grove of the patriarchs

HazelEyesFromTN

Go early for parking. Starting around 11 am it really starts to fill up and then forget about it in the afternoon. Restrooms are available here and it does have a pretty generous parking lot.I did not do the whole grove but it was great when few people were there and I intend on finishing this another time.

ssseafan

this is a great short and easy walk in the forest to see some of the giant trees representative of this area. there are benches along the way if someone needs a rest. great for little kids and folks who can't hike long distance to see the forest.

NeilR838

The grove of the patriarchs is on a river island accessed by a short walk from the parking area and then across a small foot suspension bridge. The trail is a boardwalk and has various information panels providing useful insights into these ancient massive trees. Peaceful, quiet and secluded - we really liked it.

LongshotDC

Trail is pretty flat, there's a boardwalk where most of the old growth is. I did it in less than an hour with lots of stopping and "wow's".

Raintree_Thailand

If you don't like big trees, you should definitely not make the 1-mile+ hike to the Grove of the Patriarchs! All others should not miss this impressive stand of mammoth Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock. The trail to the grove is one of the easiest in Mt. Rainier National Park, and most people should have no difficulty in making it. The largest of the trees is across a hanging bridge. Don't miss the "twin giants" (two incredible old Douglas fir trees growing side by side). Interesting to observe the trees in various stages of life, from the massive mature trees, to the fallen giants that provide a rich "nurse bed" for new seedlings growing in rows along the rotting fallen tree trunks, or in groups on rotting stumps. If I could make only on hike in Mt. Rainier National Park, this is probably the one I'd choose.

500spencer

We took our Grandkids on the hike and they really liked it. They enjoyed the huge trees and being able to go inside the root area of a fallen tree. Not very strenuous and the walk across the swinging bridge is fun!

862bethh

If there is one hike you have time for, do this one at the park. Very easy trail, minimal elevation climb. The walk to the island is beautiful, but then you walk across the suspension bridge and into something magical. The trees are amazing. You feel VERY small among these giants, and you will constantly exclaim about the enormity of them. Just a great walk in the woods. Don't miss it.

OutdoorBoomer

Easy, almost flat 1 mile round trip stroll that takes you over a fun hanging bridge across the river to a grove of beautiful ancient trees. Even non-hikers like this one. Kids adore it!

RBeacher

To walk among these old giants is to walk with respect. This was a quiet, easy walk among the remaining giants. So quiet, sunlight filtered through the trees. Don't miss this area.

Aquaman_22

Our family of three visited on a Saturday in August. It was a beautiful day and we got there around noon so we thought it might be packed. We were pleasantly surprised to find it busy, but not packed by any means. We did have to wait a few minutes to take our turn over the bridge, but noticed on the way back that no one was waiting to get on it - so I think it's just lucky/unlucky timing when it comes to waiting. It's a short easy hike - about 15 minutes out and around the loop and 15 minutes back. In total we probably spent about 90 minutes there. Our 11-year-old daughter loved it too. Was definitely a highlight of our trip to Mt. Rainier.

fsdukejr

The trees here are big and impressive, some of the best in the area but do not expect the giant redwoods of the CA coast or the Sequoias of Kings Canyon. Scenic walk to the grove is not difficult and elevation change minimal.

Jaminoe

A nice quiet little t hike with nicely laid out trail. The trees were huge and amazing! Highly recommend.

RonaldG138

Seeing all these really old trees was worth the short hike. You cross over a suspension bridge before you get to the groove.

polli396

This was a lovely stroll around and through these huge trees, we did it in the early evening as others were going home, definitely worth doing

srivedh

Grove of the Patriarchs is a very easy trail. It takes you by the riverside on to a small island of fir trees. This is the first trail head you will cross when you enter Ohanapecosh entrance of the park. I would suggest this peaceful walk as a time filler.