Mount Rainier National Park · Washington

Rampart Ridge Trail

2.8 mi of trail, end to end · about 1,400 ft of climbing · 2,746 ft–4,094 ft · native surface · trail class Developed · hiking

2,746 ft 3,889 ft · 2.8 mi high 4,094 ft

Hike Rampart Ridge the Park Service's write-up

2-3 Hours · no dogs · season <p>While Longmire is open year-round, snow can make this trail hazardous in winter. Winter hikers and snowshoers must have experience with navigation.</p>

Start Rampart Ridge Trail

View of Mount Rainier from Rampart Ridge Trail
View of Mount Rainier from Rampart Ridge Trail Photo: NPS Photo

This moderate loop trail passes through forests with glimpses of the surrounding mountain vistas. Also known as "The Ramparts," this ridge is the remnant of an ancient lava flow which originated at the summit of Mount Rainier.

To connect with the trailhead to Rampart Ridge, begin at the west end of the Trail of the Shadows Trail located across the road from the National Park Inn. The loop can be hiked in either direction, but going clockwise keeps Mount Rainier in front more of the time and is thus recommended. The hike begins steeply as the trail leads through dense forest to the top of the ridge.

At 1.8 miles, there is a viewpoint looking up the Nisqually River Valley. As you hike along the relatively level ridge, listen for the tapping of the woodpeckers or the booming of the grouse. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. Notice the various mosses and lichen clinging to the trees. On a clear day, hikers are also rewarded with excellent views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley from two viewpoints atop the ridge At 2.9 miles, join the Wonderland Trail for the return to Longmire.

Trail Statistics

Distance, round trip: 4.6 miles

Elevation gain: 1339 feet

Hiking time, round trip: 2.5 hours

Wilderness Camps: None

Accessibility The west end of Trail of the Shadows is a relatively flat, wide path that includes a boardwalk. At the junction 0.2 miles in, the Rampart Ridge trail begins and continues up steep switchbacks to the top of the ridge. The trail is rocky and rooted throughout. As the loop continues down the Wonderland Trail to return to Longmire, there are sections of boardwalks and steep stairs. Some of the stairs are up to a foot tall.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

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About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.