cider more than made up for it. Plus they sell snacks at the museum!
Katherine McCusker — Google review
Sadly this was closed when we decided to visit, it was still nice to check it out.
Gavin Gardener — Google review
I had an absolutely wonderful time here! My husband and I rode a train pulled by a steam locomotive from Elbe, Washington to the logging museum in Mineral, Washington, where we learned all about the history of logging. Oh, and not to mention seeing some beautiful views!
I would definitely go with first-class again. It's well worth $54 per ticket. They'll give you snacks, drinks, alcohol, and a really nice water bottle. I might also mention that all the cars are air conditioned and heated.
Cello Player — Google review
It was amazing trip! Not too long, pretty comfortable, absolutely enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Anna Solodova — Google review
A truly memorable experience! I only wish the ride was a little longer, it felt short because it was an out and back trip. I would still not miss this opportunity. Great for families!
Sarah Kline — Google review
Fun train ride. Great, friendly staff. We went on Peanuts and the Great Pumpkin day because it fit our schedule and we weren't interested in wine day. Only critisizim is the train should have slowed considerably at the one brief opportunity to view Mt Ranier. No opinion on the food because we brought our lunch. A fun day and we had perfect sunny weather. Nice museum.
Suzanne Rowley — Google review
Really nice place to hold a private event. In the town of Mineral, the only way in is the Mt Rainier Steam Railway. Event content and age can be controlled. We did Oktoberfest and no one under 21 was allowed to attend. Even with attendees policing themselves, staff was on top of checking ID and making sure everyone having the beer was supposed to be there and safe. There is a really scenic event ground at the town that you need to go through the rolling stock to get to. There are several Ales to Rails events per year as well as a Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Ride and a Polar Express at Christmas. All are well worth the trip for the age appropriate audience.
Guy Sykes — Google review
Definitely a good time wonderful workout as well, staff are fun and friendly and they tell funny jokes.
LaGrand A. — Google review
My boyfriend and I rode a locomotive steam in Elbe, Wa. for his birthday. We had the best time. So much fun, staff is friendly and fun, and lots of beautiful sights.
Highly recommend 12/10
Naome Young — Google review
We took the scenic whiskey train, it was a blast. While the whiskey was ok, the experience was a lot of fun! The ride is a great short trip and the venue was nice. The live band was pretty good and the service was very good! Definitely recommend this trip! They also have family friendly trips too!
Brian Babcock — Google review
Easter train ride. A boxed brunch (a nice variety of foods) and a beautiful train trip through the woods and farm lands to Mineral and back to Elbe. Spend some time in the open air car to get the full experience of being on a steam train with the whistle blowing!!
Gayle Hunt — Google review
Had a great time. They are coming back after the pandemic so the train are not fully restored but I was comfortable and enjoyed the ride. Great activity to do with the whole family. Can't wait for the museum to open up.
Stefanie Crow — Google review
We rode the Holiday Timber Train. It was a fun, festive 75 minute ride to Mineral and back. With clear skies you could see Rainier at the river crossing which was great. You’re able to move between cars and look over the half doors which is a cool feeling. The individual windows on the train open as well. Very popular with kids who all having a great time.
Josh Beeler — Google review
Great experience with family. My son is autistic and he enjoyed the trip.
Magaly I Roman — Google review
Amazing experience. Each and every person was super friendly and they even waited extra few minutes for one of the group. You can see my rainier, river, horses, etc. A must visit if you have kids and you are near by.
Walking paths & driving tours to view moose, American bison & bighorn sheep, plus birds of prey.
This place was a lot of fun. We were on the Sunday, 10:00 am driving tour. The only thing we did not see was the moose. The walking area is great too, many animals to see. They have a kids play area that is pretty nice too. The staff were very knowledgeable about the animals.
Judy McConnell — Google review
Loved it! It was my son 3rd birthday the day we were there! It was mid week and we were there shortly after the park opened. Everything was amazing and we had a blast! The children's playground was pretty magical with a little creek running through and plenty of places to climb! We did the drive tour as well and got to see even more animals! We will definitely be going there much more often now!
Heather Ann Laginess — Google review
Our family had a great time on our Mother's Day visit! We did the drive through adventure and got to see several animals along the way. The tour guide was really informative and made the drive really enjoyable. The park was fun too. It was a really hot day, but there was plenty of shade to keep us cool. Lots of animals out and about, our kids really likes the bear exhibits the best. Only bummer of the day was the Kid Zone didn't have the water feature on, which would have been nice on the hot day. Otherwise, an overall fun day and we look forward to visiting again in the near future.
Mark McGillis — Google review
Great for family and especially KIDS. I had a blast as a solo traveler. I went to attend the "wild drive" driving tour. This tour was great. Saw all 7 wild animals they had to display. This tour is great if you have an amazing zoom in camera because some animals are really far. One thing i wish is we could've stop our car to take good steady pictures. On the tour you always moving around 5 mph. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and throw a few jokes in. Ill def come back again.
Tarik Melo — Google review
Great way to spend the day. Make sure you plan to go earlier in the day because you're ticket will include both a driving tour (about an hour) and walking around the park for your entire car (around 8 people i believe). The trek around had one steep incline but had greatly placed benches all around the park. Not sure this place would be that fun for younger kids as many of the animals are harder to spot, but my 11 year old enjoyed it.
Heather Erickson — Google review
We went April 9th with our 2 boys 3 and 6. we did the 10 am wild tour. The girl that did our drive was amazing. She knew so much info. She talks the whole drive about how it started and about all the animals. I loved her. Then we went inside and did the whole tour inside. 10/10 for sure and will go back. I recommend if you go to go early spring or late fall when it cools down so you see more animals. Its a better cost to pay the $90 that gets up to 8 people in for the tour and the entire park.
shannon K — Google review
Very relaxed visit as there were no crowds. We saw a few animals on the driving tour but not real close. Walking through the shady paths was nice on this 80 degree day but apparently animals are more visible on cooler days. The 6 year old in our group didn't have any trouble walking through the park and enjoyed Child Trek, a kids play area, complete with a small stream to walk in, barefoot of course. Benches available for watching adults in sun and shade.
