Stayed the weekend while exploring Mt. Rainier. Extremely clean/cozy, conveniently placed, and most importantly dog friendly! The staff was super nice and welcoming. Rita was super sweet and enjoyed greeting our little Penelope. If you are traveling with your pup I very much recommend staying here to rest while enjoying all that this beautiful area has to offer. read more

Cowlitz River Lodge - The view from our front door. - Hotels Near Me - Packwood, Washington

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The staff there is L A Z Y. They make you feel like they are doing you the biggest favor for walking into the hotel and anything that you ask is a HUGE inconvenience. When I'm on vacation, I would like for people to treat me with kindness and a cheerful attitude. Just be nice. You will NOT get that here. Beds a little soft but room was clean. Would not stay here again. read more

Nice lodge feel. Room too antiseptic smelling but aired it out and it was fine. Like so many others have noted guy behind the desk was very unfriendly and acted like he was doing us a favor. No breakfast - not even continental breakfast. Would not recommend staying here, especially for the price. read more

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. The male working the front desk was rude and unapologetic for the mishap with our reservation, leaving my family stranded hours away from home with no vacancy nearby. They deleted my review on Google, where I saw multiple different reviews with the same complaints about this employee. I WILL NEVER BOOK HERE AGAIN. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. read more

I thought this was a good place for a short stay and had everything we needed -from drinking water to a fridge ,coffee machine , cable ,toiletries and a warm breakfast in the morning . The online booking and check-in both were a breeze . Parking is right out front and hence loading and unloading gear in your car is not a pain .The premises is clean and well kept and the lady at the reception was friendly and helpful . Their prices are good for all the facilities they offer, along with free Elk watching . read more

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Comfy beds, clean room, and elk outside our window made our night at the lodge enjoyable! The mattress and the bedding were really nice. My daughter liked that the back window opened all the way without a screen so she could sit on the ledge and watch the elk out back! Honestly, the only thing we were missing was a pool/hot tub, which the kids were hoping for! read more

We loved this place, friendly staff, Elk in the front and back waiting for us haha, room was clean and bed was comfy. The Decora is fantastic. Simple breakfast in the morning. read more

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Suuper friendly staff, great location, clean and comfortable room, free wine (between 6-9pm you get two free glasses), water pressure in the shower will knock you over, elk roaming the grounds, did I mention free wine? Will define stay here again. read more

My family and I had the opportunity to stay here for a few nights. The property is in a beautiful area and the hotel itself is amazing. The check-in was painless, the staff more than accommodating and friendly. The breakfast was pretty good and had good options for the kids and me. I will be coming back here more frequently. The only drawback? (Not a drawback at all, I love wildlife)I couldn't walk my dog at one point in the morning because of the elk coming on the property. The gang of elk kept looking at me like they wanted to be friends, but I think they were looking to give me some hugs. And if you know anything about elk, they don't have hands, they have hoofs and hoofs hurt a lot when they hug. So being that my dog who's the size of a VW Jetta, and he likes to protect me from ants and dinosaurs, I thought it wise to take my dog back to the room until they left. Overall great time here, I would recommend highly. read more

I did not really have high expectations for this place, but it was PERFECT! We were 3 - my husband and I were traveling with our 21-year-old nephew. We got a room with 2 queen beds. It was easily as nice as a Holiday Inn Express. Clean, nicely decorated, comfortable beds. Extra vanity outside the commode/tub area which made sharing easier. Keurig coffee maker and fridge. Lobby area was well-decorated and welcoming. Breakfast is included (continental plus a waffle iron), but we wanted bacon & eggs so went down the street. read more

Booked for the summer based on Expedia saying they accept pets. Read a few reviews on Yelp that talk about folks bringing pets. Read on the website as of 2022 they don't accept pets. Cancelled stay. Disappointed they recently excluded pet loving guests. I am not mistaken...notice the photo attached. read more

Cowlitz River Lodge - Notice the Pet Friendly moniker - Hotels Near Me - Packwood, Washington

