Guests visiting Mount Rainier National Park on August 5 were left in disarray when the Gateway Inn in Ashford, Washington, abruptly ceased operations, forcing visitors to find last-minute accommodations. The sudden closure left some families, including those who had spent hours hiking in the park, to discover the shutdown upon their return.
Sarah Ruppenthal and her family, expecting to relax after a day of hiking, returned to the Gateway Inn around 1 p.m. to find the property roped off and utility workers disconnecting electricity. They were given a limited time to gather their belongings before being required to vacate the premises. "We had to hurry and rinse off by phone light and pack up to leave," Ruppenthal told SFGATE. The family eventually secured lodging at the Nisqually Lodge, though the cost exceeded their original booking, and they were still awaiting a refund for the canceled stay weeks later.
Marilyn Mitchell and her family faced a more challenging situation, arriving after a 13-hour journey to find the hotel locked and notices of closure posted. Limited cell service in the area hampered their ability to find alternative lodging during the peak summer season, when nearby accommodations are typically scarce.
"We are incredibly lucky," Mitchell stated, noting that other travelers might have been unable to find any available rooms on such short notice. Her family eventually secured a rental large enough for 14 people, accommodating their group of three after their extensive travel.
Unresolved Safety Concerns Lead to Closure
The closure of the Gateway Inn stemmed from a series of serious safety violations that Pierce County officials had been addressing for months. In February, county authorities had previously ordered lodging units at the property to close due to concerns including dangerous electrical conditions, non-functioning smoke detectors, unsafe exits, and chimney issues that posed risks of smoke and carbon monoxide exposure, alongside unpermitted construction.
Despite the February enforcement action, the hotel reportedly resumed accommodating guests while the violations remained uncorrected. Inspectors also noted that official notices posted at the property had been removed and required re-posting. According to Pierce County spokesperson Christina Rohila, these violations had not been rectified by the time of the August closure.
To reopen, the Gateway Inn must first correct all outstanding violations, obtain necessary permits, and successfully pass a subsequent inspection. At the time of the closure, the hotel's website continued to advertise rooms and direct visitors to its booking system, potentially leading to further confusion for prospective guests.
The park's popularity, with over 2.4 million visitors in 2025, combined with summer road closures concentrating visitors in accessible areas, amplified the difficulty for guests seeking alternative lodging. While the Mitchell family managed to salvage their vacation by exploring other parts of Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for visitors to the area.