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
My 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.
Did 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
This 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.