Laurie Carlson — Google review
We did the Wildlife Trek and the zoo/park area on our visit with my mom, my 6 year old, my husband, and myself. Each of us absolutely LOVED it! Somehow we went on a day where almost every single animal was out and active (first rainy day in awhile, if that helps)! The animals were so cool and the trek was absolutely worth it! - Things to Know: •For the trek, buy tickets in advance and show up a tad bit early! Plan your drive accordingly with traffic and possibly road work (which we ran into). •Parking is free for the zoo/park area. •Bring comfy shoes if you do the zoo part as it's quite a walk (but absolutely gorgeous). •If you do the trek, tune into the radio station they tell you to. Lots of info and lots of directions for keeping you and the animals safe. •Look ALL around on the trek! We saw animals everywhere, not just the main focus ones being talked about at the time. •Give yourself time! If you do the trek and the zoo, give yourself time for it all. •Be prepared to see some cool animals! A lot of the animals were "up close" than I've seen at other zoos. •Go into the buildings that are there/open (wolf viewing, kids area, etc.). •Plan out bathrooms (they're all over, but also spaced out). •Be careful where you stop under the Bald Eagle area (bird poop and all that). •There is a bear viewing platform that is amazing! •The cafe is small but good! •The kids park area is pretty big, but super fun!
Heather N — Google review
The ride along (car train tour) is So worth the price, and it INCLUDES getting to go into the zoo itself! This place FOCUSES on conservation, and better relationships with the land we live in and the animals we share this land with! Please please please consider coming here! It's so cool and informative!!!
(I ended up with So So So many videos and pictures of all kinds of creatures, but I think what is super important is to show all the plaques and signs in the zoo, they're educational about the plants, the woods we live in and the different habitats and education on the animals they have there!)
Our lead for our driving tour, I cannot remember his name right now, but he was SO SO GOOD! 🙏🏽🧡
He said he used to visit this zoo/park when he was a child and now he works there, educating on the animals and the land, and he said it felt like he's gone full circle. And I Love that. Thank you so much for sharing you knowledge, we WILL be coming back again!
Vaesen Pastry — Google review
Did the driving tour, and it was enjoyable. Saw almost everything but 1 species of animal. The moose were "babies" but still gigantic. Hard to take photos as you can't stop. Pricey for just 2 people in the car. You can have up to 6 but it's the same price regardless.
Afterwards, went inside and walked around. Most of the animals were out.
The 2 black bears got into a little scuffle when the little one was drinking the water, walking back to the other side. The big one then chased the little one off after.
A.j.m — Google review
Love being able to see local nature. The kids area is awesome now. So much to climb on and slide down. The kids had a blast and all but 1 animal was open out in plain sight. Such beautiful creatures!
Sheena Nessly — Google review
We are season pass holders for NWT and have been for two years. We definitely get our money's worth. We go 2-3 times a month. It's a nice change of pace for walks. The play area is a highlight too! I recommend allotting time for the kids to play there! All of the animals are so well taken care of. They do enrichment and extraordinary enclosure maintenance for the animals.
The tram still isn't open which is a major bummer, but they will give you a free ticket for when the tram is open if you ask about it. The new electric tram is scheduled to open Spring 2023. ☺️
Esprit Dunn — Google review
This truly is a great experience but I was very disappointed that we could not take the bus ride around the park to see the Bison and Elk, etc. That's the main and best part in my opinion and it's currently halted until some electric bus thing is installed.
They should have some way to still do this until the electric bus is installed.
Outside of that, it was a nice trip. Most of the animals were out. The cats were still sleeping though. We went from 10am to 1pm. Kids really enjoyed the play area and the food is no badly priced.
Allofus Ra — Google review
This is a great experience and in a beautiful setting in the shadow of Mt. Rainer. I hadn't been here in several years (10+) and I was happy to see it was just as good. Like any drive through wildlife park where the animals are free to roam, what you see is hit or miss because the critters are free to do as they want. We did manage to see a lot of elk, some deer, a few bison, and a couple sheep (the last two weren't even spotted by the guide).
The walking exhibits are also good to see and while still in a very natural setting, are more visible than those in the driving area. It's a great experience for kids and adults alike. It's about a 3.5 hour drive for us, so we likely won't be back for another 10 years or so, but still highly recommend it (it's worth the trip at least once).
Kevin — Google review
We paid $90 for the driving tour. It was a little underwhelming, but cool to see the animals right there. I got to take some nice pictures of the animals during the ride. Having the radio tuned to the host was really good, she gave a lot of good information during the trip, but maybe next time she should get more sleep. I have never heard a presenter yawn so much before...anyway, I found out that $90 also gave us entry into the zoo. This was a nice surprise and made it worth the $90-to do both things. The zoo part has the animals I looked forward to seeing as well. Just remember, the animals like to take naps as well! Sucks to see the wolf sound asleep but he/she needs his rest. I wish the areas the animals are kept in were bigger, but I guess that is the best that can be done.
The staff is very friendly and I am glad we stumbled on this place while out driving. Not sure if I will go back, but it doesn't hurt to see this place at least once. The staff I interacted with seem to really care about their jobs and sharing their animal knowledge with us.
The Reats — Google review
First time I've been back in about 15 years. Honestly, I don't love seeing caged animals, but the animals at NWT are either being rescued, restored, or protected, which makes it much easier to enjoy paying to view them. The only animal we didn't get to actually see was the Wolverine. We will definitely be going back. We walked through the animal park area and then did the Wild Drive. Great place for families!
Reba VanBrunt — Google review
It is beautiful! The sights themselves are amazing and even better with the animals! The tram is wonderful. You get to ride around and look at elk, moose, bison, and more! Then you get off the 5 you get to see the bear, wolves, cougar, bobcat, lynx, and so much more it's an amazing experience and an amazing place to visit!
