Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Rainier National Park

Deadhorse Creek Trail to Golden Gate Loop

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-4h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
493 m
User Ratings
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The Deadhorse Creek Trail to Golden Gate Loop is a 7.7 km moderately trafficked loop trail in Mount Rainier National Park that is rated as moderate. This loop makes use of two popular trails to offer great views of the Paradise region of Mount Rainier National Park. Because of the dense network of trails in the area, it’s easy to combine this trail with another hike nearby.

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Route Description for Deadhorse Creek Trail to Golden Gate Loop

This pretty, moderate loop hike in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park is a great option for intermediate hikers looking to enjoy views over the endless old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and mountains of the park. Bring bug spray on this hike!

The trail begins from the upper lot at Paradise, to the left of the restrooms. Take Waterfall Trail to Deadhorse Creek Trail, crossing the namesake creek. When Deadhorse Creek merges with Skyline, continue roughly north, keeping right at the split with Glacier Vista Trail.

Skyline eventually turns sharply right. Continue to Panorama Point, and then shortly thereafter, take the Upper Skyline Trail that branches right (if you hit Pebble Creek, you’ve gone too far). Continue to Golden Gate Falls, switchbacking down Golden Gate Trail.

The trail merges with Skyline and passes Myrtle Falls. Continue on Skyline back to Paradise.

Getting to the Deadhorse Creek Trail to Golden Gate Loop Trailhead

To get to the trailhead for the Deadhorse Creek Trail and Golden Gate Loop from the east entrance to the park, take Highway 123 to Stevens Canyon Road. 30.6 km from the turnoff, turn right onto Paradise Road East. In just over two miles, park at the upper lot.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    April-September

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Loop

Deadhorse Creek Trail to Golden Gate Loop Elevation Graph

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Deadhorse Creek Trail to Golden Gate Loop Reviews

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