Palisades
Mount Rainier Area
As of July 3rd, 2026, the Palisades trail is clear of major blowdowns that were previously reported, with only a few logs to straddle and minor erosion noted. Parking was easy. The trail begins steeply and the Lower Dalles Falls is currently a trickle. Recent work has been done on the trail. While earlier reports from April and May highlighted significant blowdowns, particularly before a staircase, and some instability on the hillside, these appear to have been addressed by early July. Snow is no longer an issue on the trail.
generated from 36 reports
Conditions at a Glance
Trail
Trail in good condition
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Snow
Intermittent snow - not hard to cross
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Road
Road suitable for all vehicles
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Bugs
No bugs
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Sources
On a partly cloudy Friday, parking was easy off the side of the road, and I passed about 6 hikers and 2 mountain bikers on the trip. Previous trip reports mention a major blowdown that was difficult t...
Hiked up to the 3rd overlook on Palisades today. gorgeous chill trail once past the blowdowns! As mentioned in previous reviews, the gnarly blowdown just before the stairs is still there (last picture...
Agree with prior trip report. Trail would be great except blowdowns, about 20 minor under over, but the area right before the stairs is sketchy, and the hillside is somewhat unstable with dirt and roc...
Below the stairway; lots of trees down (see below). Above the stairway; perfect trail, gentle slope big views at several spots. Quiet.The blowdowns; about 5 or 6 we had to duck under and at time drop...
Hiked Palisades trail today. I think my third time in several years. Good views at the top and some flowers starting to bloom, likely more in a couple weeks. Generally, the trail is its normal easy-...
First time hiking this trail for me and wow it gave so much more than it took!!! Had it all to ourselves today! There is still major fallen trees/rock slide just before the staircase. If you're health...
As others have mentioned, there is a decent blowdown section right before the staircase. With some careful maneuvering, it’s passable. I hiked up about 5 miles and then turned around. The trail has so...
After completing Mailbox Peak in about 5 hours and Mt. Si in about 4 hours, I thought most trails would feel manageable—but this one turned out to be the toughest hike I’ve done so far this year.It’s ...
I attempted to hike the Palisades trail on a sunny day, but ended up aborting just before getting to the staircase. There are multiple trees down and a lot of debris to wade through. Snow made it more...
There are several trees to go over or under the most difficult one is nearly to the third overlook, it’s high enough off the ground you need to sit on it and it and the snow is slick. See photo. The w...
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