Klapatche Park Trail
- Distance, round trip via South Puyallup Trail: 19.6 miles (via shortcut)/21 miles (via road)
- Distance, round trip via St. Andrews Creek Trail: 21 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
- Hiking time, round trip: 2 days
- Wilderness Camps: Klapatche Park, South Puyallup Camp
Trail Description
This high meadow is a favorite for many hikers. It is surmised that the name Klapatche is of Indian origin but the exact meaning has been lost.
Take the Westside Road to the gate at Dry Creek (approximately 3 miles from the start of the road). Due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone. Visitors are also advised that Westside Road is an active geohazard zone.
Klapatch Park via South Puyallup River Trail
Hike/bike up the closed portion of the road to Round Pass (3.8 miles). A shortcut trail starts at Round Pass (on the right past the Marine Memorial) that cuts down to the to the South Puyallup River trailhead (0.5 miles). Or, continue an additional 1.2 miles on Westside Road down to the South Puyallup River trailhead. Bike racks are available at Round Pass and at trailheads; no bikes are allowed on trails.
The trail follows the South Puyallup River 1.6 miles to the junction with the Wonderland Trail. Take the Wonderland Trail north 3.9 miles, climbing a series of steep switchbacks to reach St. Andrews Park and then on to Klaptache Park.
Klapatch Park via St. Andrews Creek Trail
Hike/bike up the closed portion of the road to Round Pass (3.8 miles). Continue an additional 4.1 miles on Westside Road to the St. Andrews Creek trailhead. Bike racks are available at Round Pass and at trailheads; no bikes are allowed on trails.
Before starting your hike on the St. Andrews Creek trail, a short 0.3 mile loop trail from Westside Road leads to Denman Falls, or stop to view the historic St. Andrews Patrol Cabin. Then hike St. Adrews Creek trail up 2.6 miles to Klapatche Park.
NOTE: Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Log footbridges frequently wash out during the winter or other conditions could be affecting the trail.
Along the Trail
Klapatche Park features serene Aurora Lake, meadows abundant with subalpine wildflowers, and grand views of Mount Rainier.
Backpacking
The campsites at Klapatche Park are some of the most popular in the park and are often full on summer weekend nights. The camp is in the forest along the edge of the meadow just north of Aurora Lake. When Aurora Lake dries up in summer, St. Andrews Lake, located 0.75 mile east along the Wonderland Trail, is the closest water source. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.
