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South Puyallup

Difficult Difficult
 4.5 (2)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. West Side
Plan with onX Backcountry

“A mellow river walk turned steep ridge ascent, eventually gaining the famed Emerald Ridge. ”

Tom Robson
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1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

79%

Runnable

4,082' 1,244 m

High

3,509' 1,070 m

Low

573' 175 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Runner Notes

The beginning and ending portions of this trail are great for running. The mid-section ascends incredibly steeply up the southern walls of the Puyallup River.

Description

From Westside Road and Round Pass, South Puyallup trail climbs gradually through old growth forest to the South Puyallup Camp. From the camp, the trail becomes very rocky and climbs more steeply.

Once atop Emerald Ridge, please stay on the constructed trails and rock outcroppings. The delicate subalpine vegetation is damaged by off-trail running and other uses.

Contacts

Local Club: Washington Trails Association

Nov 5, 2026: Hiker Headlines: WTA shop is open! Fee-free day, new Cougar Mountain pergola

Nov 4, 2026: Airplane Lake (Sultan)

Nov 3, 2026: 60 years of protecting the natural places we love

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#2

in West Side

#9797

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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4 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2

in West Side

#447

in Washington

#9,797

Overall
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284 Since Mar 5, 2015
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Photos

Mount Rainier from Wonderland Trail.
Mar 5, 2015 near Eatonville, WA

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