When was the last time you walked around the Longmire area of the park?
Did you stop by the museum and say “hi” to the ranger? Perhaps you strolled across the wooden suspension bride over the Nisqually River? Maybe you even ambled as far as the Longmire Community Building?
On the far bank of the Nisqually River, away from most of the park buildings, sits the Longmire Community Building. Originally built for the use of campers and staff at the auto-camp next door, this building dates back to 1927. Now the Community building is used by National Park Service staff for trainings and meetings.
Just as the auto-camp has been re-purposed into a stewardship campground for volunteers, this building too has changed to fit the needs of the park. Not open to the public, it is still a great example of parkitecture. Outside, the log facing on the building mimics the forest that surrounds it. Inside, the tall stone fireplace reminds one of the rocky river flowing near the front door.
Have you stopped and taken a picture of the Longmire Community Building? It’s got a great view of the mountain when she’s out. ~ams
For more park history, visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/historyculture/index.htm
NPS/K. Daley Photo. View of the Community Building from the south. October, 2004. January, 2008. NPS/S. Redman Photo. Snowy view of Community Building from parking lot. January, 2008. NPS/K. Loving Photo. Interior view of stone fireplace. December, 2021. NPS/A. Spillane Photo. View of Mount Rainier from the Longmire Community Building Parking lot. June, 2016.












