Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
340.00 ft (103.63 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.40 mi (5.47 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

It is said that the Taidnapam Native American Tribe had a settlement along the river called "áw-xanapaykaš," meaning "standing on the edge." It's a fitting title, as the Ohanapecosh River cuts through the dense old-growth forests on Mount Rainier's southeast side, chiseling deep, impassable chasms and dropping countless cascades. The tallest of these cascades is Silver Falls, a 90-foot series of drops ending in a 40-foot plunge, all of which can be impressively violent after a long spell of rain.

One can view the falls and the Ohanapecosh River Gorge by accessing either the Eastside Trail from Stevens Canyon Road at the trailhead for Grove of the Patriarchs (1.4 miles total) or by departing from Ohanapecosh Campground (3.4 miles total).  Either way, the hike through the dense Pacific Northwest conifer forest along the river is truly magical. If you depart from the campground you'll pass by Ohanapecosh Hot Springs, a modest thermal spring that creates a thick, mineral rich, grassy meadow.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Narrow canyon with numerous waterfalls and chasms.

Cons

Hot springs NOT for soaking (only a minor stream).

Trailhead Elevation

1,880.00 ft (573.02 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Old-growth forest
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

07/28/2016
Beautiful, short hike to the Hot Springs, then to the Falls from the campground
05/29/2016
Bridge to Grove of Patriarchs is closed.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.