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
“You can do this snow-free hike in two ways: Through the Ohanapecosh Campground—Note the cam[ground is closed this year 2025.”
Last report: Jun 28, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
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
You can do this snow-free hike in two ways: Through the Ohanapecosh Campground—Note the cam[ground is closed this year 2025. From inside the park, the unmarked trailhead from the road is across the street from the parking lot near the Stevens Canyon entrance.
This is a great early season hike when the higher elevations are still covered in snow. Since Ohanapecosh is closed, parking is now at Grove of the Patriarchs and the approach is from the Eastside Trail.
If you don't know like I did the East side trail is located at the Stevens Pass entrance to the park. This was the best hike of our year so far.
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