FAQs - Our policies are subject to change

Last updated 09.01.2010

1. Is the Club House at the Small Lodge open to everyone?
It used to be. But unfortunately, due to complaints about vandalism, and people going in and making a mess right after our staff had prepared for the next guests, we've decided to close it to the public, and make it available only to those parties who rent the Small Lodge, and to guests who rent out the entire Lodge complex.

2. Are there quiet hours at the Lodge?
Yes, we ask that outdoor music be turned off by 8 PM or when dark and that overall noise be kept to a minimum, for the sake of our neighbors. However, you're welcome to continue the music / noise inside your units.

3. How close is the Lodge to Mt Rainier National Park?
We are located 1/2 mile (about 1 minute while driving) from the Nisqually Entrance to Mt Rainier National Park. We're about 25-30 minutes from Paradise, the highest point you can reach by car on the Nisqually side of Mt Rainier (elevation of approximately 5,400 feet)

4. What is your availability?
Please check our Online Calendar for updated availability! You can check specific units, dates, and pricing all online.

5. I see the Log Cabin on the map. Can I rent that?
Not at this time. The Log Cabin is used by our staff for storage and would need a lot of updating before it was to be rented out.

6. Is the Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes! But please keep an eye on your pets. We don't require leashes, but please pick up after your animals and make sure they're not going into the woods / street alone. Also, if you have an aggressive breed, please keep your pets close and do not allow them near our other guests and their pets.

7. I stated on my reservation that 2 people are coming, but more friends might show up. Is that okay?
It's definitely fine with us. However, please keep in mind that we reserve the right to adjust any reservation based on the number of people that actually show up. If you say you're bringing 4 people and 10 show up, be prepared to pay a higher amount.

8. Do children count towards the total number of 'adult' guests?
The short answer is 'yes'. But we're willing to be flexible. We tend to think that as long as they're using our beds, towels and so on, it's the same amount of cleaning for us after your group leaves. However, each scenario is different so feel free to shoot us an email and we'll let you know the total cost. (For example, you could be a group of 10 adults with 2 children, or 2 adults with 10 children. We may be willing to waive the extra cost for 2 children, but not 10.)

9. Is there staff located on-site?
Yes. We have 1 full-time staff member at the Lodge.

10. Are your offices located on-site?
No. They're located in Issaquah, Washington.

11. Is there a live person I can reach?
Email works best. Email goes to our Blackberries and iPhones. Phone calls go to our office. Unfortunately, we're always not in the office. We usually respond to emails within 12 hours. However, you're still welcome to give us a call. It's really hit or miss whether we're in the office or not. With all the work we have to do in the actual units (where there are no phones) and all the guests we have calling from different time zones, we can't really be around the phone 24 hours a day.

12. I just sent in my reservation request. When should I receive a confirmation?
It takes us anywhere between 2 to 24 hours to confirm a reservation request. We may receive them in our email inbox immediately, but we have to double check with our calendars to make sure the dates are still clear before we confirm them.

13. Is the Lodge open year round?
Yes, we are open all year long!

14. How big is the property?
The Lodge is 16 acres. Feel free to go trek around the property, but please keep an eye on your children and pets. Please also stay out of the shop areas and the Log Cabin.

15. Do the units have cable TV service?
Unfortunately, no. In order to watch the big games, you'll have to go to the Highlander about 7 miles west.

16. Is there cell phone coverage in Ashford?
There is no Verizon, Sprint, AT&T or Tmobile cell phone coverage in Ashford. If you need to make a phone call, please feel free to use the red phone located just outside the Couples Cabin. But please do not disturb the guests inside.

17. Do you provide towels, linens, blankets, dishes, cups, cookware and utensils?
We do provide all of these items.

18. Do you recommend bringing anything else?
Although we provide linens, blankets, and towels... if you plan on staying more than a week or get cold easily during winter months, we recommend that some groups bring their own blankets (or sleeping bags) and towels. We provide one towel per person for each unit, but not enough for the larger groups who stay multiple nights. And as cold as it gets during the winter, a sleeping bag usually does a better job of keeping you warm than 2 or 3 blankets.

19. Do you provide soap, shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries?
We do NOT provide any of the above except for soap. Please bring your own shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other items as necessary.

20. Where is the closest restaurant?
The closest restaurant is the Gateway Inn, located between The Lodge and the entrance to Mt Rainier National Park. They also have a small grocery store there. However, they do close relatively early. We also recommend The Highlander back in town (head West).

21. What types of groups tend to rent out The Lodge?
We often have corporate conferences, retreats, churches, family reunions and weddings stay at The Lodge.

22. Is there minimum night stay?
In the Cabins (Green Hill / Family / Cedar), there's a 2 night minimum during July / August / Holiday Weekends. The rest of the year, there is no minimum night stay. In the Lodges (Chalet / Small / Large), there is never a minimum night stay.

23. Which activities are popular?
On-Site - You can play volleyball, badminton or any sports on the large field. Feel free to bring your sports gear. A lot of people bring their dirt bikes and ride them around Ashford. You're welcome to do so as well.

In Mt Rainier National Park - Many people go hiking, climbing, biking, snowshoeing in the National Park. My personal favorite is High Rock in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (not in Mt Rainier National Park).

Other options are fishing (Alder Lake and Mineral Lake), swimming, and boating.