Eastside Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

From Chinook Pass, the descent to Chinook Creek is steep, winding, and loose.

This extensive route connects the subalpine highlands of Chinook Pass and Tipsoo Lake with the deep, lowland forests of the Ohanapecosh area by following the Chinook Creek and Ohanapecosh River drainages.

Many runners choose to begin at the trails upper end and complete the entire trail as a one-way, downhill trip from Chinook Pass to Ohanapecosh. However, trailheads provide access to the trail at several locations along its length, allowing runners to enjoy shorter sections of the trail.

Enjoy the refreshing sights and sounds of numerous waterfalls cascading down the canyons. Late-season users might hear elk bugling in the forest amidst colorful fall foliage.

The upper section of the trail showcases a prime example of the park’s delicate subalpine ecosystem as it winds through the meadows and patchy forest surrounding Tipsoo Lake.

The remainder of the trail follows the courses of Chinook Creek and the Ohanapecosh River. Outstanding examples of old-growth forest are seen in all life zones along the trail––subalpine, mid- mountain, and lowland forest. Take the spur trail into the Grove of the Patriarchs to view a cathedral of ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old.