Stay at the spacious and modern Mill Village Motel (210 Center St., 360/832-3200 or 800/832-3248, $80 s or $90 d). Rooms come with fridges, microwaves, coffee pots, and TVs with satellite service. Continental breakfast is included.

Dining options are limited in Eatonville, but there are a couple of little eateries worth a pit stop before tackling Rainier. Mountain View Cafe (106 Washington Ave. S., 360/832-8646, Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m., closed Mon.–Tues.) grills up slow food fast, preparing tasty sandwiches, burgers with freshly formed patties, and fish and chips dipped in homemade batter. Eat in the dining room within the old converted house, or ask them to box it up so you can get to the park more quickly.

Or you can enjoy chips and salsa, yummy tacos, and other good Mexican food at Puerto Vallarta (220 Center St., 360/832-4033, daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.).

The Eatonville Farmers Market (Washington and Center Streets, May to early October Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.) features fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts.