Trail of the Shadows Trail is a 0.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Ashford, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October.
Mount Rainier National Park charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $55.
Mt Rainier entrance fee
Longmire Wilderness Information Center Tel: 360.569.4453
From the Nisqually Entrance, 6 miles on highway 706 to Longmire. Parking lot is located behind the National Park Inn, trailhead is directly across the street from the inn
January 14, 2021
November 15, 2020November 14, 2020Fun trail with some historical touches along the way. Also a few trails that can be taken part way through with plenty of challenge.
October 26, 2020October 26, 2020
October 14, 2020Hiked this trail in both Summer and Winter. Beautiful!
September 22, 2020September 5, 2020I love this trail. it short and very easy. I love reading the signs about the history of the trail. I've done it at different times of the year and it's cool to see the difference in it with each season.
August 23, 2020August 15, 2020August 9, 2020July 27, 2020My wife and I hiked this trail the morning on July 27th. We didn't plan on hiking this trail, but we missed an earlier trailhead for Carter Falls and ended up near the Longmire parking/visitor area and checked it out. This is a pretty chilly hike, with plenty of plaques telling you the story about the plants in the area as well as the Longmire family business that was built out of a mineral spring. It was all unexpected info for us, and it was very cool to see the naturally bubbly water. It was super hot though, even in the shade, so you know, be careful! And wear your mask.
July 26, 2020Very well maintained and informative. Not crowded at all.
July 17, 2020Really enjoyed this hike while visiting Rainier. We walked many trails while visiting the mountain and this was an easy one for younger kids, lots to look at, and educational signs along the way. Only ran into a couple people on the way around.
July 4, 2020Nice easy family friendly nature walk. Footing is great, plants identified on plaques. Lots to see for such a simple and flat hike. 2 year old hiked it fine.
June 25, 2020Did partial of the rampage ridge trail and turned around at Longmire view point. 3.4 miles round trip plus the shadow of the giants trail
June 15, 2020Cool signs to explain history of area. Easy hike. Bubble pop up from the ground from ground sulfur. Longmire cabin that you can go into.
October 21, 2019trail was icy in some spots and the bridges all had snow on them, nice walk after viewing the museum.
September 16, 2019Starts with old hot springs area (now cold) then onto beautiful forest meets meadow areas. Lots of markers identifying trees and plants. Easy 1/2 hour hike. Great for a rainy day.
July 4, 2019This was a really easy hike that is great for any skill level. Lots of signs that were educational. There was even an original cabin that was built in the 1800s that you are able to walk in. You might want to consider going to the Longmire Museum, just across the street from the hike entrance. There are restrooms, a small picnic area, a place to eat, and a gift shop.
June 10, 2019Very easy trail, great for kids. Have a toddler that could walk a good portion on his own. Some beautiful trees along the trail. There was a short side trail to the middle of the meadow that was shaded in mid afternoon with nice views of the mountain.
May 30, 2019Educational stroll. Great place to start a day of hiking.
May 13, 2019pros: *lots to see * kiddo friendly * lots of parking * CLOSE TO BATHROOM cons: * short * have to cross busy street so holding hands is a must. * can be crowded * park fee * not fur baby friendly visit may 2019
April 20, 2019Super easy trail. Very well maintained.
March 17, 2019Easy and snowy
January 27, 2019Very easy. Slightly muddy today. Has historical information signs places around the trail.
September 21, 2018Nice walk with info signs.
July 25, 20185 stars for the beauty of the trail but it’s very small good for kids
