Drive Tour Itinerary
Leaves are falling and temps are dropping, and we think this is one of the best times to visit and experience the changing of the seasons. Enjoy wildlife, history, local food, outdoor activities and scenic wonders during this season spanning September through November!
Highlights:
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad
Ex Nihilio Sculpture Park
Mt Rainier National Park
LeMay Collections at Marymount
Thornewood Castle
Glow Golf at Meadow Park
Lakewood Playhouse
Fort Steilacoom Park
Lakewood Shooting Range
International District
A palette of bronze sweeps the hillsides. Male elk, bison and bighorn sheep vie for dominance and select their mates, a whimsical sculpture park, hands-on farm museum with a tour through the seasons, historic mountain diner, Glow Golf in the Dark, state-of-the-art shooting range and scenic wonders all around Just a few of the amazing activities, food and experiences waiting for you in Lakewood and surrounding area this autumn!
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Day One
StartyourmorninginLakewood,WA,andenjoyabig,heartybreakfastatCarr’sRestaurant.
OnyourwaytoMountRainierNationalPark,a“mustvisit”isNorthwestTrekWildlifePark AtTrek, fallisamagicaltime. Dustrisesfrombison,rollingandsparring.Andthroughtheforestcomesan eerie,hauntingwhistle–thesoundofelkbugling.
Therut–matingseason–runsSeptember-October OutintheFreeRoamingArea,maleelk,bisonand bighornsheepviefordominanceandselecttheirmates. Theperfectwaytoexperiencethismagicup close?AnElkBuglingTour.Thisyear,theygetyouoff-roadanduptotheactioninthekeeperJeep, withjusteightseatspertour Andwithonlyeighttourdates,youdon’twanttowait Thesefillupfast
Next, take a step back in time and ride on a vintage train, pulled by a steam locomotive through the breathtakingly beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad offers stunning views of mountains, farmland, and surrounding forests, this is a journey that you won’t forget
And for the ultimate whiskey lover’s experience – Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s Whiskey Tasting Trains! Travel from Elbe to our museum in Mineral where you’ll be welcomed by live music. Immerse yourself in rhythmic tunes and enjoy the trip highlight – samples of three curated whiskeys from local distilleries, each with a distinct character and story. To accompany these delightful spirits, indulge in an assortment of delectable cheese, crackers and other snacks, selected to complement the experience. Specialty cocktails crafted with care are also available for purchase.
Or reserve your spot on a RailCycle It’s like a go-cart that you pedal on the historic rail line This gives you a chance to explore the scenic logging railroad and drink in those forest views It departs from Eatonville and travels 3 miles through the forest to a scenic turnaround spot with a 35 minute layover at the historic museum
Hungry? Head up to Ashford and visit historic Copper Creek Inn & Restaurant for a delicious lunch or early dinner. They’re open every day and serve local favorites like salmon, trout, steaks, freshly baked breads, and of course, Miss Jennie’s famous blackberry pie! And yes, there’s other great little restaurants to discover.
After lunch, stop by the Ex-Nihilio Sculpture Park on your way back to town where artist Dan Klennert’s creations come to life. You’ll see dinosaurs, seahorses, giant spiders, a heavy metal band (made of iron) and much more. No admission fee, but feel free to donate a few dollars in either the Republican or Democratic donation urns. Dan’s quirky sense of humor is contagious - and if you’re lucky, you may even catch him crafting his next piece of artwork.
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Orfortheadventurous,howaboutCannibal HotTubatParadiseVillageLodge& Restaurant?
Immerseyourselfintoanironcauldronfilled withmountain-freshwaterthat'sheatedbya woodfireunderneath.Downrightprimitiveand luxurious! Theyprovidecarefullyselected amenitiesinthelodgeforyourhomeawayfrom home
It’s a quick drive up to the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. But you’ve got some options to overnight... The private luxury cabins at Stormking Cabins and Spa create the right romantic environment, with vaulted ceilings, personal hot tubs, and stone-tiled, two-person showers. Enjoy in the feeling of seclusion without sacrificing any of the amenities ~ just minutes from the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.
If you prefer to lodge at Mount Rainier National Park, just keep driving through the Nisqually entrance. There, you’ll find the National Park Inn at Longmire, open year round for overnight stays. Further up the road, you’ll find the aptly named Paradise Inn at the Paradise Recreation Area. Typically open for overnight stays May - October. Tucked away on the southern slopes of the active volcano we know as Mount Rainier, and sitting at an elevation of 5,400 it offers views of the summit, meadows, and the beauty of the national park all around.
Day Two
Asyoucontinuetomakeyourwayupthemountain,agreatspotforaselfieisNaradaFalls. Be suretobringawaterproofjacket,yourphoneorcamera,andsomethingtowipeyourcameralens. Withagoodgustofwindcarryingtheoff-spray,oddsareyou’regoingtoenjoysomereal mountainmist!
Prepareyourself...whenyouarriveatParadise,expecttoseeendlessfieldsofcopper,redand orangeexplodeacrossthehillsidesthatlayintheshadowofthesummitattheParadisearea.The SkylineTrailisyoureasy-to-followguidetosomeofthemostincredibleviewsthemountainhas tooffer.
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Head back down to Lakewood, but make sure you make a stop at the LeMay Collections at Marymount You can take a self-guided that includes access to their main museum at Marymount which was historically used for recreation when the school was in operation. A gear-head’s dream, take your time walking through the gallery rooms containing 80-100 cars Exhibits are all around you, so be aware of the vast number of displays! Look for “automobilia” salt & pepper shakers, dolls, vintage gas pumps, and even hose nozzles!
