Pierce County deems Mount Rainier inn unsafe, orders closure after it rented rooms despite violations

All buildings at the Gateway Inn in Pierce County were deemed unsafe and marked “Do Not Occupy” on Aug. 5, with everyone on the property being ordered to leave immediately after several safety violations.

The Gateway Inn, steps away from Mount Rainier National Park, is located at 38820 State Route 706 E in Ashford. The inn offers a collection of log cabins nestled 50 feet away from the Mount Rainier entrance.

Pierce County determined that the business continued to rent rooms despite several unresolved life-safety violations. As part of the enforcement effort, Pierce County also coordinated utility disconnection for the property.

Pierce County first shut the inn down in February over serious safety hazards

The county initially closed the Gateway Inn lodging units in February after inspections found serious hazards like dangerous electrical conditions, non-working smoke detectors, unsafe exits, chimney problems that created smoke and carbon monoxide risks, and unpermitted construction. Pierce County noted that none of the violations have been corrected.

During recent inspections, Pierce County staff confirmed that the company had resumed renting rooms despite the closure order still being in place, and none of the hazards had been resolved. Inspectors also found that the enforcement notices had been removed, requiring staff to repost them.

The county noted that the Gateway Inn cannot reopen until all life-safety violations have been corrected, all required permits are issued, all inspections are completed, and Pierce County authorizes the property for occupancy.

“The county understands this action may be disruptive for people staying or booking a reservation at the property,” Pierce County stated. “However, the conditions identified during multiple inspections create significant safety risks. This enforcement action is necessary to protect visitors and first responders until the property meets applicable safety requirements.”

Shut down by the county, still open for reservations online

The Gateway Inn is currently listed as “Permanently closed” on its Google reviews page. Despite that, the business still allows guests to reserve its regular and deluxe cottages, and the standard cabin as early as Wednesday, with rates starting at $229 per night.

The Gateway Inn has a 3.3/5-star rating on Google reviews from 453 users, as of this reporting. Many one-star reviews cite limited hot water, bedbugs, and faulty appliances, with one user simply warning to “manage your expectations” if planning to stay at the inn.

Other five-star reviews applauded the inn’s proximity to Mount Rainier, helpful staff, safety, and cleanliness.

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