This was the perfect evening stroll after driving to the park and setting up camp!  We walked through the campground to the trail head and explored the hot springs area before following the path down to the falls.  Gorgeous!  We continued on to the Grove of the Patriarchs and walked the loop.  I had been skeptical about coming, but being in the presence of these old growth giants was humbling and so worth spending time on a "too easy" trail.  I am so glad we stopped by.  The river bank just across the suspension bridge was so picturesque I almost wished we'd brought our dinner down with us!  We walked back to the falls as the light was fading and walked briskly back to the campground -- dusk fell fast in such a densely treed area!

Because it was so late when we set out, we didn't encounter many folks, but this would be a great family walk any ages or levels of ability!  Nice, gentle path that that still had a variety of natural features and a lot of payoff!

We decided to hike this trail on our way back from a day of hiking at Paradise.  We arrived at the TH about 4 pm.  The lot was full but we had no trouble finding parking on the side of the road.  This is an easy, delightful trail that takes you over a suspension bridge to an ancient forest with trees that are very old and tall.  The boardwalk loop is a great way to get close to some of the oldest trees in the area.  Throughout this trail, from start to finish, there are amazing old trees to appreciate and marvel at for their size and age.  This trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels.  The trail's in great shape.  It was a great way to end a very enjoyable day of hiking at the park.

So we did this short little hike today while we were in Packwood. Great hike beautiful scenery. When arrived around 830 the parking lot was pretty full but the parking lot is pretty good size. As we were coming out the crowds were getting busier. My 10 year old daughter really enjoyed this hike it is great for Children.

We set out to arrive at the trail head bright and early, but turns of events got us there at around 10 am on a Sunday morning. Keep in mind, you may not have GPS available, so know where you're going, don't assume like we did! The lot was full, but there was very little overflow. The trail was not crowded at all. It is a short, easy hike, great for children. Also, great for my husband as he retires from a lifetime working in forestry. It is both informational and awe-inspiring. I highly recommend this hike to get your kids excited about hiking and nature. 

We arrived here late in the day after having hiked the Naches Peak loop trail and it was getting dark. We had never visited and ended up going only to the bridge and back as it was beginning to get dark and it was a 2 hour drive back home for us. 

I have to say, I will definitely be coming back here soon to make the complete loop and spend more time. If the trail to the bridge is a down-payment on the trees at the end, I want more! 

The bridge was a fun place to splash our feet for a few moments and the bridge itself was fun to walk across. Trail was in great shape and wow some of the trees were big. Because it was so late, the parking lot was less than  halfway full and the trail itself was a pleasant walk through quiet forest, much needed after a hot day swatting bugs further up the road.