This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Ashford.
Ashford is a small community of less than two hundred fifty people, located in Washington State, in the United States of America. Most tourists pass through Ashford on the way to Mount Rainier National Park, as the community is located only a few miles west of the main park entrance. There are many restaurants, a few small shops, and accommodation located within the community; all provide services at a cheaper rate than those found in the national park. This is also the last fuel stop before entering the park.
Mount Rainier National Park is most famous for its glaciers -- there are more than twenty-five within the park. The park ranges from just under two thousand feet to more than fourteen thousand feet, creating a diverse environment of many valleys, waterfalls, old growth forests, wildlife, and meadows of wildflowers. There are, unsurprisingly, many hiking trails, accessible throughout the year.
Considering the size of Ashford, there are still quite a few accommodation options, mostly dominated by lodges. There are also a number of RV parks and camping sites dotted around the region. For budget travelers who are not camping, there are also a few Ashford hostels, motels, and budget hotels. Some lodges also offer a dorm room for budget travelers. Hostels in the Ashford area are simple; cheap; and offer all the basic facilities, such as hot shower, dorm or private room lodgings, and some communal areas (usually with a television and book exchange or library). Staying at an Ashford hostel is usually a cheaper option than staying in the national park, particularly if you're not camping.
Written by local enthusiast for Ashford hostels
Kelly Sheldrick