Cierra Russell — Google review
The zoo was amazing. Do note that it is a small zoo, so if you go, keep that in mind. But the exhibits give you a great view of the animals and the staff are amazing.
I did the drive-thru tour where you drive your own car. It was $110 for my car, which at first I thought was a little expensive. But then I learned that includes allowing ALL people in your car to enter the walking part as well.
I was very happy and felt it was worth it for the family to enjoy the day at the zoo!
Justin Heaston — Google review
Purchased the combo household membership so we can visit this zoo plus the point defiance zoo unlimited for a year! They do offer 10% military discount but you must buy in person. Credit and cash only, no tap to pay.
Took the jeep tour and it was amazing. Lots of information and saw so many close encounters.
Would highly recommend!
Angela Roy (Travel CNA) — Google review
This was a great experience. 6 out of 7 species on the drive and a cool walk around the habitats to see predators and small animals. The lead car/tour guide was very cheery and kept the caravan involved. Will go gain.
tyler dietrich — Google review
I love coming here. It's smaller than Point Defiance, but still has a good amount of animals. There are a lot of beautiful trees, flowers, and other plants.The walkways are mostly shaded, so it doesn't get too hot or risk sun burns. There's a great play area for kids when they're done looking at the animals. We only had the fries and ice cream, both were good.
Mount Rainier National Park offers a variety of lodging options for visitors. The park is home to Paradise, a popular spot for hiking with stunning views and waterfalls. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the longer trail up the back of the mountain provides a less crowded but rewarding experience, leading to Panorama Point. The drive through the Cascade region offers picturesque views, although visibility may be limited in cold weather. Visitors can rent tire chains in nearby towns during winter months.
Follow the directions to Paradise or the visitors center and bring your hiking shoes. Take the longer trail up the back of the mountain if you are physically fit. You'll walk up past the falls (take a quick stop, it's beautiful) and then past the paved path to the left. You'll encounter a FRACTION of the people on this steeper and longer trail, but it's well worth it and you'll be amazed once you get to Panorama Point. We hiked down the face- this was a mistake, go back the way you came and avoid the insane crowds.
Wear appropriate shoes, bring more water than you think you'll need and take in the amazing scenery. We saw marmots and chipmunks everywhere and even ran into a mountain goat. Truly a breathtaking and majestic hike.
Tricia Baker — Google review
Enjoyed staying inside the park.
Rich — Google review
🙂
Jeffrey F. Caldejon — Google review
Pretty drive through the Cascade region. Couldn't see all of he mountain at a distance due to the cold fight weather. Friendly staff at the park who are knowledgeable. Be sure to bring tire chains to the park if visiting in winter months. They can be rented in small towns 10 minutes outside of Mt Rainer National Park.
Ashley — Google review
Were I go to find God, much closer up there
Kathy Wirkkala — Google review
This is a very nice place to go hiking and snowshoeing in the late winter/early spring and the lodge is cozy also.
mountain man — Google review
It will be fun during snow times, only if you can reach it :)
Saroj Kumar Mohapatra — Google review
Awesome! Everyone should visit at least once in there life!
john dehaan — Google review
Its a spetacular place with breath taking views .Its a must...
Former park headquarters, built by homesteader James Longmire in 1916, repurposed as a museum.
It's the ranger station for nearby hiking and camping. There is beautiful winter scenery there right now, but dress warmly and bring snowshoes.
Brian Robins — Google review
Very nice staff. Lots of taxidermy of native animals and birds. Some items for sale. Great place to learn about Mt Rainier.
Also, there is a logged tree that dates back to c.1200
Candy Lowery — Google review
Great place to take your kids before heading up further. There's some area to play in snow and build a snow man that's not too deep and there's some interesting history to see here and take in. It's very scenic as well with a nice gift shop. The restaurant here has nightmare kitchen written all over it. So I avoided it. But it does have a nice view to drink a spiked coffee and watch your kids play in the snow if you need a break.
Mark Nickel — Google review
The museum is small and cozy. There all all sorts of stuffed animals with info on the wildlife. The staff was friendly and kind. There are books and postcards to purchase. It’s also right next to the public restroom.
Beth Copeland — Google review
Awesome place for history of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding environment. Don’t forget to get your national park passport stamp!!!!
Jennifer Schubert — Google review
We did a hike, Trail of Shadows. Went there hoping for snow. There wasn't much but when we left it was coming down hard.
Karen Christian — Google review
Great stop on the way to Mt Rainier. We had a lovely walk on the Trail of the Shadows to stretch our legs before heading up the Mountain
Luke Murphy — Google review
Very fun and informative displays concerning the wildlife and history.
Susan Collier — Google review
I was actually very surprised at how cool this tiny little museum was. It's basically a one room cabin that you can circle in about 30 seconds, BUT there are tons of interesting things to see. Make sure you look up on top of the shelves is stuffed and mounted animals that are fascinating. 10 out of 10 would recommend if your in the area.
Michael Cochran — Google review
It's a small museum, but it's worth a stop. Polite employees.
Vincent — Google review
Beautiful location, and loves the trail of shadows. I should have done that first on my weekend hikes to give more perspective and a better understanding and lay of the land.
Amy Williams — Google review
Fun day at Longmire. Take a hike. Enjoy the Museums and Restaurant at the Longmire Inn.
Karen Rogal — Google review
Full of interesting information and artifacts. A worthy visit. Also near the Inn, grocery/gift shop and Information Center.
marc — Google review
Very nice with some good senic trails.
Louis Pieper — Google review
Very interesting museum, great view of Mt. Rainier as well
Gabe Robinson — Google review
The museum has great info on the wildlife on mountain. Hike the nearby Trail of Shadows for an awesome view of Mt Rainier.
This active 14,411-ft. volcano & scenic hiking destination is the Cascade Range's highest mountain.
Absolutely gorgeous views! Only thing to regret is paradise was still closed😭
Teh Ville — Google review
I don’t know if words do this place justice. Just breathtaking. I visited sunrise, paradise, ohanapecosh, and carbon river. My favorite campsite was at ohanapecosh. My favorite trail was pinnacle peak. My favorite pie at paradise lodge was the triple berry. I could write a book about this place!
