Longmire Area in Mount Rainier National Park

Although flood damage has closed Westside Road 3 miles up, the Lake George and Gobblers Knob Lookout Trail is open.

Carter Falls Trail -- This trail passes a wooden pipeline that once carried water, which generated electricity for Longmire. Go past Carter Falls about 50 yards for a look at the second waterfall, the zany Madcap Falls. This trail is part of the Wonderland Trail, between Paradise to the east and Indian Henry's to the west. 2.2 miles RT. Moderate. Access: 100 yards downhill from Cougar Park Campground, on the road to Paradise.

Rampart Ridge Trail -- This is a somewhat steep trail at first (the elev. gain is 1,339 ft.), before you arrive at the top of an ancient lava flow called the Ramparts, which offers panoramic views of the Nisqually Valley to the south, Mount Rainier to the north, and, to the west, the site of the massive Kautz Creek Mudflow of 1947. It's also your connection with many of the other trails in the area, including the Van Trump, Comet, and Christine Falls trails. 4.6 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Across road from Longmire Museum.

Trail of Shadows Nature Trail -- This short, level loop trail is an enjoyable walk through the forest around Longmire Meadow. It takes you past the former site of the Longmire Springs Hotel, as well as a log cabin that's the oldest man-made structure in the park. Don't drink from the springs. .7 mile RT. Easy. Access: Across road from Longmire Museum.

Van Trump Park & Comet Falls Trail -- This steep trail (total elev. gain of 2,200 ft.) leads 1.9 miles through old-growth forest to Comet Falls, the second-highest falls in the park at 320 feet. Hiking another mile uphill takes you to beautiful views of the Nisqually, Van Trump, and Kautz glaciers. This is a popular trail in the summer, but it can be dangerous in early summer due to trail damage and steep, icy slopes; stop at the ranger station and ask for information on trail conditions before going. Up to 5.8 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Below Christine Falls Bridge on road to Paradise.