Last updated: April 17, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike and Bike Westside Road in Mount Rainier
NPS photo
Discover both human and natural history on Westside Road. Trails lead to natural wonders, including subalpine meadows, glacier-fed lakes and streams, glacier-carved ridges, and lava rock formations. Don't forget to look up at the cliffs and slopes that line the road for possible glimpses of mountain goats.
Many of the structures you’ll see in this area were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1933–1941, including Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout. The CCC also built many stone bridges, walls and abutments.
Drive three miles from the junction with Nisqually Road to the road closure at Dry Creek to begin your hike or bike. Walk or bike the road for views of this dynamic landscape. Area trails tend to be strenuous. Ride your bike to trailheads (leave bicycles at trailheads) to shorten hiking times.
Geohazard Area Note that this is a geohazard area. Move immediately uphill at least 150 feet if the ground shakes and/or you hear a rumbling noise.
Westside Road Trails:
Read about other trails at Mount Rainer
Many of the structures you’ll see in this area were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1933–1941, including Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout. The CCC also built many stone bridges, walls and abutments.
Drive three miles from the junction with Nisqually Road to the road closure at Dry Creek to begin your hike or bike. Walk or bike the road for views of this dynamic landscape. Area trails tend to be strenuous. Ride your bike to trailheads (leave bicycles at trailheads) to shorten hiking times.
Geohazard Area Note that this is a geohazard area. Move immediately uphill at least 150 feet if the ground shakes and/or you hear a rumbling noise.
Westside Road Trails:
- Gobblers Knob 13 miles, 7 hours round-trip. Spectacular view of Mount Rainier and picturesque Lake George from Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout. Hike 3.7 miles on the road to trailhead from the road closure.
- Klapatche Park 19 miles, 11 hours round-trip. Take this hike for spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the South Tahoma Glacier. Klapatche Park features a serene mountain lake, meadows abundant with subalpine wildflowers, and grand views of Mount Rainier. Access the trail from the Westside Road closure, approximately 4 miles to the trailhead.
- Emerald Ridge 16 miles, 8 hours round-trip. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Rainier and South Tahoma Glacier on this trail that meanders past andesite columns to emerald-green meadows. Hike the road 9 miles from the road closure to the trailhead.
Read about other trails at Mount Rainer
Details
Activity
Biking
Hike and/or bicycle Westside Road to trailheads. Leave bicycles at trailheads. Bike racks available at each trailhead.
Age(s)
Suitable for all ages.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed beyond the closure. Service animals are allowed.
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fee required.
Location
Westside Road at Dry Creek
Parking area at the public vehicle closure on Westside Road at Dry Creek. Access from this point on is by foot or bicycle.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The roadbed is dirt, often rutted with holes, and a rocky, uneven surface.
Service animals are allowed.
Service animals are allowed.