The National Park Lodge That Almost Disappeared | Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park

The National Park Lodge That Almost Disappeared | Paradise Inn, Mount Rainier National Park

From Parkography by RV Miles Network

April 23, 2026 · 15 min · Episode 351

About this episode

This episode explores the history and significance of the Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park.

Hidden beneath hundreds of inches of snow each winter, there’s a historic lodge sitting high on the slopes of Mount Rainier National Park that almost didn’t survive. In this episode of Parkography, we’re exploring the incredible story of the Paradise Inn—a lodge built in 1917 that helped shape what America’s national parks would become. From its origins as a luxury resort in the wilderness to its near-demolition in the mid-20th century, Paradise Inn stands as a symbol of how our relationship with national parks has evolved over time. Written by Lizzie Tesch #MountRainier #NationalParks #USHistory Check out our other channels focused on RV travel: @RVMiles @RVMilesPodcast ​

Topics covered

  • history
  • national parks
  • architecture
  • cultural heritage
  • travel

Keywords

  • Paradise Inn
  • Mount Rainier
  • national parks
  • history
  • luxury resort
  • demolition
  • 1917

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Paradise Inn

Places: Mount Rainier National Park

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