Longmire

Located at the southwest entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, Longmire sits among dense forests and river valleys. It is home to the park’s original headquarters, the Longmire Museum, and the historic National Park Inn, the only lodging in the park open year-round. Nearby trailheads offer close views of Rainier’s lower slopes without the exposure of high alpine terrain, providing a gentler mountain experience.

Longmire is one of the most historic and popular areas in Mount Rainier National Park, serving as a gateway to the park’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Home to the historic Longmire Museum and the iconic National Park Inn, the area offers visitors a glimpse into the early days of tourism and conservation at Mount Rainier. Longmire is also known for its scenic hiking trails, including the popular and family-friendly Trail of the Shadows, which winds through old-growth forests and past mineral springs that first attracted visitors to the area. Located at a lower elevation than Paradise, Longmire is often accessible year-round and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Mount Rainier National Park, wildlife viewing, and learning about the region’s unique geology and history.

At a Glance

Popular Area Hikes & Walking Trails:

  • Trail of the Shadows: A peaceful forest loop featuring old-growth trees, wetlands, wildlife, and Nisqually history.
  • Rampart Ridge Trail: Challenging loop trail with stunning mountain views, wildflower meadows, and diverse forest landscapes.
  • Twin Firs Loop Trail: Easy, family-friendly forest walk featuring towering Douglas firs and peaceful old-growth scenery.
  • Christine Falls: Short, scenic walk to a picturesque waterfall cascading beneath a historic stone bridge.

Seasonal Top Wildflower Viewing Locations:

  • Lower elevation forest openings
  • River and meadow edges (late spring-summer)

Photo Hotspots & Viewpoints:

  • Christine Falls bridge
  • Longmire Historic District
  • Nisqually River views

Visitor Centers & Lodges:

  • Longmire Museum
  • National Park Inn
  • Longmire General Store
  • Longmire Wilderness Information Center
  • Historic Transportation Exhibit (Former Service Station)

Food & Dining Options:

  • National Park Inn Dining Room (sit-down meals; seasonal)
  • National Park Inn Café (limited grab-and-go items)
  • Good to Know: The Inn is one of the few locations with dining options that may be available outside of the peak summer season, depending on conditions.

Live Cams

Longmire Museum
Longmire
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National Park Inn 2014 (8)
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Open Season:

One of the most accessible areas year-round, winter access often available, weather permitting, trails may be snow-covered outside summer.

Points of Interest

Longmire Museum — The museum is open year-round and is often the first stop for visitors. Inside you’ll find exhibits on Mount Rainier’s geology, wildlife, history, maps, books, and visitor information. It is one of the oldest museums in the National Park System.

National Park Inn & Historic Area — The only lodging inside Mount Rainier National Park that is open year-round. Visitors can stay overnight, dine in the restaurant, relax by the fireplace, enjoy the porch views, and browse the gift shop. 

Longmire General Store — The park’s gift shop and convenience store. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, snacks, drinks, books, maps, and basic supplies. The building itself dates back to 1911 and originally served as a hikers’ center.

Longmire Wilderness Information Center — Located in the historic Administration Building, this is where hikers and backpackers obtain wilderness permits, climbing permits, trail information, and backcountry advice during the summer season.

Historic Transportation Exhibition Exhibit — The old 1929 rustic-style service station now houses exhibits about transportation history in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s a quick but interesting stop near the museum.

Longmire Historic District Walking Tour — A self-guided stroll among classic National Park Service rustic buildings and interpretive signs.

Nearby Destinations

Carbon River
Sunrise
Ohanapecosh
Paradise

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