Rampart Ridge Hike
Table of contents
The Rampart Ridge hike is a loop trail in Mount Rainier National Park that is moderately challenging and generally less busy than many other trails in the area. The trail climbs steadily, offering a nice challenge without being overwhelming. There’s a unique natural arched tree on this trail that makes for a great photo spot!
Route Description for Rampart Ridge Hike
The Rampart Ridge hike is a lesser-known hike in Mount Rainier National Park that offers a moderate physical challenge. This trail isn’t quite as scenic as others in the area, but provides respite from the crowds, views of Mount Rainier, and a unique natural tree arch that are all worth seeing. However, bug spray is essential for this hike.
Begin your hike across the road from the Longmire buildings, following the signs for the Trail of the Shadows. You’ll soon arrive at a junction where the Rampart Ridge trail switchbacks up to your left.
Taking the left-hand trail, climb up the switchbacks. The tree arch is in the switchback section. You’ll come to another junction just before the peak of your trail. Keep going, cresting the ridge to find a great view of Mount Rainier. This is the best view of the hike, so enjoy it!
Traverse the ridge further before taking a gentle descent. The route meets the Wonderland Trail 1.9 km from the viewpoint. Turn right here and descend for 3.1 km to Longmire.
You can hike this route counterclockwise instead if you’d prefer to have a gentler start and then descend on the switchbacks.
Getting to the Rampart Ridge Hike Trailhead
To get to the Rampart Ridge trailhead from Elbe, take Highway 706 east into the park. Continue along Paradise Road to Longmire, where you’ll park in the parking area.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
June-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Rampart Ridge Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Twin Firs Loop Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Carter Falls and Madcap Falls via Longmire
Mount Rainier National Park
Van Trump Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Madcap Falls Hike
Mount Rainier National Park
Comet and Christine Falls Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Carter Falls Hike
Mount Rainier National Park
Kautz Creek Trail to Longmire
Mount Rainier National Park
Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes
Mount Rainier National Park
Kautz Creek Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Eagle Peak Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Trail of the Shadows
Mount Rainier National Park
Mildred Point Trail
Mount Rainier National Park