Checkintoyourchoiceoflodging. Lakewoodoffers awiderangeofaccommodationstosuityour needs Now,ifyou’replanningona“Wow” experience,bookaheadandstayatThornewood Castle,“thehousethatlovebuilt,”anhistoric TudorGothichomewithahistorygoingbackover 500yearsislocatedonAmericanLakein Lakewood.
ThesceneryatThornewoodcanbeseeninthe filmsStephenKing's“RoseRed,”andOscarWinner “ThereWillBeBlood.”
Dinner suggestions include: Bruno’s European Restaurant with German and Polish fare that will satisfy with their hearty, warm dishes. Save room for dessert! We also love The Adriatic at Oakbrook serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They are thrilled to be selected as one of only two in the entire South Puget Sound by Wine Spectator with their 2023 Award of Excellence
Noreasontoheadinsidejustbecausethe streetlightsareon Theseearlyeveningsarethe perfecttimetoenjoyGlowGolfatMeadowParkGolf Course EveryFridayandSaturdayeveningfrom September22throughDecember30,theWilliams
NineCoursetransformsintoamulticolorcanvas throughthemagicofLED-illuminatedgolfballsand flagsticks Teetimesstartatsunset until11pm
OrcatchaliveperformanceatLakewoodPlayhouse, theculturalheartofourcommunity,thatcreates engagingandentertainingtheatrecelebratingthe humanexperience. ThePlayhouseiscelebrating their85thseasonthisyear
ThelasttwoweekendsofOctober,AllHallows'Eve 2023EerieEnchantments:Poe’sGardenofShadows isanoptionforsomespookyfamilyfunand activities,withspookystorytellingandacandlelight concertatLakewoldGardens.
Day Three
GreettheNewDay...
LikeaBoss!
Forafullbreakfast,checkoutalocal favorite,BursRestaurant Lakewood‘s landmarkdiner,servestraditional comfortdishes&cocktailsinanoldschoolinterior. Orforlighterfare,stop bytheOriginalHouseofDonutsto grabafewtreatsandacupofcoffeeto go Servingthecommunitysince1959, OHODisyourgo-toforafresh,warm donuttosatisfyyourinnerchild!
Afterbreakfast,takeascenic,one-milestrollaround WaughopLake,locatedatFortSteilacoomPark Thefully pavedtrailofferslakeviewpoints,tinybeachareasand lovelyvegetationnativetothePacificNorthwest.Fort SteilacoomPark’s342acresoffersadiversityofhabitats fromopenmeadowstoconiferouswoodland.Excellent accessforbirdingincludes146speciesidentifiedwithin thepark’sboundaries
You can visit Washington’s newest and most advanced indoor shooting range. At the Lakewood Shooting Range, trying out the latest and greatest, or just come shoot your all time favorite! With 16 lanes, each 25 yards long, and sporting state of the art touch screen controllers, you’ll have a blast honing your shooting skills in the comfort of an indoor location. Don’t have your own gun? Rentals are available for handguns like Glock and Smith & Wesson, or rifles like Ruger and Winchesters - there’s something for everyone here. You can register online - or when you get there.
Beforeheadinghome,enjoyadeliciousmealinLakewood’sInternationalDistrict. We’veheardtobe agreatfoodcity,ithelpstohavealargebodyofwaternearby,aclassicdishortwo,anda populationwithafondnessfordrink. Well,youjusthitthetrifecta! We’vegotyourfavorite standardsandauthenticethnicfare,includingMexican,Salvadoran,PuertoRican,Filipino,Thai, Korean,Japanese,Italian,Germanandmore CheckoutourFoodieFocusedRoadTripItineraryon theChamber’swebsite
Therearefourlargeethnicgrocerystoresincaseyouwanttopurchasesomedelicioussnacksfor yourdrivehome: BooHanMarket,PaldoWorld,HMartandTiendaYCarniceria-LosGuerreros. Drivesafely~andcomebacktovisitsoon!
Resources
Visitor Information Center
6310 Mt Tacoma Dr SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-582-9400
https://lakewood-chamber.org
Bruno’sEuropeanRestaurant
10902 BridgeportWay SW
Lakewood,WA 98499
(253) 719-7181
Carr’sRestaurant
11006BridgeportWay SWLakewood,WA
98499
(253) 584-4622
BursRestaurant&Lounge
6151Steilacoom BlvdSW
Lakewood,WA 98499
(253) 588-4844
ExNihilioSculpturePark
22410WA-706
Ashford,WA 98304
FortSteilacoomPark
8714 87thAveSW
Lakewood,WA 98498
(253) 983-7887
GlowGolfatMeadowPark
7108LakewoodDrW
Tacoma,WA 98467
(253) 473-3033
LakewoldGardens
2317Gravelly LakeDrSW
Lakewood,WA 98499
(253) 584-4106
LakewoodPlayhouse
5729 LakewoodTowneCenterBlvdSW
Lakewood,WA 98499
(253) 588-0042
LakewoodShootingRange
11701PacificHwy SW#B
Lakewood,WA 98499
(253) 582-0222
LeMayCollectionsatMarymount
325 152ndStE
Tacoma,WA 98445
(253) 272-2336
MtRainierNationalPark
(360) 569-2211
MtRainierScenicRailroad
54124 MountainHwy E
Elbe,WA 98330
(253) 900-7245
NorthwestTrekWildlifePark
11610Trek DrE
Eatonville,WA 98328
(360) 832-6117
OriginalHouseofDonuts
9638Gravelly LakeDriveSW
Lakewood,WA 98499
253-588-2647
ThornewoodCastle
8601NThorneLnSW
Lakewood,WA 98498
(253) 584-4393
