The only road in this Park is the one extending from the entrance past
Longmire Springs and Nisqually Glacier to Paradise Park. All other
trips are made on horseback or on foot over the network of excellent
trails that have been cut through the forest. There are no regular
tours scheduled as in some of the other Parks, but special
arrangements have to be made for guides and horses at the established
rates.
Transportation service within the Park is rendered by the Rainier
National Park Company, which operates automobiles on the road along
the south side of the mountain and has horses for hire at the hotels
at Longmire Springs and Paradise Valley and the camp at Indian Henry's
Hunting Ground.
_Transportation rates_
Automobile, Longmire Springs to Nisqually Glacier and return $1.00
Automobile, Longmire Springs to Paradise Valley and return 3.00
Horses, per day 3.50
The same company also furnishes guides free of charge for parties of
five or more; if there are less than five persons in the party the
charge for guide is $3.50 per day.
The places listed below by no means exhaust the attractive spots of
this reservation, but are given for the benefit of the person whose
time is limited. There is a good trail encircling the mountain and the
circuit may be made in about a week. Pack-animals and guides may be
obtained from the Rainier National Park Company. Camping outfits
should be secured in Seattle or Tacoma.
On the southern side of the Park Paradise Park, Indian Henry's Hunting
Ground, and Van Trump Park are the most easily reached and
consequently the most frequented places. As the trails to these places
are well defined, guides will not be needed.
Indian Henry's Hunting Ground, 6-1/2 miles from Longmire Springs, is
reached by trail only. This trip may be made afoot, or ponies may be
secured at Longmire Springs where the most frequently used of the
three trails leading to this resort begins. A tent camp is located in
Indian Henry's Hunting Ground.
To reach Van Trump Park the same Indian Henry's Hunting Ground trail
is taken, branching off to the right after about 1 mile of travel.
This Park is also reached by a trail starting from the Government road
at Christine Falls, about 4 miles above Longmire Springs, and
following up Van Trump Creek. This is one of the most picturesque
trails in the Park. From it can be seen beautiful glimpses of a deep
cañon and a succession of cascades or falls.
Ramparts Ridge, 1-1/4 miles north of Longmire Springs, from which a
fine view is obtained, is a very popular trip. The climb of about 1000
feet can be made in about one hour.
Eagle Peak (elevation 5955 feet), 3-1/4 miles east from Longmire
Springs, is also a popular trip. A good foot trail leads directly to
the summit, which commands a magnificent view of the south side of
Mount Rainier and the surrounding country. Parties making this trip
usually take lunch along, and spend several hours at the summit.
The Ohanapecosh Valley, with its beautiful Silver Spring Falls, is
reached by trail only from Longmire Springs. This is a trip filled
with interest, but should be taken only by good riders or pedestrians
who are accustomed to long, hard walks.
The glaciers may be reached from the hotel in Paradise Park and the
camp at Nisqually Glacier. The glaciers should not be crossed without
a guide or unless shoes are properly calked. The charge for guide to
snow-fields and glaciers is $1.50 per person. This charge includes
clothing and equipment. The minimum charge for guide service is $8.00.
There are no hotels or camps in the northern portion of the Park, and
persons visiting this region must have complete camping outfits and a
supply of provisions. Pack-horses may be secured by engaging them in
advance from H. A. Loss, Carbonado, Washington, or from Curtis White,
Enumclaw, Washington. The entire northern side is a wonderful region
of mountains and valleys that has been visited by only a few tourists.
A trip to Pinnacle Peak and return may be made from Paradise Park in
from 6 to 8 hours. The charge for a guide is $4.00 per person with a
minimum charge of $12.00. Clothing and equipment are furnished without
extra cost.