Tieton River Nature Trail

Getting There

From the west: Drive east on US-12 through Packwood to White Pass. Drive 36 miles and turn left into the Oak Creek Wildlife Recreation Area's large parking lot.

From the east: Drive west on US-12 4.4 past the stoplight in Naches to the junction with SR-410 (which leads to Chinook Pass). Turn left to stay on US-12, drive 2.0 miles, and turn right into the Oak Creek Wildlife Recreation Area's parking lot.

There are two other access points that connect the Nature Trail with US-12. One is via a suspension bridge across the river at the Quonset hut 1.3 miles west of the Visitor Center, and the other is via a footbridge at the west end of a large pullout 3 miles west of the Visitor Center.

On the Trail

Cross the highway and then the bridge across the Tieton River and turn right through a gate in the fence onto the Tieton River Nature Trail. Hike the trail along the river as far as desired. There's a suspension bridge at mile 1.3, a foot bridge at  mile 3, and Forest Road 512 at mile 6.5. The trail begins to climb a bit just before and continues to climb after the foot bridge, but the views a mile or so past the footbridge are worth the effort.

Notes

• This trail is noteworthy for striking rock formations, abundant wildflowers in spring, and autumn's gorgeous fall colors.
• In summer as temperatures can be very hot. Be sure to stay well hydrated.
  
• Rattlesnakes and ticks call this area home.
  

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Naturalist
• Seasons: March, April, May, June, September, October, November
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Length: 7.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 764 ft
• High Point: 2,076 ft

• Land Manager: Oak Creek Wildlife Area
• Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12