Pass through a sanctuary of towering old-growth forest and lush open meadows on this 5.5-mile loop around The Ramparts with majestic views of snowcapped Rainier.
TO TRAILHEAD: WA 7 S to WA 706; L onto WA 706 at Elbe; drive E 20 mi. to Longmire. Turn R @ Longmire Museum; park in lot.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Distance: 5.68 mi
Points: 1130
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Rampart Ridge Loop
Points of Interest
WPT001
Location: 46.750061, -121.811996
Begin N of Wilderness Information Center on well-marked Wonderland Trail; pass cliff outcropping on L
WPT002
Location: 46.751732, -121.811600
L @ Y through massive old growth; you may see elk or black bear
WPT003
Location: 46.757469, -121.810501
Cross long boardwalk over creek
WPT004
Location: 46.761398, -121.809196
Begin switchbacks up The Ramparts
WPT005
Location: 46.763618, -121.806801
Break to admire jagged Eagle Peak (5,955 ft.) to the S
WPT006
Location: 46.766499, -121.805397
L @ Y; follow Wonderland Trail N
WPT007
Location: 46.766571, -121.808197
Hike beneath lush canopy of hemlock, yellow cedar, subalpine fir
WPT008
Location: 46.774231, -121.810799
Lunch, boulder-hop at Kautz Creek (fed by one of Rainier's 26 glaciers)
WPT009
Location: 46.767399, -121.809097
Hike along fragrant pine corridor sprinkled with colorful wildflowers; R @ Y, following Rampart Ridge Trail
WPT010
Location: 46.758461, -121.820702
Skirt Rampart Ridge; skyline features Mt. Rainier (14,410 ft.), an active volcano encased in snow and ice
WPT011
Location: 46.752270, -121.823097
Follow switchbacks downhill to Longmire Meadow
WPT012
Location: 46.751221, -121.816299
R@T; follow Trail of Shadows past largest trees in the area before reaching trailhead