Rampart Ridge is the Longmire hike to choose when you want a real climb without giving over the whole day. The loop rises quickly from the forest floor, then follows the ridge through moss, hemlock, and fir before opening to views toward the Nisqually River valley.
It is a useful bridge between the short interpretive walks around Longmire and the park's bigger alpine routes. Go clockwise if you want Mount Rainier to appear ahead of you on the ridge, and expect a muddy, rooty trail outside the driest part of summer.