Eatonville
Eatonville is a beautiful small town situated in the foothills of Mount Rainier with a population just under 3,000. The charming downtown is filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and pubs along Main Street and its side streets. There is even a locally owned movie theater. The warm community spirit makes it a delight to visit and the perfect gateway to Mount Rainier National Park and other nearby outdoor activities.
Where To Eat In Eatonville
Eatonville is filled with family style cafes and restaurants with menus filled with hearty fare. There are also enough adult beverage joints to do a fun pub crawl with venues close enough to walk to.
The Cruiser Café
A local favorite, the Cruiser Café is the place for breakfast. The portions are substantial and friendly locals are happy to share things to do in Eatonville. For breakfast the Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs is a must. Crafted from a certified angus beef patty, the fried steak is more tender than the cube steak typically served. Add in their homemade sausage gravy and this is one delectable breakfast. For lunch or dinner, the Big “E” Burger is popular but only if you are hungry. With a ½ lb. patty this is a big burger.
Bruno’s Family Restaurant and Bar
Looking for a dog friendly dining experience even in the winter well Bruno’s Family Restaurant and Bar has you covered. The restaurant is named after the well loved Bruno, a rescue dog and now family pet. Well behaved dogs can dine at the outdoor patio which has heaters. Hearty comfort food fills the menu and if you love sauces order anything off the appetizer section. Deep fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, Spicy Wisconsin Cheese Curds and many other favorites are ready to dip into one of 14 dipping sauces many house made. Bruno’s is famed for its Bloody Mary’s as well as hearty steaks and prime rib for dinner.
Pub Crawl
Head over to Mashel Street where you can visit the Pour House Grub and Pub, and the Bigfoot Tavern which are local bars with pub fare. For a more upscale experience try Shaken. It is a bistro and bar with a more upscale experience. Try a hand-crafted lemon drop at happy hour. It’s a little bit further on Center St. but the Mill Haus Cider Company is worth the walk. Mill Haus has a great outdoor space that serves as a community hub. You’ll often find small business markets going on and other activities.
Where To Stay In Eatonville
The Mill Village Motel is in the heart of Eatonville’s downtown area. This modest motel is family friendly and within walking distance to the town’s shops and restaurants. The motel was recently refreshed and has flat screen TVs and free WI-FI. Plenty of parking on site. The motel makes a good base for exploring Mount Rainier National Park.
What To Do In Eatonville
Eatonville draws outdoor enthusiasts with a bounty of activities that highlights all nature has to offer. Whether it is enjoying a local park or venturing out to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park or Mount Rainier National Park, there is something for everyone. Eatonville’s darling downtown offers quaint boutiques, shops, and art galleries.
Center Street Junction Mercantile
For a unique shopping experience stop by the Center Street Junction Mercantile. This is both a vintage thrift shop and an artisan gallery with over 50 merchants and artists. The best part is your shopping dollars support the Eatonville Family Agency which works to alleviate poverty in the area.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Visitors to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park can experience northwest wildlife in their natural habitat. Take a Wild Drive in your own car to the free roaming area where guests can view herds of bison, caribou, mountain goats, and Roosevelt elk. Explore the Animal Walking Paths to see bears, bald eagles, and other northwest animals. Children will love the nature themed play areas.
Millpond and Smallwood Parks
Visit both these parks which are just separated by the Mashel River. History lovers will enjoy Millpond Park which is home to town founder T.C. Van Eaton’s original cabin. It is maintained as the Stagestop Museum by the Eatonville Historical Society. Enjoy a picnic at Smallwood Park which overlooks the Mashel River or hike one of the many trails. Children enjoy the “Kid’s Pond” open to fishing for children ages 15 and under. It is stocked with fish each year by the Eatonville Lions Club.
Hiking
The Little Mashel Falls Trail is a moderate hike 4.6 miles out and back to see this beautiful waterfall. You can access the trail from Smallwood Park. The Mashel River Loop trailhead is located in the Nisqually State Park, Washington’s newest state park which is just being developed. The trail is flat through a wooded forest. It’s a nice way to just get outside and in the hotter months there is plenty of shade to keep hikers cool.
Eatonville Lions Club Art Festival
The Eatonville Lions Club Art Festival takes place every August and is over 50 years old. This community favorite brings in artisans from around the country to display and sell their fine arts and crafts. Enjoy live entertainment, the popular beer garden and lots of festival foods.