Round Pass Trail

Round Pass Trail is one of those quiet Longmire-area routes that most visitors blow right past on their way to the showier destinations. Starting from the forested lowlands near Longmire, the trail winds through old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar, with the kind of cathedral-like canopy that makes Rainier's west side feel like another world entirely. The path climbs steadily through moss-draped forest before opening up at Round Pass, where you get a satisfying window into the surrounding ridgelines without the crowds that plague Paradise or Sunrise. This is not a glamour trail — there are no dramatic waterfalls or glacier viewpoints — but the deep forest atmosphere and genuine solitude make it a perfect pick for hikers who want to experience Rainier's quieter, wilder personality. Best suited for those who find peace in the woods rather than the alpine.