East Side Trail | Mount Rainier National Park

The East Side Trail is a 26-mile loop route running parallel to Chinook Creek and the Ohanapecosh River along the Highway 123 corridor in the wilderness east of Mount Rainier - the plan is to day hike one section of this trail beginning at the Grove of the Patriarchs Trailhead on Stevens Canyon Road, heading North Bound and turning around a mile beyond Deer Creek Falls, as conditions permit.

The access road to this trailhead (Stevens Canyon Road) via State Route 410 (Chinook Pass) and State Route 123 (Cayuse Pass) has reopened for the season per the latest Road Status from Mount Rainier National Park. Please note that the WTA page for this hike has not been updated yet to reflect the latest road status.

Imagery
Spring awakens Mount Rainier National Park - transforming the East Side Trail into a lush paradise. As the snow retreats, the park bursts into life with vibrant wildflowers, rushing snow-fed rivers, and forests humming with wildlife. Meadows once blanketed in frost transform into colorful landscapes dotted with lupine, avalanche lilies, and beargrass. The Ohanapecosh River, fed by melting snow, roars through moss-draped ravines, sending mist into the crisp alpine air. There are a multitude of waterfalls, wildflowers and unique forest ecosystems waiting to be explored here.

Towering ancient Cedars and Douglas Firs stand sentinel along the way, their massive trunks whispering stories of centuries past. Sunlight filters through dense foliage, dappling the path with golden hues as songbirds flit between branches. Reaching Deer Creek, the tranquil woodland embraces us in its serene beauty before the return journey retraces nature’s masterpiece. A true Pacific Northwest gem!

Hike Data
Length: 14 mile roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Elevation Range: 2172' to 3000'
Difficulty: Moderate | Endurance Required
Route Type: Out & Back
Tread Type: Soft Forested Trails, Log Bridges, Water Crossings
Location: Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon

Trailhead | Meetup Location
Grove of the Patriarchs Trailhead
Stevens Canyon Road
Packwood, WA 98361
GPS: 46.758140, -121.557510

NPS | WTA
Gear Checklist
Driving Directions

Schedule
0500 - Depart from the Seattle Area
0700 - Arrive at the Trailhead
0730 - Begin the Hike
1500 - Back at the Trailhead
1700 = Back at the Seattle Area

Estimated Hiking Time: 7 hours
Moderate Pace

Logistics | Carpool
We will meet directly at the Trailhead per the schedule above. Hikers can optionally self-organize carpools as needed. Eastside folks can meet at Wilburton Park and Ride and Seattle folks can meet at Green Lake Park & Ride. Hikers should depart the Seattle area by 5 AM in order to reach the trailhead at the scheduled time. Suggested Rideshare Fee: $35 per passenger. Use the Meetup Messaging system and comments below to coordinate rides. A National Park Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to enter Mount Rainier National Park and park a vehicle at this trailhead. Paved road all the way to the trailhead, suitable for any vehicle.

Disclaimer
I am not a guide - I am simply a recreationist sharing a hike. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness hiking and accept full responsibility for your safety and your decisions. Event hosts are indemnified and cannot be held liable for any unforeseen incidents.

RSVP Etiquette
Please RSVP only if you are fully committed to attending. Late cancellations and No-Shows are recorded and may impact your ability to join future hikes.

Click here to message the event host with any questions.