Best Off-Season Northwest Escapes for Couples and Families

What kid — or grown-up — could resist a dip in something called the “Cannibal Hot Tub”? This and other right-out-of-a-storybook wonders await families at Paradise Village, a quaint family-operated hotel in the picturesque town of Ashford.

Stay in: Take your pick of modern, recently renovated family rooms and cabins with a rustic-chic vibe, complete with flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth sound systems and heated bathroom floors. The on-site restaurant and bakery dish up hearty European comfort food and treats — full breakfast is included! And, of course, there’s the famous hot tub, which heats up slowly, like a cauldron, over an open fire.

Head out: Set at the base of Mount Rainier and just 6 miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, the lodge is surrounded by stunning scenery (making it a favorite venue for weddings), and offers endless options for hiking, biking and other ways to explore the famous peak. A short drive away is Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, where you’re assured a full day’s worth of wild-child play.

Next stop: Doe Bay Resort & Retreat