Moms work hard! They set aside many of the things they love to do—like hiking, traveling, and exploring—in order to make time for their family. This Mother’s Day you can give mom the gift of a lifetime with a trip to Mt. Rainier. The remote mountain area is perfect for frayed nerves. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, mom has the opportunity to tune into the sounds of nature, hit the trails, and there are even some local Mother’s Day happenings she can attend while she is there. Consider the following activities, events, and offerings that the mountain has to offer that special mom in your life.

photo: Nickay3111 via flickr

Hit the Trails

Nothing clears the mind and calms the nerves like some time on the trails. With summer well on its way, much of the lowland trails are clear for hiking. Waterfall hikes are extra spectacular with the snow melt intensifying the flow of water. Put a hike to Carter and Madcap Falls on mom’s weekend Itinerary. Another adventurous option is the hike to Melmont Ghost Town. It’s perfect if mom is looking for something easy but captivating. Grove of the Patriarchs is famous for it’s old-growth, towering trees. It has often been described as a hike that transports visitors to the land of the Hobbits: another great option for a weekend getaway.

Visit NW Trek

The Ashford Area offers easy access to a variety of activities. NW Trek has guided tram rides and walking paths that take visitors through the 725–acre wildlife park nestled in the forest near Mt. Rainier. It is home to over 200 North American animals seen by tram in the 435 acres of free roaming area, or by foot on paths that pass through a variety of habitats where exhibits with like species live together. Mom might even catch a glimpse of black and brown bears in bear country and meet gray wolves, foxes, and coyotes in the Northwest wilderness areas. She can have an intimate wildlife encounter on a Keeper Tour where she can get within a few feet of moose and bison while the keeper feeds them.Or, perhaps she’s more of an adrenaline junkie? NW Trek has Zip Courses that will give mom a dose of that natural drug she’s been craving.

Go On a Bike Ride

There are plenty of great trails for biking enthusiasts. Located inside the national park, Carbon River Road runs through an inland temperate rainforest providing access to lush forests and rushing rivers. The five-mile path is level with little gain, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon ride.

Intermediate level bikers can easily navigate the Ashford area’s eight-mile-long Silver Creek Trail and its 1,300-ft. gain. The low-traffic path passes over bridges, through wetlands, and gives visitors a stunning glimpse of Mt. Rainier and access to solitude and wildlife encounters. Mom will fall in love.

Mother’s Day Brunch

The National Park Inn is holding a Mother’s Day Buffet! Mom can spend the day exploring the park and then refuel for some more fun. The buffet offers easy access to the trails a Longmire where visitors enjoy listening to the sounds of Narada Falls. There are plenty of beautiful scenic drives perfect for aiding easy digestion. The buffet’s menu includes the following: Sesame Tofu Salad, Roasted Breast of Chicken, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and more. Tickets are $23.95 per adult and $13.95 per child. Find out more Here.

Spa Day

Every mom appreciates a spa experience. Wellspring offers spa services in Ashford Washington. Offerings include massages and sauna and hot tub soaks. Book a mother’s day treatment in advance here.

Reserve one of our cabins for your Mother’s Day retreat now. Let mom know how much you appreciate her with accommodations where she can soak under the stars in our hot tubs, relax in a big comfy bed or by the fire in the evenings and only be a short jaunt away from the mountain and all of her favorite recreational activities.