Trail Run to Silver Falls

This is a trail that could easily be done by your older family members but also could be a nice trail run or quick hike for you. The trail starts from Loop B in the Ohanapecosh Campground and after a quick section, you will be walking over the hot springs in the area. They ask that you stay off the hot springs as they are not supposed to be utilized by people at this point. You will continue forward on an easy, well-maintained trail. 

You will cross over Laughingwater Creek first and there is a nice wooden bench there if you would like to take a break. After you cross that bridge, you will continue to wind through the woods along the river. You will hit one more junction in the road and you'll want to stay to your left to head to the falls. 

Then, you will head downhill on a muddy but doable hill that overlooks the powerful Silver Falls. Stop to take a few pictures and check out the bridge that loops the trail back to the campground. I just did an out-and-back but you could certainly do the loop, which will be 3.0 miles and place you at a different area of the campground.

To get to the trailhead from Packwood, drive east on Highway 12 about 8 miles to the signed junction with for Highway 123. Turn north onto Highway 123 and drive 3.5 miles to the Ohanapecosh Campground. Turn left in to the campground and park in front of the visitor center (a left turn), or follow the signs to the day use parking area (a right turn).