Enumclaw Day Trips #2--Mt Rainier Suspension Bridges

Here is a video of crossing the Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge.

Mt Rainier has four suspension bridges--three on trails and one for vehicles.  The one over Tahoma Creek is the highest, longest, and bounciest, so I will describe it first.

A 2.4 mile hike takes you to a suspension footbridge that is both remote and spectacular, and the trail begins only an hour and a half from Enumclaw.  I have been hiking at Mt Rainier since 1954 (for the first seven years, my family drove 3000 miles to get to the park), but somehow never found this exciting trail. 

Now this is not a hike for novices, but anyone in reasonably good health (and a good sense of balance) can do it.  The reward is a 203 foot long span arching 150 feet over Tahoma Creek.  It's construction of many cables and 400  two foot long 2x6s allows it to swing up and down with every step you take.  The pictures tell the story and the captions provide the narrative for the hike up, while a short video  captures some of the feeling when my daughter and I crossed this restless bridge.

To reach the trailhead, drive to the Longmire entrance of Mt Rainier National Park and turn left on the Westside Road shortly after you pass the rangers' booth.  The pavement doesn't last long, and at three miles, you come to a barrier.  Many winters brought the rest of the road to a close for good.  Park here and walk a mile up the road.  When you come to a hairpin turn, the trail is on your right, marked by a sign saying "Trail not maintained".

Actually, much of it is in pretty good shape.  Fallen trees have been cut and debris have been removed.  One footbridge is collapsing, but still useable, and a narrow log across an eight foot deep ravine requires some balance.  A few places require very steep climbs and descents--actually, quite a few.  As winter storms change the course of Tahoma Creek, the trail has to be rerouted up and down its banks and into the forest.

Our biggest problem was keeping on track as the trail meandered up the creek bed.  Much of it was marked with rock cairns, but we lost it just before it reentered the forest.  A little backtracking and we were once again on our way.

The hike up took us nearly three hours, double the return time.  That is not our usual pace for 2.4 miles.  Be sure to take water, allow plenty of time, and be aware of changeable weather.  And enjoy this amazing bridge that few people ever see.