Day Hike - Klapatche Park

This hike requires a bike to keep it manageable. It's suited for well-conditioned hikers. Weather forecast looks great! Click MORE +

The objective is to visit St Andrews Patrol Cabin, Aurora Lake, and Denman Falls listed on the Tacoma Branch Mount Rainier Patroller, Lakes, and Waterfall Chaser award badges. We will ride along the West Side Road all the way to St Andrews Creek where we will stow bikes. We’ll visit nearby Denman Falls and St Andrews Patrol Cabin. We’ll hike on the St Andrews Trail to Klapatche Park and Aurora Lake. This is one of the most breath-taking views of Mount Rainier. From there, we follow the Wonderland Trail and return along the North Puyallup River Trail past Klapatche Point. This is an historic area. The West Side Road was originally planned to create a “round-the-mountain” road connecting Mowich Lake. The original Wonderland trail was routed through Klapatche Point. We’ll see remnants of this.

Please refer to my CalTopo Map. You’ll need a bike capable of riding the dirt road. The hike will be moderate-fast paced with a light pack. We’re meeting early to get through the Nisqually Entrance before 7am to beat the Paradise Corridor Timed Entry.

Bike Ride: 15.6 mi round trip, 1500’ gain.
Loop Hike: 8.6 mi, 2300’ gain.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Whittaker's Bunkhouse at 6:30am