If you’re looking for a hike that quietly exceeds expectations, the Silver Falls Loop Trail is it.
We hiked the Silver Falls Loop on our first trip to Mount Rainier at the end of July. The trail was wonderfully quiet even during peak summer; the old-growth forest along the Ohanapecosh River was stunning, and Silver Falls itself was significantly better than expected. That wooden bridge over the gorge, framed by moss-covered rocks and an aquamarine river below, is one of the most beautiful views in the entire park.
At 3.4 miles with minimal elevation gain, this is one of the best easy hikes in Mount Rainier. It’s perfect for families, ideal for a cloudy day, and a great fit for anyone planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park who wants a beautiful, lower-effort hike to balance out the bigger days.
Here’s everything you need to know.
In 2026, due to a construction project in the Ohanapecosh Campground, a portion of this trail is closed. The trail is expected to reopen by early summer. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
Silver Falls Loop Hiking Stats & Map
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: 672 feet
Length of Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
When to Go: The best time to do this hike is from May to September, when the trail is free of snow.
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Why Hike the Silver Falls Loop?
It’s one of the quietest trails in the park. Even in peak summer, the Silver Falls Loop sees far fewer hikers than the trails at Paradise or Sunrise. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience in what can be a busy park, this delivers.
The old growth forest is extraordinary. For the entire hike you’re walking through ancient Douglas firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks that have been growing here for hundreds of years. The scale of these trees is humbling and the forest has a cathedral-like stillness that’s unlike anything else in Mount Rainier.
Silver Falls is better than you expect. This isn’t a minor roadside waterfall, it’s a powerful, multi-tiered cascade that fills the gorge with sound and mist. Most hikers are surprised by how impressive it is when they round the corner and see it for the first time.
It’s genuinely accessible for all ages. With minimal elevation gain and a well-maintained trail, this is one of the few hikes in Mount Rainier that works equally well for young children, older hikers, and anyone who wants a beautiful walk without serious physical demands.
It’s the perfect hike for a cloudy day. Unlike the open alpine trails at Paradise and Sunrise, which lose much of their appeal in poor weather, the Silver Falls Loop is at its most atmospheric when the sky is overcast and the forest is damp. Save your clear days for the hikes with big views, like the Skyline Trail Loop and Mount Fremont Fire Lookout.
Getting to the Trailhead
Since this hike is a loop, there are several places that you can start the hike.
The most popular starting point is at Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. There is a day-use parking lot here (Loop B) that sits right next to the trail. This is the best place to start the hike, since it is located right along the trail and there are restrooms nearby. However, it can be difficult to get a parking spot midday.
The second place to start this hike is near the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail. This parking lot is also small and usually filled to capacity midday. To get on the Silver Falls Trail, cross Stevens Canyon Road and look for the trail heading into the forest (the Eastside Trail). You will walk .5 miles (one-way) to get onto the Silver Falls Loop. Note: The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail has a long-term closure due to damage to the suspension bridge during a flood.
The third place to park is on Highway 123. There is a small turnout along the side of the road. From here, you can take a short spur trail to the Hot Springs Trail. This short walk only adds about a tenth of a mile one-way onto the hike. The GPS coordinates for this turnout are 46°44’10.6″N 121°33’47.0″W and on Google Maps this spot is labeled as “Ohanapecosh Hot Springs.”
We parked on Highway 123, since this was the only place we could get a parking spot. Once on the trail, we hiked the Silver Falls Loop in a clockwise direction.
A close up view of the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, with Loop B, the Hot Springs Trail, and the parking location on Highway 123.
Silver Falls Loop: Step-By-Step Trail Guide
The Forest Walk to Silver Falls
This trail description starts and ends at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center.
Starting at Loop B, head back out to the main road that runs through the campground. Cross the bridge over the Ohanapecosh River and turn right onto the Silver Falls Loop Trail.
This trail meanders through the forest until you get to the Silver Falls. It will be an uphill walk for the first half of the hike, until you get to the falls, but in general, it is not too strenuous.
Along the trail, there will be short trails that lead out to the Ohanapecosh River. We made a few quick detours here, hiking out onto the rocks and photographing the river. What a beautiful spot!
Just before you arrive at Silver Falls, the trail will fork. Stay to the right to continue to the waterfall. If you take the trail to the left, you will be on the Eastside Trail and heading towards Stevens Canyon Road.
Silver Falls & the Gorge Viewpoints
Once you get near Silver Falls, there are short trails that lead out to overlooks along the river. Some of these overlooks require hiking out onto damp, slimy, slippery rocks, so if you are traveling with kids, I’d keep them on the trail. But you can get some very nice views of the waterfall if you are willing to step out onto these rocks. Just be careful. They are slippery, so don’t get near the edge.
Here are the views of Silver Falls.
View of Silver Falls from the first overlook.
The view of Silver Falls from the rocks near the river’s edge.
The view of the waterfall is great but our favorite view was of the wooden bridge over the gorge, with the moss-covered rocks and aquamarine river.
