This is a hike I've only done once before but is well worth the time to get to and see. The old trees are amazing and the suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River is a fun experience (we got 6 walkers on the bridge in linked step with no problems). The route is along the East Side Trail and then over the river to to old trees. This added about 2 miles to the 5 of the Naches Peak Loop done earlier in the day. Parking is a bit of a problem but the ranger directed our group to a place just outside the entrance gate which added about 0.3 miles to the RT. No real problems on this walk/hike with excellent views of really old trees. It was a nice way to end the hiking part of our day.

The Hike: The day before I walked the Grove of the Patriarchs, I drove by the trailhead around noon on a Tuesday. The parking lot was already overflowing to the shoulders of the road, and cars were circling the small lot hoping for a spot. I camped in near-by Ohanapecosh Campground overnight, and hit the trailhead by 8:30 AM the next morning. Aside from a lone trail-runner I met early on in my descent as he was leaving, I had the trail to myself until about 9:15, when I was almost back to the parking lot. By 9:30, the lot was full. I took a seat at a picnic table to write some notes and have a snack, and by 10:30, the parking lot was overflowing. There were a few flying insects near the table, but not bothersome. Trail conditions: From the trailhead, after a somewhat steep but gradual descent, the trail is nearly flat and free of most obstacles. It is firmly packed, dry soil, and rock in a few places, and well maintained. Even the descent is easily negotiable, as it is wide, and free of loose gravel. I went slow, taking many photos. The ascent upon returning to the trailhead raised my pulse a bit, but I didn't breathe heavily. There was a wide variety of lush undergrowth, and several varieties of blooms and berries. There are informational plaques along the trail that help the hiker identify species of trees, and also some that describe animal habits in the area. At the end of the trail, there is a well-built wooden boardwalk with railings that directs foot traffic through the Grove. Highlights: The river is magnificently clear to the bottom, and beautiful tones of blue, jade, and turquoise. There are great examples of shade-loving plants which vary as one descends to the river bottom. I heard varied bird songs, and saw signs of foraging from elk or deer. The solitude of the trail made these discoveries more enjoyable, as I paused often to listen, look, and take photos. There is a fully stocked (flush toilets, sinks, soap, paper towels) restroom at the trailhead, along with several picnic tables, and trash and recycling receptacles. Midlights: The Patriarchs are good examples of big cedars and big firs. I wasn't awe-struck by their size after experiencing groves in the Olympics, but it was still very cool to walk along the boardwalk loop. (More below.) This trail would be an easy to navigate, all ages, no gear necessary. As an introduction to what old growth is for first timers to Western Washington countryside, and for that alone, this trail has great value. Lowlights: Litter on the trail, multiple pieces of food wrapper plastic, and three of what looked like toilet paper (egads) or dirty Kleenex wads. Graffiti (yes, for real) on a tree, in the Grove boardwalk loop. "T" loves "C", apparently, a lot more than they love ancient cedars. Visible human trampling of flora and delicate little areas off trail for, who knows, a photo op? Since I was descending when I passed much of the trash, I didn't want to risk taking a spill by bending over downhill to pick it up while wearing a pack. Each piece I'd noticed was still there when I made my way back, so I pocketed them (except for the soiled tissues) and dumped them in the trash can at the trailhead. There was also some so-so trail etiquette, like kids shoving one another on the busy trail, or pushing past old people, but being a heavily traveled trail by folks out to stretch their legs, or to let their kids burn off extra energy, this is not a surprise. The social atmosphere is more amusement park than nature hike, but if one goes in knowing this, well then, one knows what to expect. Sidebar: It may be my inner curmudgeon coming out, but the other signs of human influence, in addition to the trash, graffiti, and trampling were a bit of a spoiler for me. My deeply instilled Leave No Trace self struggled with the understanding that not everyone thinks like I do, as I disappointedly espied a stack of round river rocks someone had balanced alongside the river in an area far off the trail. Whomever stacked those rocks needed to leave a monument to their being there to experience the tranquil zen-ness. Ok, yeah, it's cool looking or whatever, but it took away from other people imagining seeing that spot as if it were yet undiscovered. Even the swathe of worn away and shiny bark that extends as high as humans can reach on some of the Patriarch cedars left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I can understand the urge to reach out and touch something as ancient and magical as these trees. On the other hand, the countless hands - that have either caressed these ancients or stripped and carved away their bark - selfishly take away a little piece of the Grove's magic from everyone else that hopes to find that magic intact when they visit. Overall: For someone going out into the wilds for the first time, or getting their feet wet again, or just wanting an easy stroll after a long drive, the Grove of the Patriarchs is the place to do it. Just be sure to expect heavy traffic, both in the parking lot and on the trail. I found this trail comfortable and easy. The only place that offered difficulty was the suspended bridge, as it has a bounce-back rhythm that must be matched in order to maintain balance. I carried my poles across and held onto the suspension cables to steady myself. My "ease of hike-ability rating" disclaimer: In my descriptions of levels of ease and maneuverability of this trail, I am writing from the position of a average- to well-conditioned 40-something adult. For this hike I used trekking poles and carried a 25 lb. pack. I do have hiking and wilderness experience, and I am returning to hiking, after rebuilding my strength following a spinal injury. I also have spinal and leg nerve damage that inhibit my balance, flexibility, and stamina. Hopefully this may help readers with physical challenges to gauge the difficulty level of this trail.

The most difficult thing about this trail was finding parking; it was a busy day at the Grove of the Patriarchs! Very easy trail with very little elevation gain. No obstacles (except for constantly passing other parties). Beautiful forest trail with some truly amazing ancient trees. The suspension bridge was a lot of fun, too.

This was such a fun hike with kids! We headed into the park after settling in at our campsite at Ohanapecosh around 5 pm on a Friday and the parking lot had space- it does look like parking is relatively limited, and when we drove by on Saturday mid-day the lot and road were both packed! The trail was easy to navigate for little legs, and the scenery along the way was amazing. The suspension bridge was a particular favorite attraction, and the river bank made a perfect stop to throw some rocks in. We couldn't believe how huge the trees were!