patriarchs trail

When visiting Mt. Rainier National Park, this is a must do and see. It is a short hike, a little over a mile and takes you along the river to a loop of amazing 1000 year old trees. We were there in mid October, and the fall colors added to the beauty of the walk. You do cross a suspension bridge, which has chains on each side as side rails and gives you another view of the river!

If you like trees, especially big trees, this is perhaps the best short hike in Rainier National Park. An easy 1-mile round trip hike, well maintained trail takes you through massive standing and fallen Douglas fir, silver fir, cedar, and alder. Fall colors just starting when we were there, adding even more beauty! A small hanging suspension bridge crosses a stream to reach the largest of the giants. Typically bouncy, as hanging bridges tend to be, it will still be quite manageable for most people. This hike is definitely a highlight of a visit to Mt. Rainier National Park.... highly recommended!

WOW! We simply loved that walk.... looking at trees over 1,000 years old was simply amazing. We will do that trail again.

Huge massive beautiful trees abound on this well-used trail. Any footwear will do. If you have balance or vertigo issues the suspension bridge may not be for you. Take your camera! Serenity abounds.

Huge, beautiful trees abound on this well-used trail. Any footwear or fitness level will do. Take your camera! Serenity with easy access.

We hiked this trail on a foggy day and were really impressed with this old growth forest. It was a beautiful hike, quiet. The trees were too huge to photograph. I tried to have people in my pictures for a sense of scale.

It is worthwhile to take the trail to the Grove of the Patriarchs. It is only a mile, and is mostly level. Even though it was raining when we did the hike, we barely got wet due to the size of the trees. Quite impressive.

What a wonderful stop right after you enter through Stevens Canyon entrance. Huge trees, wonderful trail, easy to navigate. Fun sway bridge to walk over and explore some more. Only one person on bridge at a time though. Beautiful, you don't want to miss this!

If you have never seen an old growth forest, this is a prime example. The short trail to this impressive sight is definately worth it.

We have done this hikes so many times and certainly a place I take visitors to. Very easy walk through deep old growth forest until you cross a suspension bridge onto the island where the grove is locate. It is because of its location on this island that these ancient cedars have been spared wildfire damage. Just awesome sights!

Great easy hike for young or older families. Beautiful waterfalls and large trees to see. Don't forget your camera! The kids loved being out in nature and enjoying the scenery.

This is right on the entrance to the Steven's Canyon entrance to Mt. Rainier Park. Very easy about 1 mile hike, does include crossing a suspension bridge, so not for someone with limited mobility. These trees are giants, and so old, and a variety of them too. Family really enjoyed seeing this.

While we hiked the trail we saw a doe, a buck and his doe, and a doe and her fawn. Absolutely stunning atmosphere. You'll forget all your troubles in the beauty of this place.

Patriarchs trail is really cool. Lots of trees that have fallen over the trail you have to walk under. Creates great photo opps. Suspension bridge that crosses river to the grove is clearly marked with instruction that one person should cross at a time, people mostly ignore it from what we saw though. I guess they didn't have the same scary second grade teacher that I did or they wouldn't violate the rules. :)

Too hot and snowy (yes) at the top so came down to this trail. stunningly beautiful.