Some helpful tips: I charged my phone and rechargeable batteries at paradise lodge. There are NO showers within the park so plan accordingly. Visit reflection lake either at sunrise or sunset. If you are going to paradise get there early! Pack in, pack out, and stay on trail.
Raychel Gray — Google review
Glacier-fed rivers and cascading waterfalls carve their way through the park, adding to its beauty and creating a soothing soundscape. The roaring waters and misty spray create a sense of wonder and remind us of the power and force of nature.
Faris Al Orfali — Google review
We had a delightful trip with 3 kids, 8yrs, 4yrs and 2 yrs. All of them are enjoyed the views and snow. We didn’t hike although I know it would be one of the best hiking route! It was above our expectations on going there with kids.
Yue He — Google review
We chose to go here on a Saturday with good weather. The scenery to drive here from Seattle was very beautiful. We climbed the mountain for two or three hours, the more excited we climbed, the scenery above was very beautiful, and we could meet animals. It is a perfect place for family and friends to enjoy themselves together.
Selina A — Google review
Visited Mount Rainer today but many roads were closed due to snow covered. Managed to visit Narada Falls and some vista points at foothills and the views were breathtaking.
christine wong — Google review
Can’t miss this if you’re from Washington or visiting! This park exceeded my expectations. Nature at its best! Majestic views! Truly Awesome waterfalls, and very accessible.
The park is extremely well managed and maintained. The hikes are manageable, the roads are well kept.
In summer it gets crowded especially on weekends, so plan to visit during the week if you can. Bring water on the hikes! It gets warmer than you think.
Some helpful tips:
The line at the entrance gets long, like 1hr and a half to two hours! Brutal. Again, especially during the weekend. Plan to arrive before 7am to avoid being stuck in traffic.
Reflection point won’t reflect unless there’s no wind. Usually there’s less wind at sunset or sunrise.
Make sure you reserve a camping spot, those first come first served are gone as soon as they open.
You don’t need to camp inside to enjoy the park. If you want to go last minute, there’s several camping spots right outside the entrance, with decent amenities and you can still spend the whole day at the park!
PS. It’s true what you hear, the berry pie is absolutely amazing!
AM — Google review
It’s just peaceful place for nature lovers. We visited on Sept 2023, the climate was awesome and the trail was beautiful.
You may expect full parking lot on weekends, try to plan on week days.
Thanks.
Ashis Laha — Google review
Amazing place with beautiful landscape. There is a lodge to get coffee and food before going in the trail. It is definitely a must do trail when in Washington state.
Tip: Always check road conditions before leaving.
Uriel Mazoz — Google review
One of my favorite places in the whole world! Camping, Hiking, just Viewing! I absolutely love it here.
Pavel Kowalski — Google review
This is justtttttt an amazing place. Though it was annoying with the long wait times to get in , it is WORTH the wait .. the view is just magnificent… it’s almost like a dream ! God gift to human beings . One of the best places that I have ever seen in my life . There are few trails and depending on how much you can walk , take those trails .
When we went , it was too crowded . Went late summer and there were beautiful wild flowers . Just loved them . We walked for few mins to view the rainier and then walked towards myrtle falls view and back to visitor center . It was just a breathtaking adventure … loved it to the max . A must visit place for anyone who visits WA .. 👍👍👍
Raj S — Google review
I don't even know what there is to say that hasn't already been said. Plenty of sights. Trails. Souvenir shops. Lodging. Food along the way. Peace. Clean hikes. We loved every minute of our time here. Just 30 for your car to get in. That ticket is good for a whole week and you can leave and re enter if you're staying outside of the park. We didn't get to go to the summit because of the snow and weather but maybe next time. It was so cool.
Iconic Thibodeaux (Iconic Thibodeaux) — Google review
The nature is very beautiful, even though I really wanted to see wild flower fields but it didn't specify anywhere which trail to take, where to go to see it. It was extremely crowded, hard to find parking, just two bathrooms at the visitor center, and huge long lanes to wait, could have built more knowing how many people out here. The food is extremely expensive and a very poor choice. Would visit again more prepared next time, maybe will like it more then.
verunushka — Google review
Beautiful mountains, some areas of the park had no fence or something between the road and the cliff, and for someone who is afraid of the heights it was scary so I turned around first chance I had. Signs could be better, apparently there is a lodge, we didn't know where it was. Overall it was nice, we got some amazing pics
El Mor — Google review
We went to Mount Rainier through the Paradise/Longmire entrance on November 8, 2023. We got an unexpected three feet of snow the day before our hike. Luckily, it was a clear day and some people from the national guard were also hiking up. They paved a way for us to go up. The views were breathtaking! The snow surprise made the whole experience even better. Will definitely be back to experience the other seasons!
Vivian Pan — Google review
The place is mesmerizing!! Was it worth it? Yes!
The route was a bit scary as there was no fence between the road and the cliff but just go for it and you will be there. We left pretty late so thought of turning back on the way as it seemed far and never ending and assumed it would be too late by the time we reach, but no, there were plenty of people up and they stay up for longer so you are not alone. We left at 3pm and still managed to complete the trip. You have access to so many mountains, parks and you can go for trekking but mind you, we did not find any place to eat so carry your own food and water. Beautiful view with lots of parking space, air is clean and crisp and you will feel at the top of the world, so go for it!
Tiara — Google review
Holy smokes! Stunning 🤩 expect a $30 entrance fee. One of the main roads is closed so we couldn’t get to some things without doing some serious hiking which we weren’t properly clothed for. The visitor center at the top had a good cafe and cute but cram packed gift shop.
Michelle Fuhr — Google review
Amazing how close you get to see the mountain! You can see the massive glaciers and falls. Surrounding area is nothing but breathtaking.
Pictures can’t capture its beauty enough, highly recommend to actually go there! Many view points can be accessed with short hike.
