I've often overlooked some of the shorter, roadside trails at Mount Rainier National Park; but with family visiting this week, the plan called for a driving tour and quick hikes. Now, after seeing the Grove of the Patriarchs, I have to say that this trail shouldn't be skipped! It's short, easy, and the gigantic trees are awe-inspiring. Next time you're driving by, make sure to hop out and do this loop!

Magnificent giant old growth grove of trees. Have to see in person to really get the scale of how big they are. Easy hike. Must cross the bridge to get to the real giants.

Five Yakima Cascadians left the Cowlitz Divide trail head in fog and drizzle headed for Indian Bar. We intercepted the Wonderland Trail and continued to climb in foggy/drizzly conditions. Just as we reached Indian Bar the weather seemed to clear somewhat but we had reserved the shelter and set up our tents inside. This was to frustrate the mice! Once settled we headed up the valley for a ways and spotted a huge owl on the way back. After dinner we told stories and counted mice until it was time to got to sleep. That night it rained-thank goodness we had the use of the shelter. The next morning we headed out for Panhandle Gap in fog but as we neared the gap the weather broke and we decided to hike up Banshee Peak. What a view-Cowlitz Chimneys, and 360 degrees of some of the finest landscape on the planet. Returning to the Wonderland we dropped down to Summer Land and set up camp. After a gourmet snack we explored the area. Since the weather was clearing we got our headlamps and climbed back up into the basin below Panhandle to see the moon rise. This was practice for the next night. It got cold-the thermometer in the toilet said 22 degrees. What a beautiful sight it was to see clear blue skies at dawn! We broke camp and headed for the Fryingpan trail head. We hiked down the highway and headed up the Owyhigh Lakes Trail for Tamanos camp. After setting up camp and hiking to Owyhigh Lakes for water, we set out for the boot track to the summit of Tamanos Mtn. Our plan was to view the "blood moon" rise. We ate dinner on the shoulder of Tamanos and waited to the moon to rise. What a sight-it wont occur again for almost 20 years and we saw it from one of the most beautiful venues possible. Clear as a bell, no wind-wow. The stars came out especially strong because of the eclipse. Too soon it was time to head back to Tamanos Camp for our last night on the trail. The next morning in almost summer temperatures we dropped down to the Eastside Trail, took a side trip to the Grove of the Patriarchs and on to your car. The vine maple were yellow and red. We took our time and enjoyed this long but easiest leg of our hike. We didn't spot a lot of wildlife but did see-elk, that huge owl, goats, and the cutest mother and baby marmot. And while we did encounter fog, it has its own kind of beauty so every day had something special to enjoy. We hiked 52 miles and gained 12500'. It was a grand outing.

This was a very y easy beginner hike, I imagine it would be a great one for children! It is full if huge trees, and many great decks built in to get up close and great for photos. This was also the first hike I've done with a suspension bridge!

Wow - what a fun hike! Took two friends, one who had never been hiking before, because, based on reviews, should be a pretty easy hike. It was beautiful, green, plenty of water in the falls. We really enjoyed the day. The Grove of the Patriarchs is worth the extra time. There were a lot of people on the trails, turns out it was free day at National Parks. It never got so crowded that we felt smothered - but some non hikers who don't know hiking etiquette. Overall a great day. Would recommend for a pretty easy hike with great views.