Silver Falls Loop
Mount Rainier AreaBest May–Oct
Old-growth forest and a roaring river waterfall on one of Rainier's earliest snow-free trails.
About This Trail
Silver Falls Loop follows the Ohanapecosh River upstream through towering old-growth forest to a powerful waterfall in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The trail crosses the river on a sturdy bridge and climbs gently through Douglas fir and western red cedar before reaching the falls, where the river narrows and drops over a rock ledge into a churning pool. Interpretive signs along the route explain the area's history, including the hot springs that once drew visitors here.
This is one of the best low-elevation options in Rainier when higher trails remain buried in snow. The forest canopy keeps the trail shaded and cool even on warm summer days. The Ohanapecosh area sits at roughly 2,000 feet, so the trail typically melts out weeks before Paradise or Sunrise open.
Note: The Ohanapecosh Campground remains closed for construction through 2026. Current access starts from the Eastside Trail at the Grove of the Patriarchs parking area or from the unmarked trailhead across from the Stevens Canyon entrance parking lot. This adds some distance and changes the routing, so check current conditions before heading out.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“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.”
Last report: Jul 3, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- Ohanapecosh Campground closed through 2026, altering standard loop access
- Slippery rocks near river and falls
- No dogs allowed in national park
Getting There
Ohanapecosh Campground day-use parking closed through 2026 for construction. Park at Grove of the Patriarchs lot and approach via the Eastside Trail. Pit toilets open at Grove of the Patriarchs. National park entrance fee or America the Beautiful pass required.
From Packwood, drive Highway 12 east about 8 miles to the Highway 123 junction, then north 3.5 miles. From Enumclaw, take Highway 410 east 47 miles to Cayuse Pass, merge onto Highway 123 south for 11.5 miles past Stevens Canyon Road. With the campground closed, start from the Eastside Trail near the Stevens Canyon entrance.
No line at the Stevens Canyon gate in early morning. The loop takes 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Good as a standalone visit or combined with Grove of the Patriarchs for a full morning.
Recent Reports
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.
3 cars in line at Stevens Canyon at 10 am, only one booth open. Parked at Grove of the Patriarchs with lots of open spots and the porta potties were clean and stocked.
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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