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Summary of reviewsCowlitz River Lodge, located conveniently in downtown Packwood, is celebrated for its prime location near Mount Rainier National Park and White Pass Ski Resort, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Guests enjoy the peaceful environment, scenic views, and frequent sightings of elk grazing nearby. The proximity to local amenities, including a grocery store and diverse dining options, adds to its allure.
The lodge offers comfortable, spacious rooms praised for their cleanliness and well-appointed amenities, such as microwaves, refrigerators, and double sinks. The beds are notably comfortable, enhancing the restful experience for guests. Although the lodge no longer provides breakfast, guests fondly recall the previously offered breakfast options, reflecting the area’s limited dining venues. Dinner is easily accessible, with neighboring restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
The staff at Cowlitz River Lodge are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While there are minor concerns regarding accessibility features in the bathrooms, the overall environment is considered accessible with easy navigation to nearby attractions and facilities. The reliable WiFi connection is another feature that guests appreciate, ensuring seamless connectivity.
The lodge is also pet-friendly, allowing guests to enjoy their stay with their dogs, and is further complemented by the charming presence of a local elk herd. Cowlitz River Lodge is a well-rounded accommodation that combines beautiful surroundings with excellent service, making it a favored retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and convenience. Show more
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Dog Friendly Hotel
Lodges often provide a more relaxed and nature-oriented setting. The Cowlitz River Lodge can be suitable for dog owners seeking outdoor activities with their pets, given its proximity to the river and surrounding areas.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
This lodge includes free Wi-Fi in all rooms. It also offers amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig coffee maker in each room. Guests can enjoy reliable internet access along with comfortable accommodations.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave, Top FloorThis quadruple room has a tile/marble floor, air conditioning and cable TV.
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave, Top FloorThis double room features air conditioning, private entrance and microwave.
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, ADA,, Dog Friendly, 1st FloorThis double room has a seating area, air conditioning and private entrance.
Executive Studio Suite, 4 Queen Beds, 1st FloorThis family room features a sofa, seating area and microwave. No pets permitted in this room.
Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave, Dog Friendly, 1st FloorThe quadruple room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave, ADA, Dog Friendly, 1st FloorThe quadruple room features air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room provides a coffee machine, parquet floors, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, ADA,, Dog Friendly, 1st FloorThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Cowlitz River Lodge boasts a highly praised location, situated conveniently in downtown Packwood, offering easy access to nearby attractions. The lodge stands as an ideal base for exploring Mount Rainier National Park, with guest reviews highlighting its proximity to both the south entrance and the park's scenic areas like Sunrise and Paradise. Just 12 miles from the park, guests can enjoy a quick drive to immerse themselves in nature and embark on hiking adventures.
Packwood, though a small town, provides the conveniences of a supermarket, gas station, and dining options within walking distance, catering to travelers' needs. The lodge's setting also allows easy access to White Pass Ski Resort, making it a favored spot for both summer and winter activities.
The peaceful environment, complemented by views of elk grazing in nearby fields, adds to the charm. Guests frequently note the beautiful scenery and the comfort of staying in spacious and clean rooms. The location is not only great for access to the national park but also offers a delightful mix of tranquility and convenience, making it a reliable choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Breakfast
Cowlitz River Lodge has built a mixed reputation when it comes to breakfast offerings. In the past, guests could enjoy hearty and exceptional breakfasts on-site, featuring scrambled eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and fresh fruit. This generous selection provided a satisfying start to the day, especially for those heading for outdoor adventures. The complimentary breakfast options were celebrated for their variety and convenience, with some visitors fondly recalling the delightful prepackaged breakfast bags that suited early risers looking for a quick grab-and-go meal.
However, the lodge has since discontinued its breakfast service entirely, leaving guests to explore nearby options for their morning meals. This change has been noted by many as a loss, particularly given the limited number of restaurants available in the local area. Despite this, guests still appreciate the lodge's strategic location near Mount Rainier and its charming ambiance, along with the surprise of a nice continental breakfast when it was offered. While Cowlitz River Lodge once boasted of delicious and plentiful breakfasts that left a lasting impression, travelers now need to plan for breakfast elsewhere during their stay.
Dinner
Cowlitz River Lodge offers a great central location with a quiet atmosphere and reasonable room sizes, making it an ideal place to unwind. Although the lodge itself does not have an in-house restaurant for dinner, guests can easily explore the diverse dining options in the surrounding area. The lodge's location allows for a leisurely stroll to various restaurants in town, including a local favorite— the Blue Lagoon Bar, where many enjoy their meals regularly. Additionally, guests appreciate the opportunity to dine at local mom and pop establishments serving great burgers. The lodge staff is accommodating, enabling guests to use the breakfast room for gathering with friends and enjoying casual meals like pizza. Overall, Cowlitz River Lodge is conveniently situated for diners eager to explore nearby culinary delights.
Rooms
Nestled in a picturesque town near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, Cowlitz River Lodge boasts an excellent accommodation experience that leaves guests satisfied with their stay. Visitors consistently praise the lodge for its spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms that offer the perfect retreat after a day of adventure. The rooms provide ample space, which is appreciated by families, including one unique suite featuring four queen beds.
