Near Westside Road
View of Rainier and Liberty Cap above Westside Road
Near Westside Road
Wet trail
Near Westside Road
Tahoma Creek from the Westside Road
Near Westside Road
Near Westside Road
The mountain peeking through at Klapatche Point (photo by NPS Kevin Bacher)

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Westside Road

2.0 (1 Rating)
A narrow and winding service road skirting the western side of Rainier National Park.
8.5
mi
Distance
2,139
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingRiver/CreekViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Trail conditions can be found at the park's Road Status page. Please note that due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. RXHERs and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the hazard zone. Bikes are allowed on Westside Road but not beyond Klapatche Point.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.48mi
Distance
2,139ft
Elevation Gain
912ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
4,110ft
High Point
2,883ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The beginning of Westside Road is just beyond the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park. The first three miles of the road are open to motor vehicles as well as bicycles. There is a small parking area at the end of this three mile section and many hikers and mountain bikers choose to leave their cars at this point. There are challenging climbs and many spectacular views along this stretch to Klapatche Point.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Tom Robson