Silver Falls Trail

Silver Falls Trail Map

Map centered on the Silver Falls Trail in the Ohanapecosh Area in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The Silver Falls Trail forms a loop that starts at the Ohanapecosh Campground and travels up one side of the Ohanapecosh River to Silver Falls and returns along the other side of the river. Points of interest are marked by black symbols on the map. Several tools are represented by icons along the left side of the map. A ruler icon opens a tool to measure distance or area on the map. Clicking on plus or minus icons will zoom the view in/out, and clicking on a house icon will return the map to the original view centered on Silver Falls Trail.

 

Silver Falls Loop Trail

• Distance, round trip: 2.7 miles
• Elevation gain: 600 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 1.5 hours
• Wilderness camps: none

Trailhead Location

CLOSED in 2025: The trail has two trailheads in the Ohanapecosh Campground. Hikers can begin their journey from Loop B (near the visitor center), or across the river near the campground amphitheater.

In 2025, the Silver Falls Trailhead in the Ohanapecosh Campground is CLOSED due to the Ohanapecosh Construction Project. Please note:

• Silver Falls can be accessed from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot via the Eastside Trail.
• The portion of the trail connecting to the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be hiked as a loop. The two sides of the trail on either bank of the Ohanapecosh River can be hiked as out-and-back routes only.

Trail Description

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.

This relatively gentle 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.

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.

Along the Trail

Opportunities abound for enjoying the old growth forest community seen along this trail. Listen for the tapping 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, 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 Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

 

Hiking Safety