2008 Snowplay Information.
The Mount Tahoma Ski Trail Association offers an alternative for people interested in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at
Mount Rainier National Park.

In Ashford, the Mount Tahoma Ski Trail Association offers some 70-miles of cross-country ski trails. Because many parts of the national park are closed, the volunteers who maintain MTTA trails have stepped up efforts to accommodate winter visitors.


Mount Tahoma Ski Trail Association website
http://www.skimtta.com

Before or after your trip to Alexander's, consider adding these stops in Tacoma on your itinerary
The Museum of Glass,
Tacoma Museum of Glass featuring Dale Chihuly and other artists

Tacoma Art Museum

Washington State History Museum

Rainier Mountaineering Inc

Information about mountain climbing with RMI Guides.

Summit Haus, Ashford

Rent or buy ski and mountaineering equipment at Summit Haus.

Washington Fly Fishing
Providing flyfishing men and women regional information
specific to Pacific Northwest waters.

    Nearby Attractions & Activities

      Explore the jewel of Washington State and the entire Pacific Northwest: Mount Rainier National Park. The Mount Rainier area offers an exciting variety of activities and recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts--both beginners and the more experienced--will find hikes, nature walks, mountain climbing, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing and biking--all satisfying and renewing. Some of the finest mountain experiences anywhere are right here at Mount Rainier.

     Of course, Mount Rainier's dramatic weather--especially in the winter--- should be considered when planning outdoor activities. But for those who take pleasure in having an entire winter wonderland almost entirely to themselves, there's no place more beautiful or peaceful than Mount Rainier during the winter. The winter visitor can ski the back country or take a snow shoeing class offered by park rangers--on most weekends. Drive to Paradise (45-minutes from Alexander's) and stop at the viewing areas along the way, where you'll see the Tatoosh Mountain range, Pyramid Peak and Little Tahoma...and of course grand vistas of Mount Rainier itself--all breathtakingly beautiful. The nature photography enthusiast will delight in the dramatic and remarkable scenery.
An option for cross country skiing and snowshoeing outside of the park is the Mount Tahoma Ski Trail Association. MTTA has some 70-miles of trails, all maintained by volunteers. You'll find a link to MTTA on the left side of this page.

      During the warmer months, June through October, the park gets more visitors than other times, but with a little planning it's easy to get away from the crowds. A moderate half hour hike will reveal vistas of Mt. Adams (over 12,000 feet); Mt. St. Helens and just south of the Columbia River, Mt. Hood (over 11,000). And, during the summer, the endless fields and valley's of wildflowers are stunning in their beauty and numbers.

    The staff at Alexander's can help plan your time in the Mount Rainier area. We'll assist you in determining which hikes will work best for you, depending on your experience and the weather.

  For the more passive visitor, nature and wildlife photography, bird watching and fishing or just taking a stroll in the woods can be both interesting and rewarding. Some helpful suggestions follow:

Trout fishing... just step out the back door, go to our pond and start fishing... anytime of year... it's that easy! Catch  a couple of rainbow trout up to 18 inches long. Our pond is about the size of a football field, and full of fish just waiting to discover your special technique. Alexander's does not supply fishing equipment however guests are encouraged to bring their own. Spend a sunny afternoon fly-fishing at Alexander's---and we'll gladly cook up your catch of the day for your dinner---guaranteed an extraordinary and delicious experience.  This is a great spot to improve your casting skills or teach the kids the fine art of fishin'. For those interested in finding out more about fly-fishing, browse through the  Washington State Fly Fishing Club Conservation Corner

Photography...The opportunities for wildlife and nature photography are endless. From close-ups of hummingbirds at the inn to dramatic vistas  of the mountain, any season at Rainier is perfect for the novice or professional photographer.  See some beautiful and dramatic nature photography, by Mike Gauthier, a park ranger at Mt. Rainier.

Bird watching...Alexander's is a year-round bird lovers mecca. Blue heron, king fishers, woodpeckers, flickers, barn swallows and, during the warm months, scores of  hummingbirds--both rufus and anna's-- feed at the feeders and the trout pond. Click here for interesting information about  Birds at Mt. Rainier, a National Geographic article. Or, browse the  Washington State Audubon Society Web page.

Nature walks... Follow the trail head at Alexander's trout pond and within minutes you'll be in the quiet and serenity of  the national forest.  Look up and see 200 -foot Douglas Firs towering overhead while--- at ground level, there's  meadows of sword ferns, shamrocks, and mosses. So many variations on green. You can count on seeing --and hearing---a variety of birds as well as some deer.