Ohanapecosh - Grove of the Patriarchs, Silver Falls, Hot Springs
In the southeast area of the Mount Rainier is The Grove of the Patriarchs, a collection of forest giants — huge Douglas firs and Western red cedars. On an island in the Ohanapecosh River, the grove is reached by bridge along a popular trail that starts near the Steven's Canyon Entrance Station. The 1.2 mile self-guided interpretive trail passes through ancient stands of 1,000-year-old western red cedar and Douglas fir. Here Deb views a fallen giant.
Click on thumbnails for larger view:
Although not quite as lush as the rainforests of Olympic National Park several hours to the west, the climate and precipitation of the park contribute to the growth of very large trees of a variety of species.
This grove contains trees in excess of 500 years old and 250 feet in height.
The trees rise above you to dizzying heights and block out the sun. Some of the Douglas firs are well over 35 feet in diameter!
The foot bridges on the trail kept you high and dry.
The trail starts at the Ohanapecosh Campground and heads north through the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs
The bubbling mineral waters of the hot springs.
The Ohanapecosh River falls almost 80 feet producing a silver mist. You can take the bridge at the base of the falls to take the hike as a three-mile loop or simply return where you came from. Although it is very tempting to cross the safety barriers the rocks are very slippery. In 2000 a woman fell to her death after crossing the barriers to get a closer look at the falls.
Although it is very tempting to cross the safety barriers the rocks are very slippery. In 2000 a woman fell to her death after crossing the barriers to get a closer look at the falls.
Stunning Silver Falls. To see a brief movie of the falls Click here. (1M) Requires Windows Media Player.
In the southeast area of the Mount Rainier is The Grove of the Patriarchs, a collection of forest giants — huge Douglas firs and Western red cedars. On an island in the Ohanapecosh River, the grove is reached by bridge along a popular trail that starts near the Steven's Canyon Entrance Station. The 1.2 mile self-guided interpretive trail passes through ancient stands of 1,000-year-old western red cedar and Douglas fir. Here Deb views a fallen giant.
