AboutSubmit a waterfall
✓ Sourced from the managing agency's own page

Silver Falls

📍 Packwood, WA🥾 3 mi round trip · moderate🎟 National Park entrance fee required

Moderate 3-mile hike; Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead closed (flood damage); currently reached via Eastside Trail as out-and-back, not loop.

Getting there

moderate3 mi round tripNo dogs

National Park entrance fee required

Flow / best time to visit

As of the 2025–2026 seasons, the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead/suspension bridge is closed due to flood damage; Silver Falls is currently reached via the Eastside Trail from Ohanapecosh or Laughingwater Creek as an out-and-back rather than a loop.

Our take

Silver Falls is a moderate waterfall hike in Mount Rainier National Park, surrounded by old-growth forest. Access routes have changed significantly due to ongoing storm damage closures.

As of the 2025–2026 seasons, the traditional Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead and suspension bridge are closed due to flood damage. Silver Falls is now reached via the Eastside Trail from Ohanapecosh or Laughingwater Creek, visited as an out-and-back route rather than a loop. Before your visit, check current NPS conditions and park alerts to confirm access. Dogs are not permitted on Mount Rainier trails. A National Park entrance fee is required.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Summer and early fall when roads are fully open. Check current NPS conditions before visiting, as access routes have changed due to ongoing closures.

How long to budget

2-3 hours

Who it suits

Good for

  • moderate hiking experience
  • old-growth forest viewing
  • alternative route exploration

Skip it if

Dogs not permitted on Mount Rainier trails. Confirm current access before planning—the traditional Grove of the Patriarchs loop approach is closed.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Silver Falls?

National Park entrance fee required

How do I get to Silver Falls?

Via a 3-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Silver Falls?

No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).

Silver Falls in Mount Rainier

We track 5 waterfalls in Mount Rainier.

Other waterfalls near Packwood

Quick facts

HeightNot published
Trail3 mi round trip
Difficultymoderate
Fee / permitNational Park entrance fee required
Managing agencyNational Park Service — Mount Rainier National Park
DogsNot allowed
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyLewis County
RegionMount Rainier
Official pageView source ↗

Source

nps.gov

NPS Mount Rainier National Park official page plus park conditions/alerts page, checked Aug 2026

Checked August 2026.