Trail Description:

From Longmire: Across the road from the Museum.
From Cougar Rock Campground: Across the road from the campground, two miles east of Longmire on the road toward Paradise.

From Longmire the trail climbs gradually 1.6 miles as it parallels the road to Cougar Rock Campground. Here it veers away from the road and crosses the Nisqually River, continuing its steady but gentle ascent two miles along the west side of the Paradise River. Then, just one mile below Narada Falls, the trail crosses the Paradise River and becomes much steeper as it nears the falls.

Family Suggestion: For a shorter hike start from Cougar Rock Campground. Or start your hike from the campground but only go as far as Carter Falls. A favorite with families, this section of the Wonderland Trail is 2.2 miles round-trip.

Along the Trail:

Hikers enjoy the coolness of virgin forest and the sound of cascading water all along this route. After crossing the Nisqually River, the trail follows an abandoned road to the site of a generating station which once provided electricity for Longmire. Above this site the wooden pipeline once used to divert river water through the powerhouse can still be seen. On sunny days watch for rainbows in the sprays of Carter, Madcap and Narada Falls.

Backpacking:

The Paradise River Camp is located 3.5 miles from Longmire. It is also accessible via the Narada Falls trailhead. From the falls, it is a one mile downhill hike. The camp is situated in the forest on the east side of the Paradise River. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and vsitor centers. Treat water before drinking. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails.