Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental And Demonstration Forest
Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental And Demonstration Forest
4.9
(16)
152
hikers
7
hikes
Hiking in Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental And Demonstration Forest offers diverse terrain within the rolling foothills of Mount Rainier, ranging from flat areas to steep grades. Elevations span from 600 to 2,000 feet, providing varied experiences. The forest is predominantly covered by Douglas fir, red alder, hemlock, and cedar, featuring meadow environments, streams, wetlands, and ponds. A significant portion includes over 300 acres of lowland old-growth forest in the Newton Creek Reserve.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
45
hikers
9.10km
02:33
170m
170m
The Little Mashel Falls Trail offers a moderate hiking experience, taking you through a picturesque environment filled with towering Douglas firs and Western red cedars. This 5.7-mile (9.1 km) route…
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
6.14km
02:00
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7
hikers
7.85km
02:12
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.25km
00:35
0m
20m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile Bud Blancher Trail to explore a varied landscape, from urban edges to a wild forested canyon, leading to Little Mashe
4.8
(13)
83
hikers
7.89km
02:12
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The most challenging waterfall to get to for Little Mashel Falls. Be prepared for narrow paths, lots of mud, and downed trees.
1
0
An amazing view overlooking the Middle Falls. A bit tricky to find the path from the Middle Falls lower part, but it's about 50-100 feet from the stairs to the waterfall itself. Look for a moss covered trail marker about 3 feet high, 30 feet into the trail.
2
0
Bring a raincoat because you'll be getting sprayed! Also consider bringing hiking poles as it can get muddy and slippery. There's a path on the right side to go near the back of the waterfall for a unique view. The path to the higher view of the middle falls is tricky to spot. There is a moss covered trail marker about 30 feet into the trail.
1
0
Bring a raincoat, because at the bottom you'll be so close you'll be getting sprayed! Recommend to bring hiking poles, as it can be very muddy and slippery. There are stairs in parts, but they're not in great condition.
1
0
There are 7 hiking routes documented in Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental And Demonstration Forest. These include a mix of easy and moderate trails, offering diverse experiences for hikers.
The trails in Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental And Demonstration Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 16 ratings. Hikers often praise the diverse forest ecosystems, the educational elements, and the variety of terrain suitable for different skill levels.
Yes, you can explore the beautiful Little Mashel Falls Trail. This moderate hike takes you through scenic forest to the impressive Little Mashel Falls, offering a rewarding experience.
Absolutely. For an easy and accessible walk, consider the Bud Blancher Trail. It's a shorter route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for families with children or those looking for a relaxed stroll through nature.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental And Demonstration Forest. However, it is important to keep pets on a leash at all times and to clean up after them to ensure the preservation of the natural environment and the enjoyment of all visitors.
The forest offers a rich variety of natural features. You can experience 300-plus acres of lowland old-growth forest in the Newton Creek Reserve, walk the unique "Trail of the Giants," and explore diverse ecosystems including meadows, streams, wetlands, and ponds. For a more challenging trek, Hugo Peak offers panoramic views.
Yes, several loop trails are available. You can try the Hugo Peak loop from UW Eatonville Pack Forest for a moderate challenge, or the Hiking loop from UW Eatonville Pack Forest for another scenic option. There's also a Hiking loop from Eatonville that starts closer to the town.
The forest is accessible year-round. While many trails are enjoyable in spring, summer, and fall, Hugo Peak is particularly popular in winter for those seeking a more challenging trek. The diverse terrain means conditions can vary, so checking local weather before your visit is always recommended.
Yes, parking is available. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a trail map at the gatehouse, which can provide details on parking locations and access points for the various trails within the forest.
While there are no trails classified as 'difficult' in our current selection, routes like the Hugo Peak loop from UW Eatonville Pack Forest offer a moderate challenge with significant elevation gain, especially appealing in winter. The varied terrain throughout the forest, with elevations up to 2,000 feet, provides ample opportunity for a good workout.
For additional context and information about the forest, you can visit the Revisit Washington website or the Visit Rainier website. These resources offer further details on the forest's purpose, features, and recreational opportunities.


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