Nisqually Entrance Historic District

The Nisqually Entrance Historic District is the main entry point to Mount Rainier National Park, with a collection of buildings representing different construction periods. The site includes a log entrance arch, ranger station, checking station, and service structures arranged to manage visitor flow and provide essential services.

The site began with the Oscar Brown Cabin from 1908, the oldest surviving structure in the entire national park. Most of the visible buildings were constructed during the 1920s when the National Park Service developed an organized entrance system and built visitor facilities.

The buildings reflect the National Park Service Rustic architectural style, using local wood and stone to blend with the surrounding forest. This approach to design shows how structures can be built to feel part of the natural landscape rather than stand apart from it.

The entrance is easy to locate and provides parking and restroom facilities right at the arrival point. Visitors should expect this area to be busy during peak seasons, especially on weekends and holidays.

This entrance gained recognition as the first location within the National Park Service system to allow visitor vehicles and collect entry fees, beginning in 1907. This practice then became the standard approach for managing access across all other national parks.

Location: Pierce County

Architectural style: rustic architecture

GPS coordinates: 46.74141,-121.91836

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05