A simple, charming little place to lay your noggin' between spending two days in Mount Rainier. First off, Packwood is a little town, to the southeast of Rainier NP. Its an ideal place to retire for the night, after spending the day in either the southern part of Rainier or the northern section. The motel is a privately run place. I believe that its the proprietor who checks you in - a sweet lady who seems as if she grew up nearby and is proud of her charming little burg where visitors from faraway pass through each year. The lobby area looks like a triangular addition which was added some time ago, to the rest of the two storied motel. When one walks in, it has the feel of a mountain cabin, with local paraphernalia hanging on the walls and its old fashion furnishings. The motel rooms are well kept and clean. Although the entrance to each room is directly accessed from outside, the place shows no signs of decay, dustiness, or pests. Everything was clean, and well-functioning. One could tell that the owners took pride in maintaining a good place. In the evening, a group of elk graze nearby, causing visitors to come out of their rooms and take a closer look (but don't get too close). Evidently, this is a regular event here, according to the locals. Looking out the back window, one will see a group of them laying in the grass as well. A good, simple place in a nice mountain-side town (all two blocks of it), where one can sleep the night in peace, surrounded by fresh mountain air. read more

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This is a good 3 1/2 star motel/lodge with clean rooms and a OK breakfast. I am shocked to see so many recent 5 star rating which influenced us in selecting lodging at Cowlitz River Lodge. If you are interested in good food, I don't think Packwood Washington is the place to stay. The food in town is OK but not great. read more

I would recommend this to anyone looking to stay relatively close to Mt. Rainier and want a cozy place to relax after long hikes. My husband and I checked in at 9pm on a Friday evening and were given such a warm and welcome greeting by the owner of the place. She always greeted us with a warm smile and friendly hello. We missed the evening social hour but our hostess graciously offered us two glasses of wine after our 12 hour driving day. We stayed in a single queen room on the first floor. While we did hear our neighbors going outside for a smoke, for the most part it was quiet and didn't disrupt our sleep. The rooms are incredibly roomy and equipped with a decent sized fridge and keurig for coffee in the morning. The hot breakfast is great - eggs, pastries, yogurt, sausage, gravy, waffles, juice and cereal in addition to more coffee and an assortment of teas. Trust me, it's worth the price for the quality, breakfast and security. read more

It was clean. I felt safe. It was close enough to walk to the restaurants in Packwood. Those are good things. But, the room was on par with what you'd expect from Motel 6, but at 3 X the price. Not repulsive, but not impressive, and if I ever need to stay in Packwood again, I'd probably give someone else a shot. read more

When we showed up the front lady was very inviting. And it smelled wonderful in there. We paid 179 bucks for the room. Knowing that we had a free breakfast coming. That in itself is worth the extra money. Our night stay was fine. At 9 o'clock in the morning we got a knock on our door someone just came right in. We were still sleeping. She asked if we were still there we said yes or sleeping. At 9:35 we went downstairs to get breakfast we were told it was until 10. There was nothing left. A few sausages and some watery eggs. No gravy no biscuits no milk no juice it was desolate. Then we went back to our room to shower and get ready to go at 11 we got another knock on the door and somebody coming in at 10:15. At this time I'm naked in the shower. My husband went to the door and said "checkout is 11 right?" She replied "yes" and he said "ok then come back at 11!!!!!! " Oh no I would not stay here again. Not for that price anyway. We didn't get the free breakfast we were promised and we got woken up. Kind of a bummer. read more

Management are nasty people. People that I will never do business with again. After paying for their services, I was refused and made feel like I was garbage compared to them. Please take your families to any other hotel in Packwood. Don't support the managements bad habits at this crumby place. Read Darryl's review below. This is how they treat their guests. It's disgusting. read more

Such a nice place! Very nice lodge look. Friendly management. Clean rooms and comfy beds. Wine and goodies in the evenings. If you're lucky you might be there when the manager/former pastry chef makes chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel filling. Amazing! The breakfast is also quite nice. It's self serve with a good variety and hot entree. Also liked the ease of parking in front of our room. Plus we saw elk right on the property. read more

Cowlitz River Lodge - Elk right on the property in the evening - Hotels Near Me - Packwood, Washington

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This was an awesome experience. First day on motorcycles we come into the lodge soaked to the bone , only thing to look forward to was a warm shower... well no power. But in the lobby was a gas fireplace, beautiful exposed beams, elk horns, deer horns and our host. She was amazing for putting up with 6 of us. We were able to dry out dripping wet gear next to the fireplace, and once we all the guys had dry cloths on from changing in the rooms it was very high spirits. Power being out was actually kind of nice because of the hospitality of the folks managing the lodge. And as the lodge is in Packwood losing power should almost be expected... it is the middle of the mountains. And in the morning the was simple delicious breakfast, lobby and food area very clean. I highly recommend this spot. Once again 5 STARS and I'll be back again read more

Not SERVICE DOG FRIENDLY!! TURNED AWAY DUE TO MY SERVICE ANIMAL. Told that we had to stay in a pet room and we're turned away from our reservation. No refund has been given yet. Reservation staff at front desk was HORRIBLE, Rude and uninformed. I was going up on... DONT GO read more

The lodge is charming and clean with spacious rooms and very comfortable beds. The manager was very kind and welcoming. This is a perfect base for enjoying White Pass ski resort just 25-minutes down Hwy 12. The day we arrived we were lucky and got to see several elk grazing on the front lawn. For winter this was a perfect little excursion for us. I want to come back in the summer to explore the hiking around here. Would definitely return to this lodge! read more

Great little lodge!! Rooms are big and cozy! Pet friendly! Walking distance to restaurants. Very sweet front desk lady! Felt very welcomed! Could stay here a week!! read more

Cowlitz River Lodge - View from our window!! - Hotels Near Me - Packwood, Washington

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Everything was fine during my two day stay until the second evening. I was staying here with my fishing buddy and god friend. At about 10:45 pm we stepped out for a smoke and accidentally locked ourselves out of our room. I want to the main entrance to the hotel and looked for some sort of sign or doorbell. There was none. I knocked several times. Then I loudly knocked. It was 25° and I was cold. When the man who works there came out of his room he immediately screamed at me using profanity. He told me that we were told to ALWAYS keep our room keys with us(we weren't ) and at first refused to open our room! My friend then luckily intervened. The next morning as I was prepareing to eat the mediocre complimentary breakfast this same man comes from behind the front desk and physically threatens me once more with anger and profanity. Is this how you trear your guests?? read more

Nice and quiet. Clean too! The view out your back window is a nice meadow with lots of Elk to stare at. Walking distance to food and drink.

Denies government rates to military member!! First time ever being denied government rate ever.

Packwood is one of those small Washington towns just a short drive from incredible scenery. Cowlitz River Lodge is a sufficient place to hang your hat, but it's definitely more about function than form. There is no atmosphere; the rooms are spartan of decorations, but clean. The continental breakfast does the job, but that's about it. I stayed here while visiting family, so it was the perfect reason to stay here. If I were looking for a quaint romantic place, I'd try to find a bnb elsewhere. Oh yes, they have wifi, but I stayed on the end unit and it never worked for my gadgets. read more

Spacious clean room with pretty views out front and back of rooms. Free coffee and ice. Walking distance to restaurant and bar. Elk grazing in front and back lawn areas. read more

This place had the nicest and most helpful staff we have ever encountered. Expedia messed up our reservation and they bent over backwards to accommodate us and not overcharge us despite being sold out. They also gave us great advise about the National Park, where to get dinner, etc. And room was clean and comfortable too. We highly recommend staying here! They definitely prioritize hospitality over everything else! read more

The rooms are very clean and updated. Complimentary biscuits and gravy in the morning. Front desk was very nice and humorous. This hotel will be our go to on trips to white pass. read more

