What are the current trail conditions regarding blowdowns or major obstacles?

Blowdowns from recent storms were noted near the beginning of the trail as of November 1, 2026. A section of the trail on the Ranger Creek trail, about half a mile from its junction with the Palisades trail, had collapsed or blown out about 8-10 feet down the slope as of [August 19, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-19.192201574445), and this may worsen over time. There are also steep, slippery switchback corners that can be skiddy going downhill. Some tricky parts with loose rock on steep sections were noted on the way down as of [August 7, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-07.210117591330).

What is the status of water crossings or waterfalls?

A small waterfall noted on November 1, 2026 was reduced to a trickle due to dry conditions. Lower and Upper Dalles Falls were still gently flowing as of [August 7, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-07.210117591330). There are several creek crossings on the trail as of November 1, 2026.

What is the parking situation like at the trailhead?

Parking can vary. On a Monday morning in August 2026, the lot was empty at 8 am with only one other car arriving as the group left. On a Wednesday morning in August 2026, there were several cars at the Palisades lot by 8:30 am and more arrived later, though trail traffic was light.

Have there been any recent reports on bugs or wildlife?

No bugs have been reported as of [November 1, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-01.180331698472) and November 1, 2026. No specific wildlife sightings were mentioned in the recent reports, though a hiker noted passing a group of polite bikers on [August 19, 2026](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-19.192201574445). There is mention of a potential old trail cam location box found near the bottom of the Ranger Creek trail on August 19, 2026.

Palisades

Mount Rainier Area

updated 1 week ago

The Palisades Trail is currently in good condition with no snow reported. The road is suitable for all vehicles and there are no bugs as of November 1, 2026. Recent reports from November 1, 2026 highlight the arrival of fall colors, with vine maples, bigleaf maples, cottonwoods, and alders displaying lovely golden hues. While the trail generally offers spectacular views, a small waterfall noted on November 1, 2026 was reduced to a trickle due to dry conditions earlier in the season. Blowdowns from recent storms were noted near the beginning of the trail on November 1, 2026. Parking availability can vary, with reports indicating light traffic on a Monday morning in August 2026 and moderate numbers at the Palisades lot by mid-morning on a Wednesday in August 2026.

Generated from 47 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Palisades

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

Blowdowns from recent storms were noted near the beginning of the trail as of November 1, 2026. A section of the trail on the Ranger Creek trail, about half a mile from its junction with the Palisades trail, had collapsed or blown out about 8-10 feet down the slope as of August 19, 2026, and this may worsen over time. There are also steep, slippery switchback corners that can be skiddy going downhill. Some tricky parts with loose rock on steep sections were noted on the way down as of August 7, 2026.