Cowlitz River Lodge

We loved this hotel, especially for the price. We paid less than $150 a night for two queen beds, which made the ski trip possible for us. Otherwise, two nights would have cost us $800. White Ski was a very scenic, easy 20-minute drive away, and you can stop for a photo with Mt. Rainier on the way. Our room, number 104, was warm and cozy enough that we turned off the AC heater overnight, even with it 32F outside. It was also just five steps from our parking spot, handy for getting luggage in and out. The beds were comfortable and clean, the shower was clean with hot water, and the towels were bright white and spotless. There’s a gas station with an EV charger and a local mini market within walking distance. The mini market has really tasty $25 large pizza with a crispy crust. The lobby had free popcorn, coffee, a huge tea selection, and games. Our room also had a mini fridge, microwave, and Keurig. It’s a rural area with lots of tourists, so set expectations accordingly for amenities and for staff who see and talk to a lot of people every day.

We checked in at 5:30 pm with two young kids and all our wet gear, only to find trash in the room and the bedding and towels piled up. The front desk person was nice and helpful, and said it would take an hour to get the room cleaned. That meant hauling everything back to the car and finding dinner while we waited. I asked if they could do something to make the inconvenience fair. The manager, contacted by phone, offered only to cancel the reservation and give us a full refund. On a Saturday night, with everything booked, that wasn’t a workable option. I’m a single dad, and we live near Port Townsend. My kids and I are White Pass Season Pass Holders and usually drive to WP on most weekends they’re with me. With the long trip, I look for a budget room so we can ski two days. I thought this would be a nicer hotel treat for my excited kids, but it became the most negative hotel experience I can remember. We’d booked the room on the understanding it would be ready for the 3 pm check-in, and I wanted some basic fairness, maybe 20% off. It wasn’t about the money, just the agreement. The whole thing felt gross and was a real bummer for cold, exhausted kids. This same lodging organization owns or manages most of the Packwood hotels we usually use, but I’ll look elsewhere next time.

The room was spacious, clean, quiet, and well equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, coffee machine, and TV. Parking was plentiful and free, and shops and restaurants are close enough to walk to. The location is especially handy for Mount Rainier National Park and its trails. Wi-Fi is free, though pretty slow. I measured 3-4 mbs. I stayed three nights and put out the “Make up the room” sign after the second night, but nobody cleaned, took out the trash, or replenished the coffee. Even so, I’d stay again in Pachwood for the location.

Great spot, with a grocery store and pub within walking distance and a gas station across the street. The bed was comfortable and the AC worked really well. The building feels like a motel dressed up with lodge decor. Walls are thin, so you can hear people walking upstairs, and the shower and sink were hit or miss in terms of working properly.