Rampart Ridge Loop Hiking Guide
Rampart Ridge is the classic loop from Longmire, the park's historic district in the southwest corner. A steep climb through old-growth forest puts you on top of a ridge formed by an ancient lava flow from Mount Rainier's summit, then a level stretch along the crest leads to viewpoints and a descent on the Wonderland Trail. Because Longmire's road stays open all year, it's a good choice when the high country is closed or cloudy.
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park charges an entrance fee of $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person 16 and older arriving on foot or bike, each valid for 7 consecutive days. The $55 Mount Rainier annual pass and America the Beautiful passes are accepted; Washington's Discover Pass is not. Entrance stations take cards only. The park is not using timed-entry reservations anywhere in 2026. Day hikes need no permit; a wilderness permit is required for any overnight camping.
Route and Direction
Start on the Trail of the Shadows across the road from the National Park Inn and take the Rampart Ridge junction at its west end. The park recommends going clockwise, which keeps Mount Rainier in front of you more of the time. The climb to the ridge is steep; once on top you get 1.3 miles of fairly level walking, then at 2.9 miles join the Wonderland Trail and head east back down to Longmire. Hiking counterclockwise, start at the Wonderland Trail sign in front of the Longmire Administration Building.
How Long
The park lists 4.6 miles round trip with 1,339 feet of gain and about two and a half hours. AllTrails maps 5.1 miles and 1,417 feet and estimates three to three and a half hours, and rates it moderate. Plan on the longer figure.
Views and Forest
At 1.8 miles a viewpoint looks up the Nisqually River valley with Longmire below. Two viewpoints on the ridgetop show Mount Rainier on a clear day. Most of the loop, though, is old-growth forest hung with moss and lichen, where the park says to listen for woodpeckers and grouse and watch for deer.
A Shoulder-Season Hike
The park keeps the road from the Nisqually Entrance to Longmire open through winter except in extreme weather, so this loop is often reachable when Paradise and the passes are not. Lower and forested, it can be a better bet on a wet fall day than the exposed meadow trails, but it still gets snow in winter. The Longmire Museum is open year-round and the National Park Inn has a dining room if you want a meal after.
Know the Junctions
The loop's top end meets the Upper Rampart Ridge Trail, which continues to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls; the park's summer report noted many downed trees on that upper section. Stay on the Wonderland Trail heading east to close the loop. There's no camping on the ridge.
Hiking tips for Rampart Ridge Loop
- Hike clockwise for the best views of the mountain.
- Choose this loop when Paradise is socked in or the upper road is closed.
- Take the Wonderland Trail east at the 2.9-mile junction, not the Upper Rampart Ridge Trail.
- Pick up winter conditions at the Longmire Museum, open year-round.
- Expect the first mile to be the steepest part of the day.
Nearby trails to explore
- Eagle Peak Trail (Mount Rainier)
- Carter and Madcap Falls Trail
- Comet Falls Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Rampart Ridge is a dependable Longmire loop in almost any season, easy to fit into a group day. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Longmire and set the plan in the group chat. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.