Grand Park - Lake Eleanor Access

One of the most outstanding places in Mount Rainier National Park is Grand Park. The two mile mesa like meadow drops down on most sides and is filled with endless wildflowers. But, one look at the park issued map reveals that Grand Park is a long way from Sunrise or the Carbon River Roads. For the more prepared outdoor types, having a green trails map or USGS map shows a Forest Service road just outside the north boundary of the park, not too far from a trail that leads into Grand Park. My first time doing this backdoor route was around 1990. Back in that day, information was not so available. Our plan was to just be dropped off at Eleanor Creek and sneak into the park, a half mile cross-country walk over easy terrain. We arrived and found it had a nice trail the whole way to Lake Eleanor. I have used this back door many times since and after the internet came about, it is not uncommon to find the road packed full of parked cars at this location.

From Enumclaw, drive east 24 miles on State Route 410 to a junction with Forest Road 73. Turn right and drive 6 miles to a bridge over Huckleberry Creek. There is a gate here that is closed during winter. Beyond the bridge, continue another 2.5 miles to a road junction. Turn right and go 1.5 miles to the unofficial trailhead near the Eleanor Creek Bridge.

The trail goes a short distance, enters the park and up a half mile to Lake Eleanor. Now on an official park trail, hike 2.5 more miles up into Grand Park. Once at the main meadows, continue hiking as views keep improving. Go all the way to the Wonderland Trail Junction. Stop here, the Wonderland only goes down in both directions, stay high.

Grand Park - Lake Eleanor Access

Lake Eleanor Trail Route: