With the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899, Longmire became park headquarters. The site had previously served as James Longmire's homestead, lodging, and mineral springs resort. Although park headquarters are no longer at Longmire, the original 1916 headquarters building houses a museum that tells the story of the early days of the park. (from NPS.gov)

Enjoy the sights or take in the sounds of Christine Falls which is located approximately half-way between the Nisqually Entrance and Paradise, along the road to Paradise. Drive 4.5 miles east from Longmire, just past the the Comet Falls parking area, to reach the Christine Falls pullouts. There is a small pullout on either side of the bridge over the falls. (from NPS.gov)

The Narada Falls parking and rest area is open year-round, with a view of the top of the falls from the upper pullout. The trail to the lower viewpoint is snow covered and hazardous during the winter. (from NPS.gov)

Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" The park's main visitor center, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, is located in the upper parking area. Paradise is also the primary winter-use area in the park, receiving on average 643 inches (53.6 feet/16.3 meters) of snow a year. (from NPS.gov)

Inspiration Point is located along Stevens Canyon Road, which is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically June-September. During the winter, hikers and snowshoers can still access the point via the closed road as long as snowplowing or maintenance operations are not underway. Always check signs on closed road gates before proceeding. (from NPS.gov)

Reflection Lakes is located along Stevens Canyon Road which is open to vehicles during the summer season, typically from June-September. This popular destination is named for lakes that reflect views of Mount Rainier. During the summer, hikers must stay on trails at all times to protect the delicate subalpine meadows around the lake. Boating and fishing is not permitted in Reflection Lakes. During the winter, snowshoers and hikers can still access the area and winter camp around the snow-covered lake. (from NPS.gov)

The Grove of the Patriarchs out-and-back trail meanders through ancient trees in an old-growth forest. The elevation at this location is at 2,200 feet and the trail is relatively flat. This easy and popular 1.5 mile round-trip hike takes about an hour, through old growth forest. The trailhead is at a designated parking lot along Stevens Canyon Road, via a short section of the Eastside Trail, close to the east side junction of Hwy. 123. The trail is usually snow free from June to October and is a family-friendly hike. From the bed of pine needles carpeting your hike to the enormous trees and that beautiful river … this area is simply magical, with trees over a thousand years old. Walk across a bridge onto an island in the middle of the Ohanapecosh River. Many of the trees on the island were on earth when the Normans conquered England in the 11th century. These timeless warriors have literally stood the test of time, and this place feels sacred.

Ohanapecosh Campground, on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park, is surrounded by old growth forest and crossed by an exceptionally beautiful snow-fed river. Close to Ohanapecosh are popular hikes to Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs. (from recreation.gov)

An eay, 0.7 mile loop that goes around the small Tipsoo lake - a good, accessible, beautiful nature walk for kids of all ages!

Landscape architect Ernest A. Davidson, who helped design Sunrise Point, noted that "even the most jaded, scenery-weary tourist cannot help but be thrilled by the magnificent panorama that greets the eye." This overlook is not one to miss! (from NPS.gov)