Eastside Trail

Eastside Trail

• Distance, round trip: 26.2 miles
• Elevation gain: 3,532 feet (1077 meters)
• Hiking time, round trip: 12 hours
• Wilderness camps: Deer Creek

Trailhead Locations

This trail is an charming escape from the busy areas within the park. With several locations to begin your trek:

• Chinook Pass: Park at the parking area adjacent to the park boundary on SR 410, next to the Pacific Crest Trail’s pedestrian footbridge, the Chinook Entrance Arch.

• Tipsoo Lake: Park at the Tipsoo Lake picnic area, 0.5 mile (0.8 km) west of Chinook Pass on SR 410.

• Deer Creek Trailhead/Owyhigh Lakes Trail: Park on SR 123 at the small roadside pulloff about 200 feet (61 m) south of the trailhead. Follow the Owyhigh Lakes Trail 0.4 mile (0.6 km) downhill, past Deer Creek Falls, to join the Eastside Trail.

• Grove of the Patriarchs/Stevens Canyon Road: Park in the parking lot at the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead on Stevens Canyon Road.

• Ohanapecosh: Park in the parking areas adjacent to the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and campground.

Trail Description

No matter which direction you go, be prepared to see a multitude of waterfalls, wildflowers and unique forest ecosystems. There are excellent views of Mount Rainier from the Chinook Pass/Tipsoo Lake parts of the trail. The section of the Eastside Trail from Tipsoo Lake to Deer Creek is steeper (approx. 2500 feet of elevation change), while the section from Deer Creek to Ohanapecosh is more gentle as the trail parallels the Ohanapecosh River (approx 1000 feet elevation change).

• See a detailed map of trail mileage for the Eastside Trail.

PROTIP: Take two cars and park on opposite ends of the trail to cut your hiking time in half.

Along the Trail

The upper section of the trail showcases a prime example of the park’s delicate subalpine ecosystem as it winds through the meadows and patchy forest surrounding Tipsoo Lake. Please stay on the trail to protect these fragile meadows! The remainder of the trail follows the courses of Chinook Creek and the Ohanapecosh River. Outstanding examples of old-growth forest are seen in all life zones along the trail––subalpine, mid- mountain, and lowland forest. Take the spur trail into the Grove of the Patriarchs to view a cathedral of ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old. Enjoy the refreshing sights and sounds of numerous waterfalls cascading down the canyons. Late-season hikers might hear elk bugling in the forest amidst colorful fall foliage.

Backpacking

There is a wilderness camp at Deer Creek. Be sure to camp in designated sites only. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.