Kautz Creek Trail
Table of contents
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!
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
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Twin Firs Loop Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Carter Falls and Madcap Falls via Longmire
Mount Rainier National Park
Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout
Mount Rainier National Park
Madcap Falls Hike
Mount Rainier National Park
Carter Falls Hike
Mount Rainier National Park
Kautz Creek Trail to Longmire
Mount Rainier National Park
Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes
Mount Rainier National Park
Eagle Peak Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Trail of the Shadows
Mount Rainier National Park
Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge and Emerald Ridge Loop
Mount Rainier National Park
Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge Hike
Mount Rainier National Park
Rampart Ridge Hike
Mount Rainier National Park