Grove of the Patriarchs Loop, Eastside Trail — Friday, Jun. 8, 2001

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon

The Eastside trail pretty much parallels Highway 123 on its north-south route through the eastern side of Mt. Rainier National Park. You'd never know it, however, as the highway is on the other side of the Ohanapecosh River and Chinook Creek and is never visible or audible from the trail. The trail itself is well-maintained and snow-free, an excellent early season bid with some nice side trips like Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls. We hiked from the Ohanapecosh Ranger Station, where you can park your car and acquire permits, 9 miles north to Deer Creek Camp, where we were picked up by a friend after working our way along a half-mile climb back up to the highway. Be advised that due to a wilderness restoration project, there are currently only two available campsites at Deer Creek - you may want to call the Ranger Station about reservations.