I arrived at the Longmire parking lot at around 10:45 and the lot was beginning to fill. Most folks are visiting the gift shop and the museum so if you're struggling to park, wait it out or drive 2 minutes up the road and there's a secluded parking lot that intersects the Wonderland Trail so you can take this loop counter clockwise. Cross the street to the Trail of Shadows and take left. Alternatively, don't cross the street and head right, taking the forest path that runs parallel to the road for a few mins to hike counter-clockwise.
I'm a fast pace hiker and this took me two hours, not including time at the viewpoint. Although WTA suggests this hike is 4.5 mi, the park signage suggests it's 5 mi. But don't let that dissuade you - this trail provides one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Rainier.
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