Ohanapecosh Area

Ohanapecosh Area
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 highway 123 and
42 miles ( 68 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance.
Roadside Attractions
Box Canyon Located on Stevens Canyon Road 12 miles (19 km)
west of Ohanapecosh. From the bridge, gaze 180
feet (55 meters) below at water rushing through a
narrow slot canyon carved by the Muddy Fork of the
Cowlitz River.
Reflection Lakes - Drive west 19 miles (30.6 km) from Ohanapecosh on
Stevens Canyon Road for a possible glimpse of Mount Rainier's reflection in these subalpine
lakes.
Inspiration Point - This large pullout is 20 miles (32 km) west of Ohanapecosh on Stevens
Canyon Road. It offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.
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.
Mount Rainier National Park
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
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. Approach with extreme caution! Although inviting to
sit on, the rocks near Silver Falls are wet and very slippery.
Supervise children closely!
This relatively level 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.
Along the Trail: Opportunities abound for enjoying the old-growth
forest community seen along this trail. Listen for the taping 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.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park