Longmire

The Beginning or the End. 

In the mid 1880's, James Longmire discovered a number of mineral springs within the current boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. He immediately saw their commercial value and file a claim on the land.  These springs, and the remains of the pools that he built, can be found on the Trail of the Shadows, and easy 0.7 mile hike in the meadow. 

Longmire went on to build a road to his springs, a hotel to serve the guests, and sold guide services up and around the mountain.  It wasn't until 1939 that the National Park Service was able to buy out Longmire's descendants and turn the site into area which it is today. 

Wilderness Information Center

Museum

Longmire is the home to the Wilderness Information Center.  This is staffed by the Park Service Rangers and is where hikers can get Wilderness Camping Permits, required if you are doing an overnight stay on one of the many campsites on the Wonderland Trail. 

The process for making reservations is described in detail here. 

National Park Inn

References:
10 Oct 2007 Article in The News Tribune

Historic Gas Station / Transportation Museum