Kanako Sakurada — Google review
I LOVE this mountain. Absolutely stunning and incredible. Careful about the water in the bathrooms up towards the top of the mountain as is gets so cold it’s dangerous to touch. I hadn’t thought about how cold the water was going to be after I lathered on a bunch of soap and caused really bad nerve pain in my finger for a few days. I have no hard feelings it was my own lesson to learn but for anyone reading this that isn’t aware then here’s your heads up.
Taylor Carin11 — Google review
4.8
(1332)
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5.0
(1814)
Washington 98304, USA
27
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
Nature & Parks
Forests
Scenic 1.5-mi. roundtrip loop through a grove of "patriarchs": ancient 3- & 4-story trees.
Absolutely beautiful. It feels sacred and magical. We went in the late afternoon and the setting sun coated the forest in a warm glow. Because it was later in the day there were fewer people which was nice. This is an easy, short hike. Well maintained trail. But don’t be in a hurry. This hike demands you take your time and appreciate its majestic beauty fully.
WildlyUnruly Adventures — Google review
This is a great short hike. Beautiful trail with a cool old suspension bridge. It's a nice relaxing vibe and not steep inclines. With my bad knee it is totally ok to go to the end and back
Sami Saurus — Google review
Fairly short and easy trail through a low suspension bridge and part wood-decked, walkway with trees around. Many spots for photo opportunities with the right angle of lighting. Spectacular trees. But, don’t expect to see trees like the Redwoods in Cali.
Ruth Herrera — Google review
Bridge is still closed. But still a neat area. Walked out to where the bridge is and turned around.
Briana Bianco — Google review
Amazing place. Great trail that is semi stroller friendly and an easy walk back to the grove. Definitely worth it, beautiful walk. Wish we looked around a little more because I've been told there are some real beautiful falls in the area.
Jon Blanchard — Google review
Loved this place. Nice, moderate hike for two senior citizens.
Peter Blankenship — Google review
We drove almost 3 hours to do this. It was gorgeous. Would have been even better without the kids because then we could have explored some of the longer trails. This one, though, was perfect for them. Complete with gigantic trees, suspension bridge and beautiful winding path. Had lunch at one of the picnic benches. Bathrooms at the begining of the trail.
Jennifer Wilson — Google review
This is my all time favorite hike in Mt rainier! The bridge was broken so we didn’t get to do the whole thing but 10/10 would recommend doing this with beginner hikers, small children, and family outings :)
Kalani Pinter — Google review
This is an easy trail perfect for families with young ones. It’s 1.1-miles with minimal elevation change. You’re able to walk along the river and marvel at old-growth forest including Western red-cedar, Douglas-fir, and Western hemlock. On the weekends the parking lot gets full fast- the ranger at the entrance recommended we exited & parked along the highway and walk in- which we ended up doing.
There was a long line to cross the suspension bridge. Groups from each side were taking turns crossing.
Amazing views of the backside of Mt. Rainier!
We went on a hot and hazy day, and still made the most of it.
Very high in elevation, so hope you can get acclimated!
Did a loop to Frozen Lake and back to the visitor center, equivalent to 3ish miles. Lots of ridges, and loose rock and gravel, so please be careful with children.
No dogs on trails, so leave Buddy at home.
Enjoy these amazing views of mountains, valleys, and meadows.
Melissa Tucker — Google review
A pinnacle of natural beauty! Mt. Rainier is an episodically active volcano, but don’t let that scare you. The drive up to Sunrise was beautiful, and the view of Rainier from the visitor center is already picture perfect. But we decided to hike up Sourdough trail. For some extra fun, bring headlamps and hike the trail near sunset. When it falls dark, the stars (and even Milky Way) are fully visible. It was nice of the park to not install lights in the parking lot, which made the sky even brighter.
Joshua Lim — Google review
If you are planning to see sunrise, plan to come at least 1 hour early to sunrise . You need to hike at least 20 minutes to reach a place you have a good view . Secondly the pre sunrise rays are the one that makes rainier beautiful
Anumod Thomas — Google review
Stunning. It felt like a storybook view of the Alps. Seriously, so beautiful! They have bathrooms... though, at the time we went, were really dirty. Plan on bringing sanitizer. The picnic areas were great. The view, on a clear day, is spectacular.
Emily Sanders — Google review
This is a very well kept visitor center with a great view of Mt. Rainier. The park rangers are nice and knowledgeable. Plenty of parking for compact and large vehicles. There's a variety of trails to take to get different views of Mt. Rainier. There's a bit of history posted around the visitor center. Friendly reminder to pack warm and prepared as nighttime can get chilly during the Summer and frigid during Fall and Winter into Spring.
Brenton Nikolaus — Google review
The visitor center has a snack bar for some quick to-go snacks along with coffee and a couple of soup options. Open on weekends from 9-5pm. Well maintained flush toilets. The visitor center also has some bunch of information on the volcano and the flora and fauna on the mountain. I prefer this visitor center when compared to Paradise since you have comparatively lesser crowd both at the center and on the trails and definitely closer views of Rainier.
Castern Fernandes — Google review
Great views on the way up to this point. Taking a star off those as the visitor center and gift shop was closed September 3rd... It was the only visitor center I was going to be able to visit on my trip too, so I was veer disappointed. I'm a patch collector and love supporting our parks by purchasing some at each location and of course getting a stamp!
Michelle Massa — Google review
We didn't venture far from the Visitor Center since we're short on time. The view of Mount Rainer from there was not as breathtaking as we had hoped, and the store was closed despite being advertised as open during our time there. So no snacks or refreshments for us, but thankfully the water fountain was working.
There is a lookout halfway between the park entrance and Visitor Center with better views.
They charge $30 at the park entrance. From there, it takes about half an hour to reach the Visitor Center. Prepare to drive along a winding and narrow mountain road, with the lack of guard rails in places making for a heart-stopping ride.
G Aquino — Google review
We visited the day before July 4th and the ranger at the entrance warned us that there may not be parking. We lucked out and got a parking. There was a ranger making room for extra parking spot. The Visitor Center was closed. We lucked out with beautiful weather, and Mount Rainier was prominent and spectacular from various angles. There were wildflowers and some snow. We hiked Sourdough Ridge Trail which provided panoramic view of the Cascade Crest Summits.
Catherine Hunt — Google review
What an amazing viewpoint for Mt. Rainer and nearby valley areas. At 6,400 feet elevation, the cool summer, mountain air was very crisp and refreshing. This is a must stop for those desiring to see up close this massive 14,411 foot volcano outside of Seattle, Washington. The center is a beehive of activity. The help is outstanding and very capable.
Ronald Rees — Google review
Great area to see Mt. Rainier. The visitor center doesn’t open till mid July but there were still a variety of beautiful hikes, a place to buy snacks and a good restroom. Our favorite hike was to the lookout. Whether you plan on hiking or not it’s still a great place for views of the mountain and glaciers.
Quincy Bowcut — Google review
It is a spot of heaven on earth! Mount Rainier is something to see in your lifetime.
Go out of your way to see the mountain/volcano. I'm still holding my breath...lol
Just stunning! The cost to get into park is by car, not individuals.
Denise Talbot — Google review
Nicely located with well kept trails to hike. Great view surrounding area and clean restrooms for public use. To access park area for park showed $30.00 and is free for military
Agustin Sandoval — Google review
An absolute must when you go up to Mount Rainier! Take in the history and ask the Ranger about the mini hike and the mountain! I would recommend going around the building to take photos instead of against the glass of the building.
2,600-acre winter-sports park with a mountaintop restaurant, terrain park, & numerous runs & lifts.
They were so helpful! (Of course, I manifested it.) The universe always conspires to work in my favor even when I could have planned it a little better and had a more eventful day. But, this was an unplanned, spontaneous trip and I had a great time my first time snowboarding! I've been wanting to go for 30 years! I said on my way there, "I AM going to have a great day! I AM going to have a fun time! Everything is always working out for me!" 😇💫
KaLynn Mallory — Google review
Came here for some skiing and I was not disappointed. It gets busy on the weekends, so arrive early if you want to get a good parking spot. Easy to rent all equipment, which I highly recommend if you're a beginner. Slopes are well maintained with lots of employees posted to help out when needed.
Food is expensive here but that's what I expect. Bring your own water or hot beverages if you want.
I'll definitely be back for more skiing!
Matt Tatoczenko — Google review
I really enjoyed this ski area. It is well set out with parking lots set up along the access road, this works very well with the bus system to then bring you to the main lodge. Parking back in one of the early lots is a good idea as less bus line to wait in.
Many runs with many different skill levels, not the best tree runs
Chris Ewart — Google review
we went during the summer, took the gondola to the top, and had lunch at the outdoor bar… Incredible views from the top, and a fun gondola ride. We got back down to the bottom, and there was live music playing on this grass field, so we enjoyed that for awhile. Overall, it was a great visit.
Mark Loftin — Google review
Crystal mountain is the best you’re going to get in terms of on piste terrain in Washington! About a 2 hour drive (+30 or more mins if there’s snow) from Seattle- it’s mostly geared towards day trips.
Plan ahead with parking and make sure to leave the city before 7am on a powder day to not get caught in the traffic up. (2 lane road)
Yi Chiang — Google review
I surprised my with a trip up the mountain. We took the gondola up the top of the mountain experienced the sights and snow afforded at the top. We had a small lunch and couple drinks. The staff were friendly and excited to see us. Wesley at the rent shop was very helpful. The server had an amazing customer service.
chris kinney — Google review
The staff are really friendly and helpful. Lost my phone there in the middle of a run yesterday and Jarrett went out of his way to find it.
The mountain is really good for beginners to practice as there are long green runs. The ‘queen’ run being around 2 miles was brilliant. Would definitely recommend for practice.
Didn’t get a chance to get on the mount rainier gondola. Heard a lot of good things about it.
Rohan Nalla — Google review
The slopes were fresh powder (lucky timing on my part) and rode smooth. The trails were clearly marked. The rental gear was in “near new” condition and clean. The gondolas were smooth without much “jerkyness”. Definitely highly recommended!!
Additionally, the drive up to the resort was beautiful! Very picturesque.
Anthony Wittfeldt — Google review
Well we didn't have any food or drink s but we enjoyed the whole atmosphere there ,I think it was better than going to Rainer mountain. What a view ,it was better really superb for photography.well we took as many as 500 picture s there . TRY IT WORTH IT.THANKS.
falgoon. goswami — Google review
If you're looking for an easy day trip out of Seattle, consider Crystal Mt. Resort. Easy drive and if you are using an electric car they provide charging stations for free. I was able to make the round trip without a recharge. Cable car wait time for us was very short. View is amazing. Very worthwhile trip if you don't have the time for hiking.
Clyde Carlson — Google review
Mt. Rainier view is breathtaking. Gondola service is good, we had to wait 2hours because of the storm to go up on Gondola. They must add vegetarian options to the menu and different coffee options too.
I would suggest to reach there early and have sunscreen handy.
Renee — Google review
Crystal Mountain has been nothing but amazing to me, if there's ever any issue, big or small, the staff is fast and right on it with you. Great atmosphere, everyone is very happy to be there. Follow @themutual on ig for more
Mutual Friends — Google review
Crystal presents a unique experience for skiing in the Cascades. More remotely located by national parks, it holds epic powder and moderate terrain—with some expert. We did a few early runs and then had lunch at the summit lodge. Everything was exceptional, except for some of the lift lines. Hard not to love a classic Washington ski resort. And if you're lucky, you'll catch an almost unobstructed view of My Rainier from the ridge.
Clint Moyer — Google review
Had a great couple days here with a buddy! Snow is thin this year, but they do a great job blowing snow near the base area. Terrain is awesome at this resort. The way you can drop either side of multiple ridges is really cool. Most of the resorts in Oregon are more 2d, if you will.
Food at the summit was very good. I would recommend.
