Indian Henry's Hunting Ground via Longmire Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

An area favored for hunting by early mountain guide Indian Henry, the namesake hunting grounds are now the perfect area to view wildlife and enjoy wildflowers.

Due to the open nature of this area, the views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks are amazing.

Permits are required for all overnight backcountry travel. Permits, camp locations, and regulations for backcountry travel may be obtained from the Longmire Wilderness Information Center, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Backpackers may camp at Pyramid Creek three miles from Longmire, or Devil's Dream 5 miles from Longmire.

This route begins at Longmire along the the Wonderland Trail. An alternate route along Kautz Creek Trail also goes to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground.

Like most of the trails in Rainier, getting to Indian Henry's HG has some very steep sections that make for tough running.

The trailhead is located across the street from the museum and main parking area, on the same side of the road as the Administration Building.

The trail begins at Longmire and joins the Wonderland Trail approximately 0.1 mile above Longmire. In another 0.1 mile the trail crosses the Longmire/Paradise road and enters old growth forest and climbs somewhat steeply for 1.7 miles to the junction with the Rampart Ridge Trail. From there the trail descends to Kautz Creek, with a log bridge crossing. Note: Washouts of this log bridge are not uncommon, so it is recommended to inquire about the status of this crossing at a Wilderness Center or Ranger Station before leaving. After about 1.3 miles, the trail reaches Pyramid Creek Camp. From there it ascends via a series of switchbacks, crosses Fisher's Hornpipe Creek, and traverses along a ridge to Devil's Dream Camp (5 miles from Longmire). The trail then rises gradually for another mile before reaching the ranger patrol cabin in the meadows of Indian Henry's.

Indian Henry's is noted for its magnificent displays of flowers which begin typically in mid-July and extend into late August.