Deadhorse Creek and Moraine Trail

Deadhorse Creek and Moraine Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back from Paradise’s lower parking lot, with about 400 feet of climbing. It’s a moderate walk; allow about two hours with a stop. You get a close view of Mount Rainier over the Nisqually Glacier and its rocky moraine, with subalpine meadows along the way. This listing follows the lower-lot route; some longer visitor-center versions add viewpoints and quote 3.25 miles.

Start at the northwest end of the lower lot and climb the paved Deadhorse Creek path. It rises through open meadow, past the Avalanche Lily and Waterfall trail junctions. Stay on Deadhorse Creek until the Moraine junction, about 0.74 mile uphill. There, turn west and then northwest onto Moraine Trail. The dirt tread climbs briefly, then drops through little meadows and subalpine conifers toward the viewpoint.

The viewpoint is about a half-mile beyond the junction. Look across the Nisqually Glacier and the moraine it has pushed into the valley; the Nisqually River’s headwaters are below. The edge is undercut and eroding in places, so keep back. The trail becomes unmaintained and can be hazardous beyond its first half-mile; this walk ends at the viewpoint.

Avalanche lilies appear as snow melts in early summer; asters, gentians and sedges add color later. Mule deer, marmots, golden-mantled ground squirrels and pikas have all been reported in the meadows, though sightings are never promised. For a photo, put meadow flowers low in the frame with the glacier and Rainier above them; there’s no need to approach the moraine edge.

The lower parking lot has no restrooms. Toilets are at Paradise Picnic Area downhill and at Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center in the upper lot; the visitor center also has food service when operating, as a separate stop. Snow patches can cover the trail in spring and fall, so stay on the path to protect fragile meadow plants. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails.