Indian Henry’s Patrol Cabin

Indian Henry’s Patrol Cabin is a small log structure at about 5,300 feet, on the edge of Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground along the Wonderland Trail. It’s known as Mount Rainier’s first backcountry patrol station, but reaching it is a substantial hike, not a roadside stop. The open meadow around the cabin, with Rainier and nearby peaks beyond, is a big part of the reward.

From Kautz Creek, the trail follows the creek, crosses a log bridge and climbs through old-growth forest and steep switchbacks before opening into meadows. The Longmire approach follows the Wonderland Trail past forest, Kautz Creek, Devil’s Dream and Kiya Lake before reaching the broad meadow. Both are long, strenuous backcountry hikes; check trail conditions and choose your route before setting out. Published mileage and elevation figures vary, so plan from current park route information.

The cabin may be locked, so plan to see it from outside. Its covered porch has benches where hikers can pause. There’s no food service or potable water at the cabin; the Kautz Creek trailhead has a vault toilet and picnic tables, and natural water along the route needs treatment.

Built in 1915–16, the cabin served as Mount Rainier’s first backcountry patrol station. Repairs between 1970 and 1979 replaced lower logs, roof shingles, window frames and doors, removed a rear shed, and added the front porch. The building is raised above a stone-and-concrete foundation so air can circulate during spring snowmelt and keep the lower logs from staying damp.

Nisqually and Cowlitz people visited these meadows in the mid-1800s. The park’s history identifies Indian Henry, also called Soo-Too-Lick, as a hunter who guided James Longmire and other explorers looking for routes through the Cascades. Later, George Hall and Sue Longmire built Wigwam Camp here in 1908; it closed in 1918.

Summer is the cabin’s season. The meadow opens toward Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks, with wildflowers in the grass; visitors also report that flies can be bothersome in midsummer. For a photo, include the cabin low in the frame with meadow around it and the peaks beyond, which shows how small the patrol station is in this open landscape.