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

    Kautz Creek Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    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.
    6.5-9h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.7 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.
    1,158 m
    User Ratings
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    The Kautz Creek Trail to Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground is an 17.7 km hard hike in Mount Rainier National Park that will test your endurance en route to a historic area of the park. This long, steep trail leads to a picturesque meadow that used to be home to a Native American mountain guide who guided many of the founders of the park. Bring lots of water and lots of bug repellent for this one!

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    Route Description for Kautz Creek Trail

    The hike on Kautz Creek Trail is a long, arduous one, but it leads to a very special part of Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll arrive in Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground, the former home of a Native American guide named So-To-Lick who provided guidance to the founders of the park many years ago. Bring lots of water and bug spray on this trail, as the elevation gain is constant and the bugs can be plentiful.

    The trail begins from the north side of the road, switchbacking through the forest. The ascent is consistent and unrelenting to the summit ridge of Mount Ararat, where you’ll have a great view of Rainier. Continue on, crossing meadows about 6.4 km in. From the meadows, continue for a mile to the junction with the Wonderland Trail.

    The junction marks the entrance into the hunting grounds (not hunting grounds anymore). You can enjoy the picnic table at the ranger’s cabin or just enjoy the flower-filled area.

    Return the way you came when you’re ready, or go on a bit further to Mirror Lake.

    Getting to the Kautz Creek Trail Trailhead

    To get to the trailhead for the Kautz Creek Trail from the Nisqually entrance to the park, drive east and look for a parking area with facilities on the right-hand side of the road just after a bridge and a culvert.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      July-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Kautz Creek Trail Elevation Graph

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    Kautz Creek Trail Reviews

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