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Silver Falls Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.8 (32)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Ohanapecosh
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“An easy loop trail, climaxing at one of the park's most beautiful waterfalls. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

2.9

Miles

4.6

KM

Loop

2,207' 673 m

High

1,870' 570 m

Low

440' 134 m

Up

426' 130 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly A beautiful waterfall highlights this amazing hike for the family!

Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

Overview

The clear, icy, and swift Ohanapecosh River tumbles over Silver Falls as it flows from its headwaters in the glaciers and snowfields out to the sea. Approach with extreme caution! Although inviting to sit on, the rocks near Silver Falls are wet and very slippery. Supervise children closely!

Need to Know

Although there is no wilderness camp in the area surrounding Silver Falls, the Ohanapecosh Campground is available for visitors who wish to camp in the vicinity. For those who prefer to hike to a trailside camp rather than stay in a drive-in campground, wilderness camping permits are required. Permits, backpacking information and current trail conditions for the area are available from the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. Permits and information are also available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Description

This relatively level trail along the river is a popular one with families. It leads hikers along the east side of the river 1.5 miles to the falls, crosses a bridge, then loops back to the Ohanapecosh Campground on the river's west side.

Flora & Fauna

Opportunities abound for enjoying the old-growth forest community seen along this trail. Listen for the tapping of woodpeckers. Look for deer and other wildlife. Along the river fly fishermen can often be seen trying their luck. Once at Silver Falls, take time to enjoy the beautiful sight and sound of this popular spot.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 32 votes

#1

in Ohanapecosh

#322

Overall
  4.8 from 32 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Ohanapecosh

#26

in Washington

#322

Overall
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4,469 Since Feb 26, 2015
Intermediate
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Photos

Crossing the Ohanapecosh River
Feb 26, 2015 near Tieton, WA
View of Silver Falls
Feb 26, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Ohanapecosh rapids
Feb 26, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Ohanapecosh campsite
Feb 26, 2015 near Tieton, WA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 60 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 29, 2023
John Kaminski
Sep 10, 2022
SharaLee Ellsworth
Sep 5, 2022
Josh Connell
Jul 20, 2022
Katie Fisher
Jun 26, 2022
Chris Koprivec
Jun 23, 2022
Mike Welch
Great hike! Mostly tree cover. Beautiful falls. 3.4mi — 1h 50m
Sep 15, 2021
Scott S
Gorgeous falls. Signage can be confusing. Start loop counterclockwise to end with the falls, 3.9mi
Sep 12, 2021
rkchin -
nice enjoyable trail. loops from one side of the ohanapecosh river to the other. has a waterfall. grove of patriarchs is north of the loop.

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