Guests commend the cleanliness and maintenance of the rooms, noting they are updated in a pleasant, understated manner that complements the ambiance of northwest woods. The furnishings, while basic, are perfectly adequate, and each room is equipped with convenient amenities such as microwaves, refrigerators, and double sinks in the bathroom. The lodge offers well-functioning facilities, including great water pressure for showers, which enhances the comfort of the stay.
The quiet surroundings contribute to the peaceful experience, with many rooms providing scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, the staff is often described as pleasant and accommodating, further elevating the overall guest experience. Visitors also enjoy the added perks of free wine in the evenings and a well-received breakfast each morning. Whether stopping briefly before exploring the wonders of St. Helens or settling in for a longer getaway, Cowlitz River Lodge proves to be an ideal choice for travelers seeking a clean, cozy, and welcoming stay.
Beds
Cowlitz River Lodge stands out as a haven of comfort, particularly when it comes to its beds. Guests consistently praise the beds for being exceptionally comfortable, with many highlighting them as a standout feature of their stay. The rooms complement these plush mattresses with their clean and inviting ambiance, providing a well-sized and relaxing environment for travelers. Situated in an ideal location, the lodge combines its cozy accommodations with attentive service, ensuring a restful night's sleep for its guests. Whether for a quick stopover or an extended visit, the lodge's comfortable beds make it a top pick for anyone in search of a good night's rest.
Cleanliness
Nestled in an idyllic location, Cowlitz River Lodge is frequently praised for its remarkable cleanliness. Many guests have highlighted the spotlessly clean rooms which add to their comfortable stay, making it a standout choice for visitors to Mt. Rainier. The lodge's commitment to maintaining a pristine environment is consistently noted, with visitors often finding their accommodations spacious and well-appointed. The friendly and helpful staff add a warm touch to the spotless surroundings, enhancing the overall experience. Though the decor is simple, the well-maintained and updated facilities ensure guests have access to everything they need for a convenient stay. With clean amenities and an appealing atmosphere, Cowlitz River Lodge offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking comfort and proximity to nature's wonders.
Staff
Cowlitz River Lodge comes alive with the charm and hospitality of its staff, leaving a lasting impression on guests who value personalized service. The atmosphere created by the friendly and accommodating team adds a welcoming touch to any visit. Staff members, such as Cindy and Jennifer, receive special mention for their exceptional service, transforming stays from routine to remarkable. From offering helpful local insights to making special arrangements, the lodge's personnel consistently contribute to a favorable guest experience. While a few encounters suggest room for improvement in reception manners, the overwhelming sentiment points to a team known for warmth, helpfulness, and genuine smiles. Whether providing guidance for exploring the area or ensuring amenities are just right, the staff plays a crucial role in making Cowlitz River Lodge a delightful retreat.
Wi-Fi
The Cowlitz River Lodge offers a reliably positive experience when it comes to WiFi access, making it a suitable choice for travelers who value connectivity during their stay. Guests consistently highlight the WiFi as fast, stable, and easy to log into, enabling seamless connection throughout the property. This solid internet service is complemented by other amenities such as spacious, clean rooms, and a range of in-room facilities including a TV with serviceable features, microwave, and fridge. While the lodge provides a cozy setting with complimentary coffee, tea, apple cider mix, and chocolates in the lobby, it does not offer breakfast. Its excellent location further enhances the lodge's appeal.
Accessible
Cowlitz River Lodge offers a convenient location for guests exploring Mount Rainier National Park, providing easy access to Highway 12 while being peacefully set back from the main road. Visitors appreciate the proximity to local amenities, including a grocery store right across the street and a short walk to The Blue Moose restaurant, enhancing the overall accessibility for a comfortable stay. While the lodge itself receives praise for being very nice and accessible, there are concerns about the accessibility features in the bathrooms, particularly the absence of support bars and the use of narrow tubs with plastic benches instead of roll-in showers. Despite these challenges, guests highlight the friendly and helpful staff, contributing positively to the overall experience at the lodge.
Dog Friendly
Cowlitz River Lodge is a welcoming retreat for both human and canine guests. The lodge is renowned for its pet-friendly environment, offering amenities that make it easy for pet owners to enjoy their stay without leaving four-legged friends behind. Many guests appreciate the spacious, grassy yard, perfect for dogs to roam and explore.
A unique highlight of the lodge is the frequent visits from the local Roosevelt Elk herd, providing an enchanting experience as they often roam the property and even bed down on the lawn. This natural spectacle elevates the lodge's charm, making it a special place where guests can enjoy wildlife sightings right from their windows.
The rooms are noted for being accommodating for pet owners, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. While there are some isolated comments about staff behavior and cleanliness, the overall reception is positive. The lodge's location also allows easy access to the town of Packwood, known for its great brewpubs and burger places, adding to the convenience and enjoyment of visitors' stays.
Cowlitz River Lodge combines the serenity of nature with pet-friendly hospitality, making it a delightful choice for travelers who love to share their adventures with their pets.
No, Cowlitz River Lodge doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Cowlitz River Lodge.
Yes, Cowlitz River Lodge welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Cowlitz River Lodge.