
Silver Falls
Posted by:
krazykatzen
N 46° 45.132 W 121° 33.561
10T E 610030 N 5178635
A powerful waterfall near the Ohanapecosh entrance to Rainier National Park.
Waymark Code: WM4FHX
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 08/17/2008
Views: 26
These falls may only be 75 feet high, but the volume of water plunging into the pool below creates such a spray and roar to make the falls seem much grander. Silver Falls is along the Ohanapecosh river canyon, and this river is fed mostly from the inactive glaciers of Frying Pan and Ohanapecosh. Therefore, the river runs crystal clear, which is rare from most watersheds being fed from Mount Rainiers glaciers.
There are several easily accessed trails to the falls. The best approach is from the parking lot for Grove of the Patriarchs. The trailhead is just across the road, and travels past a tiny waterfall along a stream before joining up with the river, and then down to the falls. It is only a half mile hike (one way) down to the bridge across the falls. Be very careful of any 'hack paths' leading off from the main trail, as the cliffs are actively eroded and very unstable. The crystal clear water may look inviting, but people have died at these falls.
Another great approach to the falls is an easy 1 mile hike from the trail that begins behind the Ohanapecosh visitor center and passes by a natural hot spring. This trail can be done as a loop hike by crossing the bridge at the base of the falls, with great views of the canyon and rich forest.
Type: Punchbowl
 Watercourse: Ohanapecosh River
 Waterfall Height: 75
 Seasonality: Perennial
 Seasons of Best Flow: From: 01/01/2008 To: 12/31/2008
 Viewpoint: Top
 Path Up and Down: None
 Walk Behind: Not at all
 Parking Coordinates: Not Listed

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