With the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899, Longmire became park headquarters. The site had previously served as James Longmire's homestead, lodging, and mineral springs resort. Although park headquarters are no longer at Longmire, the original headquarters building houses a museum that tells the story of the early days of the park. All of Longmire is now designated a national historic district.

Longmire is located in the southwest corner of the park and is 6.5 miles east of the Nisqually Entrance. See the Road Status page for current information about road access to Longmire and other park areas. 

Services at Longmire include the following (also see Operating Hours and Seasons for updated information about these facilities):

The Longmire Museum, usually open daily all year, offers exhibits, information, books sales.

The Wilderness Information Center, usually open daily from late May to early October and closed in winter, where visitors can obtain wilderness permits and hiking and backcountry camping information. (In the winter, visitors can obtain climbing and wilderness permits in winter at the Longmire Museum.)

The National Park Inn, a concessionaire operated hotel, restaurant and gift shop, is usually open daily, all year.

Cougar Rock Campground and picnic area, 2 miles east of Longmire, is usually open from late May to early October.

Traveling east of Longmire and towards Paradise, visitors can enjoy:

At Christine Falls, located 4 miles east of Longmire, a short walk from the pullout offers a classic view of the falls below the rustic stone bridge. Be aware that parking is limited. For your safety do not stop your car or walk on the bridge.

At Glacier Bridge, 5 miles from Longmire, look up the valley for a view of the Nisqually Glacier.

The one-way Ricksecker Point Road (signed as "Viewpoint"), 6 miles east of Longmire, offers fantastic views of Mount Rainier, Nisqually Valley and the Tatoosh Range. (The Ricksecker Point Road is open summers only.)

Walk the steep, but short trail at Narada Falls, 8 miles from Longmire, for a view of this spectacular waterfall. Parking is limited.

Enjoy these day hikes in the Longmire area.