Trail of Shadows in Longmire in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Rusty Springs
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, July 16, 2026
1. Rusty Springs Marker
Water flowing down the nearby stream and water rising up through this mineral spring both originate high above the meadow from snow melt and rainfall.
From the upper slopes, water percolates through the earth's crust into the mountain. Geothermal heat, supplied by magma deep within the mountain, warms the water. The hot water travels underground through cracks. It eventually mixes with shallow, cold groundwater before it reappears above ground at the spring.
Hot water dissolves iron as it circulates past underground rocks. Iron oxidizes (rusts) when it is exposed to the air and the resulting iron oxy-hydroxides deposit reddish pigment along the spring channel.
This enclosed spring is historically know as "Iron Mike", and its reddish pigment was referred to as "mineral paint."
Taking advantage of the existence of these minerals, James Longmire filed a placer (mining) claim to assert the prescence of his early settlement. In 1892, he was awarded a patent for 18.2 acres of land that included the adjacent meadow and most of its mineral springs.
Erected by Mount Rainier National Park, National Park Service,
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 46° 45.011′ N, 121° 48.977′ W. Marker is in Longmire, Washington, in Pierce County. It is in Trail of Shadows. It is on Trail of the Shadows north of Paradise Vly Rd E. The marker is located on a short walking trail that starts across the street from the National Park Inn. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 47009 Trail of the Shadows, Ashford WA 98304, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Shadow of the Past
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, July 16, 2026
2. Rusty Springs Marker
More about this marker. Longmire is open year-round.
Regarding Rusty Springs. Another accomplishment of pioneer James Longmire!
Also see . . . Rusty Springs. Exhibit information from the National Park Service
The spring is surrounded by a low circular wall that is framed by a larger horse-shoe-shaped stone wall cut into the hillside.(Submitted on July 21, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Complete closeup photo of the marker • Can you help?
