We took this trip on a lark. We've never been big hikers and we were hooked. A great and short trip for beginners and tourists. We got there about 9:30AM and the parking lot was full and the place was quite crowded, but still fun and really got us started on an amazing season of hiking.

My parents were visiting from Florida so naturally I had to show off the big ole mountain sitting in our backyard! My father is 77 years old and has an old knee injury that makes it difficult for him to walk long distances, especially downhill, so we had to find a short hike with little elevation gain. Grove of the Patriarchs fit the bill perfectly. With a trekking pole in hand, pops was able to make it about half a mile down the trail before we turned around. There is almost no elevation gain; the biggest obstacles for us were a couple of exposed roots and steps here and there. Plenty of folks (of all ages, shapes and sizes) on the trail with us, but no one seemed to be in a hurry. Everyone meandered at their own pace. There are signs placed strategically along the way to inform users of the area's ecosystem. You'll encounter a sweet suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River about 1/3 of a mile in. I'd recommend this hike to folks who are looking for a lovely, easy and short hike. Bonus: restroom at the trailhead. Dogs NOT allowed on this trail.