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This north-south trail is handy for constructing loops and avoiding some of the crowds in Paradise.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

70%

Runnable

6,111' 1,863 m

High

5,403' 1,647 m

Low

708' 216 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The consistent grade of this trail makes it a good moderate choice for attaining the upper reaches of Rainier's southern flank. Starting from the western end of the lower (non-visitor center) parking lot, find the steps leading north. At the 3-way junction with the Nisqually Vista Trail, choose the right-hand option to head northeast on the Dead Horse Creek Trail. The path begins in the Dead Horse Creek valley and soon intersects the Avalanche Lilly Trail and crosses its namesake burbling brook. Keep a lookout for wildlife here, bears are frequently sighted along the creek. Pass through clumps of trees, inviting meadows and surmount some patches of snow.

After the junction with the Waterfall Trail, the trail steepens to attain a ridge. For the remaining length of this trail, Dead Horse Creek and Edith Creek lie in the eastern valley below, Nisqually River resides in the valley to the west, and the trail climbs in between. At at small saddle, the detour-worthy Moraine Trail veers off to the west (left) and the Dead Horse Creek Trail continues northwards along the snowy crest. After some less steep travel, the Dead Horse Creek Trail ends at a junction with the popular Skyline Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Black bears, marmot, deer. Bugs.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#9

in Paradise

#11567

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#9

in Paradise

#550

in Washington

#11,567

Overall
2 Views Last Month
691 Since Jul 21, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Sunset on Mt Rainier National Park.
Apr 12, 2016 near Eatonville, WA
Panorama Point
Nov 10, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
A couple days before the smoke from Western fires moved in.
Sep 18, 2020 near Greenwater, WA
The view from Deadhorse.
Jul 23, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Black bear foraging near Dead Horse Creek (photo by Steve Cyr)
Jul 25, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Two bears as seen from the Dead Horse Creek Trail (photo by Kat Kellner)
Jul 25, 2015 near Eatonville, WA

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