Near Klapatche Park
View of Rainier and Liberty Cap above Westside Road
Near Klapatche Park
Wet trail
Near Klapatche Park
Tahoma Creek from the Westside Road
Near Klapatche Park
Mount Rainier from Wonderland Trail.
Near Klapatche Park

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Klapatche Park

4.0 (1 Rating)
A lengthy hike to a beautiful high meadow with especially excellent sunset views.
18.6
mi
Distance
4,768
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
BirdingCommonly BackpackedLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
18.65mi
Distance
4,768ft
Elevation Gain
4,768ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
5,976ft
High Point
2,882ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
One mile east of the Nisqually Entrance is the Westside Road junction. Turn here and continue up the Westside Road to where it ends (approximately 3 miles from the start of the road). Hike up the closed portion of the road to the trailhead (approximately 4 miles) at South Puyallup River Trail. The trail follows the South Puyallup River 1.8 miles to the junction with the Wonderland Trail. There is a wilderness camp here where some backpackers choose to spend their first night. Take the Wonderland Trail north 3.9 miles, climbing a series of steep switchbacks to reach St. Andrews Park and then on to Klapatche Park. Enjoy the phenomenal views and, hopefully, a peaceful night's rest here on the shoulder of Rainier. To return, either backtrack the way you came or make a loop with St. Andrews Creek trail for some additional forest and water scenery on the way back.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Tom Robson