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Mount Rainier National ParkFall colors decorate the hillside surrounding the historic road tunnel on SR 123
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Mount Rainier National Park
Silver Falls Trail
 
Silver Falls Trail route from Ohanapecosh visitor Center/ SE.
A map of the Silver Falls Trail route from Ohanapecosh Campground. Click on the MAP for a larger printable map. Use of a a topographic map of the area is recommended.
 

Trail Description:

Distance, round-trip:

3 miles

Elevation gain:

300 feet

Hiking time, round-trip:

1.5 hours

Wilderness camps:

No

This trail starts from the Ohanapecosh Campground.

The clear, icy and swift Ohanapecosh River tumbles over Silver Falls as it flows from its headwaters in the glaciers and snowfields on 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!


 


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.


Along the Trail:


Opportunities abound for enjoying the old-growth forest community seen along this trail. Listen for the taping 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.


Backpacking:


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

 

 

 

Drawing of a trail through tall trees.
Trail Conditions
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Artist rendering of the Osceola Mudflow releasing from Mount Rainier.  

Did You Know?
About 5,600 years ago the summit and northeast face of Mount Rainier fell away in a massive landslide accompanied by volcanic explosions. The Osceola Mudflow, a towering wall of mud and rock, thundered down the White River Valley where it deposited 600' of debris eventually reaching the Puget Sound.

Last Updated: April 23, 2009 at 18:23 EST