Overview

Hype:

The Silver Falls Loop Trail is a moderately-strenuous round trip loop trail, heading up one side of the Ohanapecosh River and returning down the other side. It gains 500 feet of elevation, making it popular with families and an excellent option for many ages and abilities. Starting at Ohanapecosh Campground, choose your own adventure by going clockwise or counterclockwise. Hikers can begin their journey from Loop B (near the visitor center), or across the river near the campground amphitheater.

The trail runs parallel to the Ohanapecosh River before crossing it, leading hikers to a bridge with a stunning view of Silver Falls. The turquoise water churns below, turning white as the water rushes around rocks, and between the eroded walls of the small canyon. The trail continues along the other side of the Ohanapecosh River, leading hikers back to the campground.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 1.5-3 hours

Length: 2.7 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-to-silver-falls.htm

Getting There

Navigate to 46.736632, -121.565848.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Mount Rainier National Park

Coordinates: 46.751734, -121.560022

Interactive Guide Map

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July 11, 2023 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Greg Dye, Laura Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Jaren Wagner, Killian Wagner, Calliope Wagner, Burnett Extended Family,

Logistics

Start: 11:50

End: 2:30

Story

We fixed breakfast for the group then everyone packed sack lunches and we all went to the southeast end of Mt Rainier to hike the Silver Falls loop trail. 

We had a hard time finding parking for everyone, so we rented a campsite so we could park there. On the trail, our group spread out quite a bit because some were a lot faster hikers than others. 

Drew thought his kids took the wrong trail and went running to find them, but they were actually with the group down at the falls. Savannah came down and told me they needed a runner to go catch Drew and Tiffany, so I offered. When I got back to the falls, almost everyone had moved on. Kingston was hungry, so our small group stayed at the falls and ate lunch. We regrouped at the trailhead then set out on the drive back through the park. The plan was to visit several roadside waterfalls on the drive back, but the road was closed. Instead, we stopped at a sculpture gallery to check out all the cool rusty metal sculptures.

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Pictures