Ski patrol was helpful and friendly when we talked with them about conditions on chair 6.
Brendan Rice — Google review
Excellent resort. Lots of good food, reliable lifts, good snow from Jan-Apr and sometimes Nov-May. Absolutely beautiful views from the top of Rainier and many other mountains. Terrain varies from green to black, with some double black in bounds and a lot more hike-able that returns to the lifts.
Saoirse June Peters — Google review
Very friendly staff. Lift lines are not too bad compared to the others. Parking is organized and easy when you arrive. Would have been a 5 star if the shuttle service did not end before the resort closed at 4 pm. I went during their 60th anniversary. $60 loft ticket brought a lot of people on a Thursday but it was handled pretty well.
oogly googler — Google review
This is an amazing ski resort. For many years I was like Nat can't be as good as white pass but I never went.
It has a nice deep challenging terrain you won't find really anywhere near. My friends like to call this mini whistler.
Brian Beatty — Google review
The resort itself is good, nice green trails and beautiful views of mount rainier. Though it got way too expensive this year. The customer service, however, is terrible! We had tickets and we couldn't go. They didn't let us reschedule or get a refund. It's the only business I've seen to be so greedy and uncaring about customers! They make so much money, but they won't help you in special circumstances!
Sarah — Google review
Spent about 90 minutes here riding the gondola up to catch some spectacular views. I bet it was awe inspiring 30+ years ago before major pollution set a haze over everything. Gondola ride is expensive but smooth. I do wish they would allow you to stay for sunset behind the mountains but we were told to GTFO by 6pm or hike down 2.5 hours if you miss the last gondola.
J Mc — Google review
Stay was nice. Staff was great. DVDs you can rent and there is a restaurant on site open till about 9-10 pm. Location is up a mountain and there isn't anything else for about 40 minutes. No gas or grocery store or bank or any other stores for another 40 minutes. Come prepared.
I did see Ev charging. There is a gondola here about 40-50 Dollars per person to go up. 7:30 pm is last ride up, 8:30 pm is last ride down. Cloudy when we visited. Usually this is a skii and snowboard resort in the winter.
The rooms were clean but it felt outdated and the walls were super thin. The whole inn we stayed at felt outdated and looks like they could benefit from some updating or modernization. The lighting is very dim and yellow which contributes to the old feeling. Communal use of a common room and microwave. We could hear everything and everyone above us, outside the hallways, and anyone talking outside. The voices transmitted through our windows very easily and we woke up from the noises constantly. We put in earplugs but quiet hours are NOT respected here. A group of people were up laughing and talking during the late night / early morning.
Great views.
Michelle Hillock — Google review
Awesome day of skiing amongst the Mountains of WA with Mt Rainier as our backdrop! Went on a Wed with very little lines and constant skiing. So much so, my legs were mush by the end of the day... One of the best ski mountains, trails and terrain in Seattle!
Richard Smith — Google review
Viciously overpriced for what you get. Most of the runs are closed most of the time. And when they're open, they close early. They recently advertised a night skiing event, however, they neglected to mention only one green run would be open and their "light show" was one small projector. It was a total scam. Also, pack a lunch, cause you'll be waiting at least an hour for your food and sometimes it won't show up at all after 1.5 hours (like last time). There are better mountains with better prices. Go there until Crystal sorts it's issues out.
Brendon Fish — Google review
This is a snow paradise😄Great place to enjoy your weekend. Gondola ride is amazing. Its better you book all the parking and ride tickets online to save time and avoid queue. Gondola ride is till 4 PM. Restaurants are generally busy during lunch time and shuttle buses are available between parking and resort
Mohan Srinivas Subramanian — Google review
Ambiance:
Absolutely beautiful. Blue skies and a warm sun.
Service:
Restaurant and rental gear staff were both helpful. Lift operators were friendly and attentive.
Facilities Quality:
In the process of building a new lodge, but it's not open yet. Existing structures are still very serviceable. Lifts are in good condition. Lift tickets are RFID this year so no more manual scanning by an attendant. Just gates that open when you swipe the card. Long overdue upgrade. New Magic Carpet is about twice as long as before and is covered now.
Value for Money:
Really depends. A burger and fries were $28. Resort food prices. And the tacos and quesadillas are quite tasty. But a beginner lift ticket for a child was only $39. Bring some PB&J's and bottled water and you'll be fine.
Overall Experience:
Reliable bus service to the lower parking lots made parking and getting right to the base very convenient. Upgraded lifts had the lines almost non-existent, even on the greens. A little pricey for some of the lift tickets but there are options. The boys had a great time and will be back. Recommended
eddiesut13 — Google review
Great snow! But the Rainier Express, one of their main lifts, seemed to be on its last legs when we were there. Plans to replace it after next season should be accelerated, I think. It stopped at least three times, once in a 25 mph gust for about 20 minutes.
Marcy Brighton — Google review
We came on the best snow day of the season, which luckily landed on a Friday. It was quite busy getting in and out, and if you don't have all wheel drive, it will prove difficult getting out of some parking lots. The mountain itself was incredible, and the runs were perfect. The lighting was troublesome, mostly overcast throughout the day. This made it difficult to see the terrain. However, when the clouds began to clear, it made the landscape turn into a mystical white paradise.
Vinny Balzano — Google review
Went and volunteered at a Shejumps event they had at Crystal Mountain on 3.8.24. Such a wonderful day. Snowed the whole time we were there. They offer FREE shuttles from the parking lots to the main area. Just beautiful. Everyone was so nice and helpful!
Janelle — Google review
I love Crystal Mountain! I have been skiing here for around 9 years now, and in all my years here, I never got bored! There is always something to do and see, because every day is different! This resort is great, and although the prices may be high, it’s worth it. On weekends, it is busy, but if you don’t mind all the people, you’ll be fine. If you like skiing or riding on emptier trails, then you should come here on a weekday. Have fun in the snow!
