Eastside Trail
Mount Rainier AreaBest Jul–Oct
A 26-mile traverse through every forest zone on Rainier's quiet eastern side, from subalpine meadows to ancient lowland groves.
About This Trail
The Eastside Trail runs 26 miles along Mount Rainier's eastern flank, connecting Chinook Pass and Tipsoo Lake at the subalpine crest with the old-growth river valleys around Ohanapecosh. The trail transitions through distinct forest zones: open meadows near the pass give way to silver fir stands, then massive Douglas fir and western red cedar at lower elevations. Wildflower displays peak in late July and early August, particularly along the upper sections near Naches Peak where tarns reflect Rainier's glaciers.
Most hikers combine sections of this trail into loop routes rather than walking the full point-to-point. The Chinook Pass Loop links the Eastside Trail with the Naches Peak Loop, the PCT, and the Laughingwater Creek Trail for a day-sized circuit with alpine meadows and forest variety. Backpackers use the Eastside Trail as a quieter alternative to the Wonderland Trail, with established backcountry camps spaced along the route. Elk frequent the lower valleys in autumn.
Multiple trailheads along Highway 123 and Stevens Canyon Road allow flexible trip planning. The Deer Creek and Owyhigh Lakes connectors break the trail into manageable segments. Snow lingers on upper sections into early July, and mud persists in the lowland stretches through early summer. Expect blowdowns and brushy conditions on less-traveled middle sections.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Eastside - Laughing Water Creek - PCT loop.”
Last report: Aug 8, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Seasonal road closures on SR 410 and Stevens Canyon Road
- Backcountry creek crossings can run high in early season
- Blowdowns on middle trail sections
- Black bears active in berry season
Getting There
Multiple access points along Highway 123 and Stevens Canyon Road. Chinook Pass has a small lot near the PCT footbridge. Ohanapecosh campground area has visitor center parking but construction through summer 2026 may affect access. Owyhigh Lakes connector uses a pullout on SR 123. Grove of the Patriarchs parking off Stevens Canyon Road works for southern access. National Park Pass required at all trailheads.
Point-to-point requires a car shuttle or hitchhike between Chinook Pass and Ohanapecosh. Most practical as loop segments: the Chinook Pass Loop (Eastside Trail plus PCT and Laughingwater Creek Trail) runs about 12 miles. Southern sections accessed via Grove of the Patriarchs or Deer Creek trailheads. Highway 123 parallels the trail with several pullout access points.
For loop routes starting at Chinook Pass, an early start beats the afternoon crowds at Naches Peak. Backpackers need a reserved backcountry permit. Full point-to-point trips take 2-3 days at a reasonable pace. Check road status for SR 410 and Stevens Canyon Road, both close seasonally for winter.
Recent Reports
Everyday needs a Naches loop report so here's the one for Friday. Bottom line flowers are still prime by any standard, but they have faded on the iconic Mount Rainier behind the tarn picture section.
A quick report for a loop that I have referred to as the Chinook Pass Loop: This loop utilizes the Eastside Trail, part of the Naches Peak loop, the PCT from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail and back to the Eastside Trail. I began at the small trailhead that leads down to the Eastside Trail off Hwy 123.
From Mondays through Thursdays they are working on Rt 123 starting south of Shriner's Peak TH to just before the Stevens Canyon turn off. I don't know when they start work in the morning, but they finish for the day by 4:15pm.
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