Ohanapecosh Hiking Trails

Located in the southeast corner of the park, Ohanapecosh, named for a Taidnapam (Upper Cowlitz) Indian habitation site along the river, is thought to mean “standing at the edge.” Situated among Douglas firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks, visitors to Ohanapecosh can experience the beauty and complexity of an old-growth forest. The east side of the park is also somewhat drier and sunnier than the west side, making it a good destination when Paradise and Longmire are wet and foggy. Ohanapecosh is not accessible in winter. Ohanapecosh is located 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the park boundary on State Route 123 and 42 miles ( 68 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance.

Hiking
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail (1.1 mi/1.8km)
The Grove is just west of Stevens Canyon Entrance on the Ohanapecosh River. Walk the trail along the river to an island of ancient Western red-cedar, Douglas-fir, and Western hemlock.

Hot Springs Nature Trail (0.4 mi/0.6 km)
Around the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, this self-guided natural trail winds through old-growth forest and the site of an early hot springs resort.

Box Canyon Loop Trail (0.5 mi/0.8 km)
Hike the loop trail around a deep, river carved gorge. Box Canyon is located 12 miles (19 km) west of Ohanapecosh.

Silver Falls Trail
Three trails varying in length lead to this spectacular waterfall:
State Route 123 (0.6 mi/1 km) - Begins 1.6 miles (2.6 km) north of Ohanapecosh, with parking at the pullout on the west side of the road.
Stevens Canyon Road (1.2 mi/1.9 km) - Begins west of Stevens Canyon Entrance, across from the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead.
Ohanapecosh Campground (2.7 mi/4.3 km) - Access trail from the far end of Loop "B" of the Ohanapecosh Campground.

Indian Bar Trail (14.5 mi/23.3 km roundtrip)
Starting from Box Canyon, this trail steadily climbs as you pass Nickle Creek and continue up to the crest of the Cowlitz Divide. Upon arrival at the 5914 ft knoll with excellent views of Mount Rainier, the trail drops into Indian Bar where the Ohanapecosh River divides the large green meadow. If transportation can be arranged, Indian Bar can be combined with hiking the Summerland Trail for a beautiful one-way trip of 17 miles.

Shriner Peak Trail (8 mi/12.9 km roundtrip)
Trailhead located 3.5 miles north of the Stevens Canyon Entrance on State Route 123. This trail climbs through forest, into an old burn area, and finished with a steep ascent to the top of the ridge. Once on top of the ridge, hikers enjoy commanding views of Mount Rainier, the Ohanapecosh Valley, and the Cascade Range from the historic Shriner Peak Fire Lookout.

Three Lakes Trail (12mi /19.3 km roundtrip)
Start at Laughingwater Creek Trailhead one mile north of Ohanapecosh on State Route 123. This trail is a gentle grade as it follows Laughingwater Creek through the forest. Stop to enjoy the loud and soothing sound of the creek from its bank before the trail ascends steeply to the top of the ridge. Enjoy three mountain lakes and make your way past the third lake for splendid views of Mount Rainier.