The trail goes over many ridges of Mount Rainier for a cumulative 22,000 feet (6,700 m) of elevation gain.

Since its founding in 1916, the NPS sought to design and build visitor facilities without visually interrupting the natural or historic surroundings.

The shelter features stone walls and a log roof structure, in a saltbox shape.

According to the supervising landscape architect, "The workmen were inexperienced in stone work and the shelter was not too good in appearance, but it was in harmony with its location.

[1] In 2008, renovations were made to the Indian Bar Shelter to make repairs and correct drainage problems.

Funding provided by the Mount Rainier National Park Associates was matched under the federal NPS Centennial Project.

The rustic log structure provides shelter for hikers on the Wonderland Trail that encircles Mount Rainier.

The Sunset Park shelter is built in a saltbox shape, with a porch spanning the width of the front.