When your car is full of generations and abilities this hike is sure to please everyone. My family was caravaning to Packwood and we needed to stretch our legs. The trail is suitable to most any abilities. The only real obstacle is a suspension bridge across a river. Boardwalks have been built to protect the roots of the grand patriarchs. This allows for getting up close and personal without harming the trees (shallow root systems get trampled and the dirt compacted by tree loving visitors). Best of all, unlike the rest of the park, there is no snow.

More photos from this majestic place on my blog http://mangopowergirl.com/2012/08/grove-of-the-patriarchs.html

Silver Falls at Mt. Rainier 6/18/2011 Rain, clouds, forest in mist, white water and thundering falls but not views of our Majestic volcano this day. Over Cayuse pass on Hiway 123 the snow banks were still 10 feet high but then the road drops steeply down several thousand feet to Ohanapecosh, the lowest and greenest part of the park. My route combined the Silver Falls trail, the Grove of the Patriarchs loop and the first mile or so of the Laughingwater Creek trail. Eventually the rain tapered off to mist and then stopped. We did find a dry spot for lunch under the branches of 3 huge cedars. Which was better ? Silver falls, the huge 1000 year old patriarch trees or the emerald green forest along Laughingwater Creek ? A beautiful place. Robert Michelson Mountaineers Seattle Hiking

Really enjoyed this little hike. Nice to get out and stretch our legs after the drive down. Cool suspension bridge.

The Grove of Patriarchs Loop is a nice easy walk for kids, but don’t expect much excitement once there. There are a couple of big trees, but not much else. All in all my 8 and 4 year old were fairly bored. The best part for them was the bridge, which they thought was just the best thing. The trail itself is in very good condition with little ups and downs. No snow on the trail at all.