Klapatche Park Trail
This long day hike includes 4 miles (in each direction) on a closed road, but proves worth it for the supreme views of Mount Rainier, the wildflower meadows, and the peaceful and refreshing lake at the end.
Plan Around Klapatche Park Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Klapatche Park Trail Details
This long day hike includes 4 miles (in each direction) on a closed road, but proves worth it for the supreme views of Mount Rainier, the wildflower meadows, and the peaceful and refreshing lake at the end. To access the trailhead for this popular hike, drive one mile east of the Nisqually Entrance and turn onto Westside Road and follow it about 3 miles to the end. From here, hike about 4 miles until you reach the South Puyallup River Trail. Follow this trail until it intersects the Wonderland Trial in about 1.8 miles. Head north on the Wonderland Trail for just shy of 4 miles, making your way up a series of steep switchbacks that lead to St. Andrews Park and eventually Klapatche Park. Book a camping permit early, since sites typically fill up in July and August. The campground sits on the northern side of Aurora Lake, which can dry up come summertime (head for St. Andrews Lake, three-quarters of a mile east on the Wonderland Trails, to find reliable water). Trail stats: 19.2 miles; 1,700 feet of elevation gain; 2 days.
Difficulty
High
Distance
19.2 miles
Estimated time
2 days
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Klapatche Park Trail
Compare nearby parks around Klapatche Park Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Klapatche Park Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Klapatche Park Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.8 mi away
Mount Wow
Mount Wow (5,722 feet) lies in the southwestern corner of the park.
1.0 mi away
Emerald Ridge Trail
This 16-mile out-and-back includes 7.8 miles of hiking on a closed road, but offers a fascinating look at andesite columns, subalpine meadows, and views of Mount Rainier and the Tahoma Glacier.
1.6 mi away
Lake George Trail
It takes an intrepid soul to reach this tucked-away lake located on the northwest side of Mount Wow.
1.7 mi away
Westside Road
Westside Road branches off of the Nisqually-Longmire Road in the southwestern corner of the park.
2.4 mi away
Gobblers Knob
Gobblers Knob is a craggy peak on the northern end of Mount Wow.
