Ashford in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Paradise Historic District
Mount Rainier National Park
| — | National Park Service | — |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 7, 2026
1. Paradise Historic District Marker
Since the late 1890s Paradise has served as a base camp for people attracted to the spectacular wildflower meadows and high-mountain recreation. Built between 1916 and 1942, structures at Paradise were designed in an alpine rustic style. Massive timbers and glacial boulders blended the buildings with their natural surroundings. Steeply pitched roofs shed heavy snow loads. Many of the original buildings remain at Paradise, which was designated an historic district in 1990.
As you walk the area, investigate the buildings’ original histories, from the Guide House to the Paradise Ranger Station. History here evokes a continuity of spirit. Car and clothing styles may have changed, but people continue to travel to Paradise to visit the meadows and experience the mountain.
The Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District includes the park road system, the Wonderland Trail, most of the developed areas, and some backcountry ranger cabins. The District was designated to preserve this outstanding example of early park planning and National Park Service architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.
Topics. This historical marker is
this page online
Location. 46° 47.192′ N, 121° 44.052′ W. Marker is in Ashford, Washington, in Pierce County. It can be reached from Paradise Road. Marker is located on the south side of the Paradise Inn. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ashford WA 98304, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paradise Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Extreme Snowfall (within shouting distance of this marker); Climbers’ Guide House (within shouting distance of this marker); Paradise Ranger Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 7, 2026
2. Paradise Historic District Marker
More about this marker. A map of the area appears at the bottom of the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 7, 2026
3. Paradise Historic District Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
