Hike to Silver Falls

Silver Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

NPS Photo

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.

Caution: Do not approach the river’s edge or jump in near the falls. Rocks along the river are slippery and the water is turbulent and dangerously cold. Supervise children closely and stay behind barriers.

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, fishing regulations, 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.

Trail Statistics

• Distance, round trip: 3 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 2 hours
• Wilderness Camps: None

Rules & Regulations

• Pets are not allowed on trails
• No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay)
• No bicycles on trails
• Pack out trash
• Do not feed or disturb wildlife
• Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features
• Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet

Details

Duration

2 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Park entrance fee is required.

Location

Ohanapecosh Campground

The trail to Silver Falls is located in the Ohanapecosh Campground in the southeast corner of the park off of SR-123, 4 miles north of SR-12 and 13 miles south of SR-410 at Cayuse Pass.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

This trail is typically hikeable from May to October. The Ohanapecosh area is not accessible by vehicle during the winter months.

Accessibility Information

The Silver Falls trail is relatively flat but has some small hills. It is made up of sections of smooth dirt path, as well as sections with boardwalk, bridges, small rocks, and tree roots.