Last updated: August 1, 2023
Thing to Do
Longmire Historic District Walking Tour
NPS Photo
"In any area in which the preservation of the beauty of Nature is a primary purpose, always design buildings that are not only attractive to look upon, but also appear to belong to, and be part of, their settings...” - Such was the guiding principle of park development promoted by Stephen T. Mather, first director of the National Park Service (1917-1929).
At Mount Rainier, designers selected massive logs and glacial boulders as the building materials best suited for integrating new structures with their natural settings. Entrance stations, administration buildings, employee residences, bridges... even comfort stations were all built to express the unifying characteristics of what is now known as National Park Service Rustic architecture. For many people, this impressive architectural style contributes to the special sense-of-place quality which makes national parks a distinctive part of the American landscape.
By taking the self-guided walking tour through Longmire, you will see one significant part of the Mount Rainier National Park Historic Landmark District. The district, designated in 1997, includes all the developed areas at Nisqually, Longmire, Paradise, Camp Muir, Sunrise, and White River; all roads, bridges, and associated features; the Wonderland Trail; and the park's wilderness structures.
This walking tour is an easy and approachable introduction to the historic structures of Mount Rainier National Park. It is also availabe as a self-guided tour in the NPS App.
Details
Duration
60 Minutes
The 1.25 mile round-trip walk can take about an hour.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
The Historic Longmire Walking Tour covers 1.25 miles round-trip of gentle ups and downs over sidewalks and along road edges. As you follow the map, you will encounter interpretive signs in front of each point of interest. Along the tour you will pass employee residences and work areas that are not included on this walking tour. Please respect the privacy of the residents.
Age(s)
Suitable for all ages.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed on roads and paved areas in Longmire under the following restrictions:
-
At all times, pets must be on a leash not more than six feet in length or in a cage.
- At all times, pets must be with and under the control of their owners.
- Owners must pick up and dispose of all fecal matter.
Pets are not allowed on any trails, including the Trail of the Shadows in Longmire. Learn more about pets at Mount Rainier.
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fee required; no fee for this activity.
Location
Longmire Historic District
Longmire is located 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The main developed area of Longmire has paved road and paths. In winter, paths can be snow covered and often icy. Buildings and restrooms are accessible year-round.
Walking Tour Map
Download and print the walking tour map, featuring key buildings in the Longmire Historic District.