Cross the bridge to the opposite side of Ohanapecosh River and you will get to see more great views of Silver Falls.
The bridge crossing the Ohanapecosh River.
Silver Falls
The Return Hike
To complete the loop, it’s another 2 miles of walking through the forest. Now, it is mostly a downhill walk. You will cross several more wooden bridges with views of the forest and rushing creeks along the way.
This section of the hike was one of our favorites. The dirt trail drops gradually downhill, and the forest closes in around you in the best possible way, with enormous ancient trees on all sides, very little noise, and a stillness that feels almost mystical. It’s a peaceful, unhurried end to a hike that consistently delivered more than we expected.
NOTE: If you start at the parking lot for Grove of the Patriarchs, the Eastside Trail joins the Silver Falls Loop Trail very close to Silver Falls. If you are short on time, you can hike directly to the waterfall, visit the viewpoints, and hike back to your car, without doing the entire loop. Honestly, you don’t miss much by not hiking the loop, since most of the time you are in the forest. But it is a lovely walk and we really liked this hike, much more than we expected.
Is Silver Falls Good for Kids?
Yes, this is one of the best family hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. The trail is well-maintained, mostly flat with a gentle grade, and short enough that younger hikers won’t hit a wall before the payoff. The old-growth forest keeps things interesting throughout, and Silver Falls is dramatic enough to genuinely impress kids of all ages.
A few things to keep in mind with young children: the overlooks near Silver Falls require stepping out onto wet, mossy rocks that can be extremely slippery. Keep kids on the maintained trail near the waterfall and enjoy the views from the safer viewpoints. The sightlines are excellent without needing to venture onto the rocks.
Parking can also be a challenge midday in summer, so aim to arrive before 9am if you’re hiking with kids and need restroom access at the Visitor Center lot.
Tips to Have the Best Experience
Get updates about trail conditions and road closures as you plan your trip and just before your visit on the National Park Service website.
Arrive early for parking. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center lot and the Grove of the Patriarchs lot are both small and fill quickly in summer. Aim to arrive before 9am in July and August. If you arrive midday and both lots are full, the Highway 123 turnout is your best backup option.
This is a good hike to do on a day with less-than-perfect weather. If you have a cloudy or rainy day in Mt. Rainier, we recommend doing this hike, and saving your crystal-clear days for the Skyline Loop or a visit to Sunrise.
Combine it with other Ohanapecosh experiences. Since the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail remains closed, Silver Falls is currently the main attraction in this corner of the park. Build in extra time to stop at the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs site near the Highway 123 trailhead. It’s a short detour and an interesting piece of park history.
Bring layers. Even in summer, the forest along the Ohanapecosh River can feel cool and damp, particularly on overcast days. A light jacket or fleece is worth throwing in your pack.
Watch your footing near the waterfall. The rocks around the Silver Falls overlooks are wet and mossy year-round and significantly more slippery than they look. Wear shoes with decent grip and stay well back from the edge.
For this hike, a good pair of walking shoes is sufficient. Since this trail is flat and well-graded, there is no need for hiking shoes. But if you plan to walk out onto the slippery rocks around the waterfall, we recommend hiking shoes, since they have a better grip.
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.Frequently Asked Questions about the Silver Falls Trail
Is Silver Falls worth it?
Absolutely. This was one of the most pleasant surprises of our six days in Mount Rainier National Park. The waterfall is more impressive than most people expect, the old-growth forest is stunning, and the trail is peaceful even in peak season. It’s well worth a half day of your time.
Can you bring dogs on the Silver Falls Trail?
Dogs are permitted on the Silver Falls Loop Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. This is one of the few trails in Mount Rainier National Park where leashed dogs are welcome.
Is the Silver Falls Loop Trail hard?
No, this is one of the easiest trails in Mount Rainier National Park. The elevation gain is minimal, the trail is well-maintained, and the terrain is manageable for hikers of all fitness levels, including young children and older hikers.
How long does the Silver Falls Loop Trail take?
Most hikers complete the loop in 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If you plan to spend time at the waterfall overlooks or take the short spur trails down to the river, budget closer to 3 hours.
When is the Silver Falls Loop Trail open?
The trail is generally accessible from May through September, when it is free of snow. The best conditions are from late June through early September. Always check current trail status on the National Park Service website before your visit.
Plan Your Trip to Mount Rainier
The Silver Falls Loop is just one of many incredible experiences in this park. Use these guides to plan the rest of your visit:
- Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guide — The best starting point for trip planning. Covers all areas of the park, where to stay, entry fees, and what to know before you go.
- Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park — The full list of top experiences across the entire park, from Paradise and Sunrise to scenic overlooks and waterfalls.
- Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary — Sample itineraries from 2 days to 6 days, including where Silver Falls fits into a longer visit.
- Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park — Every major trail ranked by difficulty and area, with photos and trail stats.
- Skyline Trail Loop Guide — The best hike in the park. If Silver Falls is on your list, this one should be too.
If you have any questions about hiking the Silver Falls Loop Trail, let us know in the comment section below.
Continue Exploring Washington
If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide and our Washington Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips.
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