Silver Falls

Silver Falls is a waterfall on the Ohanapecosh River in the old-growth forest on Mount Rainier’s southeast side. The river tumbles over smaller cascades before its main drop, about 60 feet, into a rocky amphitheater. The footbridge and nearby viewpoints bring you close to the falls and the river channel. If you’re exploring Ohanapecosh, this is the walk to keep on your list.

The standard loop follows one riverbank upstream, crosses the footbridge by the falls, then returns along the other bank. Published estimates vary a little, so plan for about 3 miles round trip, roughly 500 to 600 feet of climbing, and around 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s a real walk with some uphill and uneven footing near the river, even though many families do it. The trail is typically hikeable from May through October; Ohanapecosh isn’t accessible by car in winter, and pets aren’t allowed on trails.

For the fullest look into the gorge, stop just east of the footbridge. There’s another viewpoint on the west side of the amphitheater. For a photo, keep some of the river channel below the drop in frame; it shows the falls and the fast, blue-green water together.

The Ohanapecosh River carries water from glaciers and snowfields at its headwaters. At Silver Falls it runs clear, cold and swift, and the water can roar and throw spray when flow is high. Rocks beside the falls are slippery, and the river is turbulent and dangerously cold, so stay back from its edge.

The trail passes through old growth with Douglas-fir, western red cedar and western hemlock. Listen for woodpeckers in the trees and keep an eye out for deer along the river.

Ohanapecosh is named for a Taidnapam (Upper Cowlitz) habitation site along the river. The name is thought to mean “standing at the edge.” The area also had an early hot-springs resort that drew visitors to warm water believed to have healing properties; the springs are no longer available for soaking.