If you’re in need of an adventure, you’ve got to experience this easy loop in Mount Rainier National Park. The Grove Of The Patriarchs Trail in Washington features a path through a forest full of trees that are thousands of years old and across a swinging suspension bridge. The short hike can be done any people of all ages and skill levels, and it’s by far one of the most mesmerizing routes that you can find here in Washington. Take a look at some photos from the hike below, and then add it to your Evergreen State hiking bucket list!

yancy9 / Flickr
This winding trail is an easy and short trip, so even little ones can follow along. The scenic pathway heads along a wooden boardwalk as it loops through some of the oldest and tallest trees in the whole state.
Trip Advisor / Steve1362
The ancient surrounding trees are massive. You'll feel tiny walking among all of the huge Douglas-fir, Western red-cedar, and western hemlocks. Some are over 1,000 years old, measure 8-10 feet in diameter and standup to 300 ft tall.
David Fulmer / Flickr
This exhilarating hike has it all: a trip through a magical forest with ancient giants, a suspension bridge over a rushing river, and there's even interpretive signs along the way to help you distinguish between the types of plants and points of interest. The mostly-flat route goes for about a mile and a half round-trip.

Related Stories

The Northrup Canyon Trail Will Show You A Completely New Side Of Washington

The Northrup Canyon Trail Will Show You A Completely New Side Of Washington

 Mount Rainier In Washington Was Just Named One Of The Most Dangerous Parks In The Country

Mount Rainier In Washington Was Just Named One Of The Most Dangerous Parks In The Country

 Pedal Through Scenic Mountain Views In Washington On A Converted Rail Trail

Pedal Through Scenic Mountain Views In Washington On A Converted Rail Trail
Nicole June / Flickr
The grove of trees can be found just over the river, so you'll need to cross this bouncy suspension bridge. Kids are known to absolutely love the trip across. From the bridge, you can gaze down below at the rushing waters of the Ohanapecosh River.
Nathaniel Coyne / Flickr
Once you're across, the trail makes a short loop around a small mid-river island of more ancient trees. Isolated on the island, these trees have been protected from fire, allowing them to grow to their massive size.
David Fulmer / Flickr
With the ancient giants and a unique boardwalk and suspension bridge, this is easily one of the most memorable hikes you'll find in the Northwest. Be sure to check it out near the Stevens Canyon Entrance next time you're visiting Mount Rainier National Park.

Would you go on this scenic hike? Have you visited before? Share your thoughts with us below! For more of our favorite hikes here in Washington, read 9 Amazing Washington Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love

If you have another hike you’d like to see us get out and explore, let us know with this nomination form, here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail In Washington

Kim Magaraci | February 12, 2021

What are the most beautiful places in Washington?

If you ask a dozen different people what the most beautiful place in Washington is, you'll get a dozen different answers! We think that the most charming and picturesque places in the state include Whidbey Island, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and San Juan Harbor with its city of Friday Harbor. Overall, though, it's hard to top the Hoh Rainforest (in North Cascades) when it comes to breathtaking and unique natural beauty.

What is Washington known for?

Washington is known for being a stunning, beautiful place. From our rainforests to our enormous mountains, you'll find a little bit of everything in the Pacific Northwest! The islands off the coast of Washington are each wonderful summertime getaway destinations, and our cities are full of culture and amazing cuisine. Spend some time getting to know the Evergreen State and you'll see just why so many people believe that Washington is heaven on Earth.

Where should I go to take photos of Washington?

If you love wildlife photography, head to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. More than 20,000 birds from 275 different species call this place home, and you'll also find foxes, coyotes, otters, harbor seals, minks, and a whole bunch of reptiles and amphibians For beautiful landscapes, take a trek through Mount Rainier National Park. The Paradise area and Skyline Trail are particularly stunning. The Hoh Rainforest, in Olympic National Park, is another otherworldly spot in the Evergreen State that you'll want to capture on film.

Related Articles

Explore Washington

Featured Addresses
Grove of the Patriarchs, Washington 98361, USA