Some trails, especially those near Sunrise and Paradise, are packed throughout the summer. However, many forest trails offer solitude. Trails in the northwest corner, near the Carbon River Entrance, are relatively quiet but now require a 4-mile hike along the destroyed roadway to get to the former trail head. Mowich Lake sees more weekend foot traffic, since the road is open in the summer. There is a free shuttle between Longmire and Paradise that stops at numerous trail heads running from about 10am to 8pm Friday through Sunday.
For current information on trail availability or closures, call the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (tel. 360/569-6650) in summer, or the Longmire Museum (tel. 360/569-6575) year-round.
In addition to the trails discussed in this guide, a section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail skirts the park's eastern edge. This trail runs some 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada. For information on the entire route, contact the Pacific Crest Trail Association, 1331 Garden Hwy., Sacramento, CA 95833 (tel. 916/285-1846; www.pcta.org).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
