Description

The Grove of the Patriarchs is the best spot in Mount Rainier National Park to see giant trees.

This short, easy hike quickly drops into a grove of ancient trees that soar hundreds of feet into the air.

While you won't find any venerable redwoods here, the Douglas-firs, hemlocks, and cedars that you *will* encounter are absolutely mammoth! According to Tami Asars on [WTA.org](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/grove-of-the-patriarchs), "some [are] nearly 40 feet in diameter and more than 300 feet tall." The hike begins on a smooth, easy path that slowly descends along the hillside to the banks of the Ohanapecosh River.

Here you'll find one of the highlights of the hike: an incredible suspension bridge spanning the brilliant-blue waters.

The heart of the grove is located on a small island in the middle of the river.

Here, you'll be able to walk around a boardwalk loop and gaze in wonder at the trees towering above you.

"Signs identify plants and describe features of this habitat," according to [VisitRainier.com](https://visitrainier.com/grove-of-the-patriarchs-2/).

Be sure to read the signs and learn about these ancient giants—some of which are over 1,000 years old! Once you've finished basking in the majesty of this grove, cross back over the suspension bridge and return to the trailhead the way that you came.