
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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