Mount Rainier National Park
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National Park Inn
National Park Inn in Mount Rainier National Park
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National Park Inn
The National Park Inn is located in the Longmire Historic District on the southwest side of Mount Rainier National Park, just a short drive from the Nisqually Entrance. At about 2,700 feet in elevation, Longmire is one of the most historic areas in the park and a good place to stop, explore, eat, or spend the night.
What we like about the National Park Inn is that it has a simple, historic feel. It is not fancy, and that is part of its appeal. The inn gives visitors a chance to stay inside Mount Rainier National Park without the distractions of a large modern hotel. It has 25 guest rooms, with some rooms offering private baths and others using shared bathrooms. The National Park Inn is also the only lodging inside Mount Rainier National Park that is typically open year-round.
The inn has a full-service dining room where visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed setting. Nearby, the Longmire General Store offers basic supplies, gifts, souvenirs, snacks, and seasonal items, including snowshoe rentals in winter. We also like the sitting areas inside the inn, the small library, and the front porch, which is a nice place to relax when the weather is good.
From the National Park Inn, visitors are close to the Longmire Wilderness Information Center, Longmire Museum, Trail of the Shadows, historic buildings, forest walks, and the road that leads up to Paradise. Whether you stay overnight or just stop in for a meal, the National Park Inn is a good way to experience the historic Longmire area and enjoy a quieter side of Mount Rainier National Park.
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Visitors heading into the historic National Park Inn in Mount Rainier National Park.
Where is the National Park Inn located?
The National Park Inn is located in the Longmire area of Mount Rainier National Park, along the Nisqually-Paradise Road. From the Nisqually Entrance, drive east for about 6.5 miles to Longmire. The inn is easy to find, sitting near the main Longmire parking area, the Longmire Museum, and the Longmire General Store. From Ashford, Washington, follow State Route 706 east directly to the park entrance, then continue into Longmire. During the summer season, this is a simple and scenic drive. In winter, always check road conditions before you go, as snow and weather can affect access.
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The National Park Inn's front deck is one of our favorite things to enjoy while staying here.
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The entrance to the 110+ year old National Park Inn.
National Park Inn's History
The history of the National Park Inn goes back to the early years of Mount Rainier National Park, when the Longmire area was one of the main visitor destinations in the park. The original National Park Inn was built in 1906 by the Tacoma Eastern Railroad Company, during a time when railroads were helping bring more vacationers into national parks across the West.
In 1916, the Longmire Springs Hotel Company built a two-story Inn Annex across the road from the original National Park Inn. That same year, the Rainier National Park Company was formed and began purchasing buildings in the Longmire area, including the original inn and the new annex. The company later moved the annex across the road so it sat near the original National Park Inn and clubhouse.
For several years, the original inn and the annex operated together as one hotel. Then in 1926, the original National Park Inn burned down, leaving the annex and clubhouse standing. After the fire, the 1916 annex eventually became known as the National Park Inn, which is the building visitors see and enjoy today.
This is one of the reasons the National Park Inn is such an important part of Longmire. It is more than just a place to stay. It is one of the remaining pieces of Mount Rainier’s early visitor history.
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We always enjoy our time at the National Park Inn in Mount Rainier National Park.
Longmire General Store
The Longmire General Store is located next to the National Park Inn in the Longmire Historic District of Mount Rainier National Park. It is a small store that serves visitors in the Longmire area. The store is in a log building, which fits well with the historic setting.
The Longmire General Store historic log building dates back to 1911. It was originally used as a hiker’s center, and today the store offers basic groceries, snacks, drinks, gifts, souvenirs, clothing, and simple supplies. In summer, visitors may also find firewood and camping items. In winter, snowshoe rentals are typically available. The store serves visitors with snacks, gifts, souvenirs, clothing, basic groceries, and seasonal supplies. We love this store because of its awesome gifts and its charming log building.
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The Longmire General Store is a fun place to shop.
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A look inside the Longmire General Store.
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Longmire Wilderness Information Center
The Longmire Wilderness Information Center is located near the inn, and is an important stop for visitors who are planning hikes, backpacking trips, or overnight stays in the backcountry. At the Wilderness Information Center, visitors can get wilderness permits, climbing information, trail information, and backcountry camping information. It's usually open from late May into early October. During the winter months, when the center is closed, wilderness and climbing permits are usually handled at the Longmire Museum.
We like this building because it is not only useful, but also an important part of Longmire’s history. The Longmire Administration Building was constructed in 1928 by the National Park Service and served for many years as the park’s administrative headquarters. It was designed in the classic National Park Service Rustic style, using glacial boulders on the lower level and wood materials on the upper level. The building was later named a National Historic Landmark.
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The Longmire Wilderness Information Center is housed in the historic Longmire Administration Building.
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The Longmire Wilderness Center is where to go for trail information.
Longmire Museum
The Longmire Museum is located near the National Park Inn in the Longmire Historic District of Mount Rainier National Park. For many visitors, this is a good first stop after entering the park, especially if they want basic information, maps, current trail conditions, or a better understanding of the Longmire area.
The museum is located in the park’s original 1916 headquarters building. Longmire became an important visitor area in the early years of Mount Rainier National Park, and for many years it served as the main headquarters area for the park. Today, the building helps tell that early story through exhibits, historic information, and ranger assistance.
Inside the Longmire Museum, visitors can learn about the history of Mount Rainier National Park, the Longmire family, early park development, and the natural features found in this part of the park. There is also a small bookstore and information desk. It is not a large museum, but it is an important part of understanding Longmire and the early history of Mount Rainier National Park.
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Christine Falls is one of the top highlights along the road to the Paradise Area.
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This fascinating Douglas Fir display is located just outside the Longmire Museum.
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We love relaxing at the National Park Inn after spending the day exploring Mount Rainier National Park.
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