Rapolas Ram — Google review
4.6
(5182)
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4.0
(197)
33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022, USA
My family enjoyed the scenic gondola ride on Father's Day! It was absolutely breathtaking. So incredibly beautiful and the weather was perfect! Only one restaurant was open and the line was pretty long. Instead of waiting we shopped at the gift shop. Our three kids 12 and under enjoyed the ride. I'd been wanting to do this for awhile and I'm so glad we did. I'd definitely recommend this experience.
Dominique Smith — Google review
Beautiful experience. Summit house was crowded. Wait time was 40 minutes. But we enjoyed live music, breath taking views of Mt. Rainier and Cascade range.
Arindam Chakraborty — Google review
Very nice ride up and down. The most enjoyable part is the employees are really mindful of people with disabilities or parents with strollers. This was very nice to see. The ride is around 10 mins more or less, very enjoyable! Plenty of parking and no wait time on a Saturday at 10:30am. Restrooms available as well.
Teo Savin — Google review
Purchasing tickets was a breeze, and the staff was friendly and helpful. It’s worth noting that during peak seasons, the parking lot tends to fill up quickly.
The gondola cabins were spacious and offered clear visibility, ensuring that every passenger could enjoy uninterrupted vistas. Reaching the summit was a highlight, offering a vantage point that felt like being on top of the world. The vast expanses of snow-capped peaks and the crisp mountain air created a sense of tranquility and escape from the everyday hustle.
At the top, the presence of a great restaurant called Summit House was the cherry on top of an already fantastic journey. The dining options offered a delightful selection, and enjoying a meal with the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains was an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, the Crystal Mountain gondola ride is a must-do. It's a remarkable way to connect with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and create lasting memories.
Ankitha Kulkarni — Google review
It is very beautiful, must visit a skie lover, feels like a winter festival...not very far from enumclaw downtown and it is out of Rainer national park, so open in winter but the national park gate is closed during winter months. Gondola has quick and stunning views from the top of the mountain, in summer open for a couple of hikes from the mountain and a clear view of mount Rainer.
pratik babariya — Google review
Lovely place to watch Mt. Rainier, we had great experience visiting the Crystal mountain today. Gondola ride is awesome experience, when you go to the top, you can see breath taking views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and if lucky you can see Mt. St. Helen as well. Restaurant is too crowded and expect long delays over weekend, they've lot of parking spaces, lot of picnic tables on the top for having food, high recommend this place with friends and families.
Porkaipandian Gopalakrishnan — Google review
Great view of mount rainer and other hills covered with snow. Good time to go now before snow melts. We got tickets there and gondola ride within couple of minutes.
Vivek — Google review
You can catch some early snow without much rush at Crystal Mt. The ride was pretty smooth. Though we had booked the ticket and parking, there was not much rush and plenty of parking was available.
They have buses from parking lot to the base, so you could really park anywhere on any parking lot. We actually drove to parking lot A, B, C and the finally parked in road side and caught a bus. Buses are every 5 min so there is no need to walk at all.
If you have to book the parking prefer getting a parking permit for parking lot A, which is the only parking lot that is nearest to base and you don’t have to park in muddy field (rest of the lots are all muddy).
Gandola ride fun.. We caught the ride up, stayed for 5 min as none of were prepared for temperature at the top and we don’t know skiing. You need proper gears at the top to even walk around in snow. We got on the next car back to the base.
There is low elevation slope at the bottom and rental place at the base which is good for kids to enjoy.
Pushkar — Google review
Finally, we did it after 4 years of planning for this trip!!
One of a must do things in Seattle, great experience.. Best view for Mt. Rainier.. Definitely will go again
Shady Mina — Google review
What a surprise. We tried Paradise, but it was closed, Sunrise was full, so we kept driving. We saw a sign for gondola rides and thought we'd make the best of it. Incredible views! Well worth the price. The view chairs were so fun!
DeAnna Prichard — Google review
I loved the gondola it was 45 and worth it to get to go up to the restaurant. I bought hot cocoa for 4$ before heading up. It was cloudy when I went up and honestly I loved the experience going through the fog. I bought tickets when I got there. I went early on a week day and it was in august. There were a lot of people but I really didn’t have much of a wait if any.
Raychel Gray — Google review
Came during a work day and it was so relaxed, laid back and beautiful. Clean restrooms down near the entrance of the gondola. Easy access and quick take off. The ride is lovely and smooth. On top makes all the difference. The views are amazing. There’s a restaurant where you can buy some drinks and sit on lounge chairs over looking the peaks. There’s a souvenirs shops down and up the gondolas. Beautiful experience!
Willie Ruiz — Google review
Definitely worth the price! About 50 bucks per person after tax but a very smooth ride and ice cold bubbly beverages at the top. This is far better than visiting Hurricane Ridge and we'll be back several more times to show family and friends since it's less than 2 hours from Seattle
Rich G — Google review
This is a once a year must. Spring through early fall you can ride the gondola up for the beautiful views of Mount Rainier / Tahoma. You can do as little or as much hiking around as you would like and even have lunch at the wonderful restaurant at the top.
Debbie O'Riley — Google review
This is a very scenic place to visit but the price for a ride are very high..I also recommend to check the time you are visiting this place. Especially do not go closer to sunset or potentially after 4 pm. You will have a clouded view of the mountains and most facilities close up after 4.
Yashasvi Arun — Google review
Fantastic ride up the side of Rainier! Just go. Totally worth it. You can bring your dog. They have a restaurant at the top but you need reservations. Stunning views!!
K H — Google review
Immense Beauty!! I caught the mountain on a cloudy day and as a photographer, photos were still great!
Envision'D — Google review
We visited on a summer weekday and the place was not too crowded, which made for a pleasant experience. We easily found parking and there were no lines at the entrance. We had a cable car all to ourselves (both ways) and the ride took 15 minutes each way. That ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains at every turn. The highlight of course is the snow-capped Mount Rainier at the top.
There is a restaurant at the top if you get hungry. We stayed for two hours, including almost an hour at the restaurant.
G Aquino — Google review
4.7
(494)
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4.5
(243)
33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022, USA
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