longmire springs

NeilR838

While there were historically (1890) hot springs, sulphur springs etc here and a spa resort with lots of cabins and a hotel, today there is merely one ancient cabin and the remains of a spring bubbling with carbon dioxide and another bubbling with sulphurous water. All in all it seemed a shame to return it to nature (which the US National Parks Service did in 1922). However, what there is now is a quiet, peaceful 10 minute walking trail around the meadow and through the forest - lots of information panels. Well worthwhile.

W0lfTravler

Loved this place! It was an easy, little trail with cool sights! The air smelled funny, but it was awesome! The water bubbled, the trees were pretty, and they remains of the spring were cool. The walk was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone!

wannabefolkie

The remnants of the Longmire Springs are located along the Trail of the Shadows. This trail is located across the main road from the Longmire Museum and National Park Inn. Unlike the hot springs at Ohanapecosh, these springs were cool.This is a self-guided interpretive trail. We traveled counter-clockwise and saw another spring near a building, this time the color of rust. As we rounded the bend to the northern part of the trail, it became more forested which was welcomed during a hot day. We crossed a wooden bridge. Next we saw a huge boulder that of course all kids had to climb. Soon we were back in the sunshine and out past the meadow.This trail was easy for my parents. The meadow is home to otters which would have been cool to see. I heard some different birds but didn't see them.

Radvany

When we inquired about Springs, one ranger told us that they were small and recently had high levels of carbon dioxide. So much so that small critters aroudn it had been overcome by gas. Still we saought it out and when we asked in Longmeyer we were told there were none. The museum is a 30min free attraction that is educational. The Hotel and old fadshioned gas station are interesting. They are historic landmarks because the architecture is the prototype after which all National Park Facility were modeled. I agree that the Trail of the Shadows across the street is very cool and easily accessible old growth forest that contains some pretty impressive trees and is worth the little hike to check it out. There is also a nice little gift shop that is there with some very limited basic groceries.

capemaytraveler

On the hiking train across the street from the National Park Inn at Mt Rainier, can be found a few traces of the early years of the resort town of Longmire, An old hotel once sat near the mineral springs and the springs still looks to be structurally sound. The water flowing there is full of iron oxide and probably not good to drink but in the days of old many health claims were made for spring water. The spring was so well built that it still looks today as it did 100 years ago. The water still flows up and out of the ground naturally as a reminder of different times. Not far from the springs can be seen an old cabin that provided minimalist accommodations for the vacationers of 100 years ago. It is well preserved so that visitors can appreciate what Longmire may have been like in its early years.

rachelp305

The interpretive trail here was very interesting, easy, and enjoyable. It explains a lot of the geologic and human history of the area, and boasts a really cool log cabin and hot spring.

MQS

Peaceful 30 minute walk through the woods to the site of an historical resort in the woods founded over 50 years ago. Good for all ages and abilities.

balaczar

This is your first view of Mt Rainier. There is a museum and some exhibits at this stop. I recommend the short hike "trail of the Shadows. A nice stroll around the springs and marsh area. The hike is relatively flat, but not handicap accessible.

lunarlib

This visitors center is at the far western edge of the park. There is a lodge, museum and a store. We also did a few of the easy, short hikes that start at this outpost. We got to see the original springs that lured pioneers and tourists to Mount Rainier since the 1800s. The Trail of Shadows trail gives you a historical view of the area. Kautz creek is a scenic overlook of the area full of glacial water.

Mousemousemouse

Took this trail while doing a nearby earth cache. A mostly level trail with a few small hills, the Trail of Shadows winds through the forest and by the Longmire Springs. The springs' history is interesting, but unfortunately, because the NPS is working on some new exhibits, the little sign posts at the various sites are empty. But do the legwork ahead of time and read up on the history of Longmire and his mineral springs. Pro tip: Don't drink the water! It's been shown to have high levels of miscellaneous minerals, including arsenic.

Whistledown

We very much enjoyed the Trail of the Shadows at Longmire that takes you through the springs. fascinating and lots of beaver evidence.

petdsp

Esta trilha mostra um pouco da história do parque e da natureza local... Vale a pena mesmo em dias nublados. Gostei da cabana histórica existente na trilha e dos vestígios das antigas instalações do spa que havia no local há muito tempo atrás...