Actually leaving Cathlamet via Ape Cave to Mt. St Helen (any tricks to the route)
It was suggested to stay in Randle or Packwood, any recommendations? What I've seen so far looks like tiny motels. Next day Rainier and onto Seattle for 2 or 3 nights. Traveling with 3 kids 9,12,14. Got talked out of ONP!

I don't know what the Ape Cave is. From Cathlamet we would drive east on Highway 4. The only hitch is getting on I-5 north at Longview; signage isn't clear, and, if you follow the right route, it seems incorrect. If you end up in Longview you may go around in circles trying to find the way out.

The motels in Randle and Packwood are not to be recommended. There is a Holiday Inn Express with a pool in Centralia, which might be a more fun place to be with your kids. It is on I-5 about 15 miles north of the turn-off for Mt. Rainier.

Ape Cave is interesting. Teens (and adults) should like it. Need to have warm clothes and a light. (On certain days the visitors' center provides lights--- not every day of the week.) Look at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website for lots of information on Ape Cave, including information on what days lights are available. (Otherwise, bring your own.) Also that website has a map showing the road you will want to take to Ape Cave and beyond to Randle. Not every standard map has the level of detail you might be looking for in this area.

There are several quite acceptable motels in Randle and Packwood and nearby. Nothing fancy, but fine for an overnight stay.

At Longview you want to go south, not north, on Interstate 5. Then, in about 20 miles (or less) take the exit for Hwy. 503 east at Woodland.

If you have time after Ape Cave the Windy Ridge viewpoint (and several places just short of Windy Ridge) offer spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens. Also hikes or walks --- as short or long as you care to take. This is a beautiful road. In my opinion, more interesting than I-5.

Thanks for the HI Express suggestion. But, Mapquest shows Centalia 2 hours from Mt. St. Helen and 2 hrs from Mt Rainier which is where we are going the next day. Thats why I mentioned Randle & Packwood which is right enroute between the two (but, don't see much there as far as accommodations) Anyone have another suggestion? Any recommendations closer - if not Randle or Packwood, how about Ashford or Longmire?

If you can get a room at Paradise or Longmire, that would be ideal. However, these park lodges are usually booked months and weeks ahead.

I'm sorry I can't tell you what you want to hear. The motel options in the towns you mention are really crummy. For the same money you can stay some place sensible. But the choice is yours. Happy Trails

My search will continue for Longmire. Paridise Inn is sold out. Thanks - not into the crummy motel. Sounds like it would be a good investment!

We made a 16 day foray in the Pacific Northwest last year; our second trip to the PNW in 2 years.

We flew into Portland, then rented a car. Saw Historic Highway Waterfalls, Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge, Hood River, Castle Rock - Mount St. Helens, Mt. Rainier before proceeding on to Seattle and Vancouver.

First of all, keep calling Paradise Inn regarding reservations. If you can, ask to speak with a manager; explain your predicament and keep calling back every week; people do cancel.

Highly recommend staying at Crystal Mountain Lodgings. Try to stay in the Silver Skis property with their fabulous outdoor heated pool.

Crystal Mountain Lodgings is on the eastern side of Mount Rainier; it is about a 15 minute drive to Sunrise, which is the highest point you can get to by car at Rainier.

We stayed for 2 days (and I'd really recommend staying for 3 days if you can swing the time, but)if you are only coming in for one day, I would suggest the following:

Arrive at Southern entrance/Longmire.
Drive up to Narada and Christine Falls. Both are easily accessible from the Road.

If you have the time, hike to Comet Falls.

Arrive at Paradise and treat yourself to a nice lunch at the Paradise Inn. (If you have time, take a 45 minute - 1 hour walk behind Paradise Inn to Myrtle Falls.)

Visit the Mr. Rainier Visitor Center
and check on any tours that will happen for the day; we especially enjoyed the walk to the Nisqually Glacier. Enjoyable and accessible to anyone in even fair shape.

When leaving Paradise, be sure to stop at Reflection lake before proceeding along Stevens Canyon and the Devil's Backbone towards to the Grove of the Patriarchs. (I would NEVER recommend driving Stevens Canyon/Devil's Backbone road in the dark; it required every bit of my attention during daylight hours!) (Lovely walk, but plan at least 45 minutes each way.)

Continue north on 123 until the turn off for Crystal Mountain Lodgings. (This is right outside the exit for Rainier National Park; be sure to hold on to your entrance receipt --- it is good for 3 days) The only negative is that CML has no restaurant, just some frozen items that can be purchased and micro waved in your room, so you may need to bring in your own food. Some people choose to get sandwiches / food at Paradise Inn before leaving towards the end of the day to enjoy a simple dinner...)

The next morning I would recommend returning to RNP and driving the 15 minutes back to White River entrance and the drive up to Sunrise; it is beautiful and much less visited than Paradise! We enjoyed the Silver Falls Trail and the Sourdough Ridge walks before we continued on to Seattle.

Don't worry about missing ONP. It is a huge trip in and of itself and you will be happiest concentrating on what you already have on your plate.

We visited Rainier for one day in 2002 (day trip in and out of Seattle) and then returned for a 2 day visit in 2004; we both agreed that if we had been smart, we would have planned at least 3 days, but at least now we have an excuse for coming back!

Good luck -- and enjoy!

Jaynie

Your post was perfect for what I was looking for and I'm done with my itinery. We are staying in Morton and didn't know there was a Longmire enterence. I thought I had to drive around to Ashford.
We only have one day and the kids won't hike much anyway. Thank you

One last question. Going to St. Helens for day trip from Portland. Should we overnight in Ashford or Packwood before going to Rainier the next day and onto Seattle that night. I found accommodations in both, so I'm looking for the shortest driving time!
thanks