I followed the trail out into the creek bed and found the “hard to find” access point to the trail above the creek bed. If you look for the large log in the first photo and the opening in the forest in the second photo you will find it. The trail is really good after this for about 1/2 mile. Then it goes back down to the riverbed and ends in about a 4 foot drop straight down into the riverbed. Even if I eased my self down backwards, I didn’t think I could climb back out on my own. I wasn’t sure what to do and could find no other possible trail, so turned around. If anyone knows any better directions or ideas please let me know! I really want to get to the bridge this way! Thanks!
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Comments
Hawkchiro on Tahoma Creek
There is a definite trail leading up to the bridge and it is quite obvious once you get on it. But there are 2 points where the trail washed out making them difficult to find. However, using GAIA with skill it can be found.
Posted by:
Hawkchiro on Jul 02, 2023 02:03 PM
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Tahoma Creek
Hello Hawkchiro - I found the good trail, but it lead down to a steep drop off at the river. Very close to the pound area. I thought if I went into the riverbed that way there would be no way I could get back out. Did you go back into the creek bed at that point?
Posted by:
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Jul 02, 2023 02:07 PM
Hawkchiro on Tahoma Creek
I’m really not sure how to help you more unless I was there with you. Again, the trail is there, it just takes some route finding combing experience with GPS apps. When you are back on the trail the last few miles are obvious.
Posted by:
Hawkchiro on Jul 02, 2023 02:14 PM
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Tahoma Creek
Thank you, if you ever head out there again, maybe I could tag along… I am probably going to far, just an old lady hiker here, not scary at all
Posted by:
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Jul 02, 2023 02:19 PM
mcguire_ep on Tahoma Creek
Don't be surprised if the big log is washed away by next year. It's one of the more changing environments in the park. Over the last 30 years or so there has been an average of 1 event a year. Keep your ears open for rumbling, and know how to climb the bank fast. Don't get me wrong, I've been up there half a dozen times myself and with friends.
Posted by:
mcguire_ep on Jul 02, 2023 02:19 PM
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Tahoma Creek
Thank you for the comment, I did not get all the way up the trail, was not sure what to do at the drop off into the creek bed around the pond area, maybe that is new?
Posted by:
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Jul 02, 2023 02:26 PM
Lisa Elliott on Tahoma Creek
I used to always go up this trail. Starting in 2017 the trail fell into Tahoma creek, leaving a steep bank. We then log scooted across the Tahoma until we could see the trail opening. Like you said 1/2 mile up and down roots and hillside until we approached another sketchy drop-off very close to the trail. Eventually this too fell into the Tahoma Creek. Unfortunately coming from the other direction on the Wonderland, there is a sign that is attached to the old sign that says "Trail Closed". I would be willing to go explore a bit but I haven't heard anything on this trail being made safe again. I know there were trail crews working up in there a few years ago but I haven't been back since except to do the trails at South Puyallup and Kautz on the Wonderland. Now you have me very curious.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jul 02, 2023 03:02 PM
Lisa Elliott on Tahoma Creek
PS I will email you.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jul 02, 2023 03:05 PM
slowandsteady2 on Tahoma Creek
It's been about 6 weeks since I've been there but that trail does work. Early in the season if you take a left over a log right before that dropoff there is a semi-trail that goes for about a hundred yards. That doesn't work now because the Devil's Club has grown in. If you follow the dropoff to the left and around the giant logjam you will get to a place with a more gradual slop with boot prints going down. Just a warning that the trail does not get easier from here.
Posted by:
slowandsteady2 on Jul 02, 2023 06:42 PM
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Tahoma Creek
Thank you, that is very helpful
Posted by:
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Jul 02, 2023 06:58 PM
Lisa Elliott on Tahoma Creek
Thank you, I wouldn't want to bushwhack in the park either, slowandsteady2 thank you. Do you happen to have a gpx of your route I might use next year? Also, have you heard of Mt. Rainier National Park Associates? They do quite a bit of volunteer work there. I recently joined and was reaching out to one of the members I met at a WTA outreach event. Lisa
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jul 03, 2023 07:41 AM
slowandsteady2 on Tahoma Creek
Sorry but I don't have a gpx for this trail but I did meet a guy from Vegas last year at the bridge that had used Alltrails gps to reach the bridge. He said he followed it with no problem. I don't think the park wants this trail maintained but I do see crews removing downed trees on this trail. This is the main access point for trail crews so they need to get their equipment thru there.
More often than not I run into a park worker on this trail when I go to the bridge. It's the best way into the area.
Posted by:
slowandsteady2 on Jul 03, 2023 09:23 AM
Buzzy on Tahoma Creek
MRNP does not recommend use of this trail and has closed it. Refer to their website under "Trails and Backcountry Camp conditions" then "Trails in the Longmire Area." Link: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm
Posted by:
Buzzy on Jul 02, 2023 08:20 PM