Fagin's Hike of the Week- Rampart Ridge

Updated Wednesday May 21, 2014

Snowfree hike (with a few places with  patchy snow at top) and is at Mt. Rainier National Park, and start hike at Longmire.. This is great hike when there are views of Rainier and other peaks in area. But good with clouds as well as much of hike is in the lush forest. Thanks to Dennis Long for some of the photos.

View of Mt. Rainier from top of ridge

Lush forest @ Dennis Long

Flowers just starting to come out @ Dennis Long

Small pond near top of ridge @ Dennis Long

Peak just to west of Mt. Rainier

Trail Stats: 6 miles (guidebook says 4.5 miles)  total loop and 1400 foot gain. High point 4000 feet. The start of the trail is at "The Trail of the Shadows" which is located directly across from the Longmire Inn on the Nisqually-Longmire Road. Park in the Longmire parking lot and the trail begins across the highway. Once on the trail, turn left after a short distance on trail and you will find a junction to your left that takes you uphill  on the Rampart Ridge trail.  Once at top of the ridge continue on the trail that takes you back to Longmire and you have completed a great one way loop hike.

Driving directions: From Seattle South on I-5 to SR 512 (exit 127). East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance. Then drive to Longmire and park. Please note there is construction on the road to Longmire.

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Disclaimer: There are many factors which you should consider in deciding whether to proceed with an outing, including the visible weather at the trailhead, the strength and experience of the party, snow and avalanche conditions, route conditions, etc. You are the final decision maker whether to proceed. West Coast Weather, LLC dba Washington Online Weather cannot be held liable for loss or injury arising from your decision to proceed, and expressly disclaims all liability related thereto. Redmond, Washington USA. Also, please bring map-compass and GPS to help with trail directions as our directions are our best estimate.