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
“We began our hike at the trailhead across from The Grove of the Patriarchs.”
Last report: Jul 11, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
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
We began our hike at the trailhead across from The Grove of the Patriarchs. Two of our party were looking to fly fish and found a place for that while the others hiked on toward Ohanapecosh.
Mt Rainier Hwy 123 has a number of great trailheads with parking on side pullouts and no need to wait in a line to pass thru an entry station. Silver Falls to the Eastside Trail up to Deer Creek is a great one.
My hiking group had Silver Falls on it’s calendar for today. We drove into the Steven’s Canyon / Mt Rainier Entrance entrance at 9:30 and were on the trail hiking by 9:45.
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