Lovely updated motel conveniently located near Mt. Rainier National Park. Very friendly and helpful staff. Great, reliable wi-fi. Rooms are basic, but spacious with fridge, microwave, in-room coffee, updated bath fixtures. Lobby is comfortable. Daily evening wine and light snacks. Coffee always. Expansive morning breakfast offered. Elk sightings on the lawn most evenings! Highly recommend if one is wishing to stay in the Packwood area. read more

Nice little motel. Clean and cozy. Packwood is a cute little town just outside Mt Rainier NP, and close enough to White Pass Ski Area. Every evening, a herd of elk hang out around the lodge. read more

We loved this place! Great warm welcome, nice room and comfortable bed. Hot breakfast included.

Newly renovated and clean. The bed was comfy and the pillows amazing! The shower had great water pressure. The staff is very nice and helpful. A bonus: elk come through the field right behind the hotel. We counted 8 this time. Last year there were at least 20 when we stayed here. I would definitely stay here again. Oh and dining, groceries, and gas is within a couple of blocks. Cruisers has really good food. read more

New ownership has really revamped this place. Beautiful remodel, clean rooms, comfortable beds, fascinating sink fixtures. New managers were especially friendly and accommodating to our large group. Perfect gathering place for our antique car club tour. Ask for Cindy, she'll take care of you! read more

Our four night stay while visiting Mt. Rainier was terrific. The room was clean, spacious and nicely decorated. The beds were quite comfortable and it was very quiet at night. The room had the quietest air conditioner we've found in any motel. It worked without cycling on and off - and there was no fan noise. There was a hot breakfast in the lobby: eggs, sausage, waffle maker, yogurt, cereal; whole milk, bagels, English muffins and more. The coffee was good, although they had no decaf. Staff was friendly and helpful. The location is convenient, with the Blanton market and Cruiser's Pizza less than 2 blocks away. It's only a short drive to the National Park entrance. Prices went up from last year and will probably go up again next year because the new owner is doing some upgrades, including a larger breakfast area. We'll definitely stay here again when we return to Packwood. read more

Very nice. Rooms nice and well accommodated. Woke up to twenty plus elk in front of the lodge. A/C worked great since it was in mid 90's outside. Complementary wine in evening and breakfast in morning. Only negative has nothing to do with lodge but with river access - there isn't any! Only access within miles was packed with people. All river access close is private land and zero access. Again, the lodge was great but don't expect to get near river. read more

I love this place. We stay twice a year for a week and call it a second home. I makes us look forward to the job that we are in the area for. The updates are very nice, and the personal feel like you just arrived at a familys home has always been great. LOVE IT!! read more

Clean room, just outdated, but plenty of parking. Normal pet policy for a one time $20 surcharge no matter how long you stay. Very friendly receptionist and the best part were the elk that were grazing on the front grass. Elk obviously use to humans because they were not disturbed by me getting very close for a picture. Not 5 stars because walls are a tad thin, but I would recommend for anyone coming to White Pass. Talked to owners and they are working on the updates now, they started with the lobby, and for the price of the room it cannot be beat. Wife and I stayed at end room and wifi worked great, writing review on their wifi now. read more

The views can't be beat, Breakfast was very good. Staff was friendly. Our only complaint was the cleanliness of our room. Tub hadn't been cleaned, several dark hairs..the base of the toilet had urine on it, the toilet didn't work, and there was an empty tube of lip gloss and used Kleenex on the floor by the table. Ick!!!! Complained to the front desk upon check out, she apologized. read more

I'd give this place a 5 star rating for heart. They knew we were coming in on motorcycles, it was cold and wet, but when we got there Margie made sure the heat in our rooms was on and she invited us to park the bikes under the portico. Easy walking distance to restaurants, elk grazing on the grounds, outside seating for gathering with friends, incredible site seeing nearby and nice clean rooms. Thank you, Cowlitz River Lodge! read more