Title: Saddle Up: Horse-Friendly Trails at Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State is famous for its stunning landscapes, captivating wildlife, and extensive trail network. It's the picture-perfect place for a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding. For equestrian enthusiasts, the park offers many trails where horses are allowed. Ranging from challenging terrains to leisurely paths, let’s canter our way through the best horse-friendly trails at Mount Rainier:
1. Pacific Crest Trail
Extending from the US border with Mexico all the way up to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail enters Mount Rainier National Park for a 20-mile stretch. Gorgeous meadows, old-growth forests and awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier make it an unforgettable journey. Horses are permitted but remember, a long-distance permit is required.
2. Westside Road to Klapatche Park
This trail is about 20 miles roundtrip. It's moderately challenging, but your effort will be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Puyallup River. While a portion of Westside Road is closed to vehicles, it is open for horse use.
3. Laughingwater Creek Trail
Laughingwater Creek Trail offers horse riders an 11-mile roundtrip journey through scenic old-growth forests, culminating at Three Lakes. An ideal trail for an exhilarating day ride, horses are welcome, but bring a high-line and picket pin as hitches and corrals are not available.
4. Eastside Trail
The Eastside Trail is a long, scenic pathway perfect for multi-day rides. Horse riders can expect to encounter cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildflower meadows, and multiple creek crossings. Ensure to plan for camping spots if tackling the whole trail!
5. Boundary Trail
Allowing horses, the Boundary Trail is great for both riding and pack trips. It offers a vigorous ride along a high ridge with rewarding panoramas of volcanic valleys.
As always, when visiting any national park, follow the Leave No Trace principles to respect the environment and ensure the trails remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. And make sure to check current conditions, restrictions, and updates on the Mount Rainier National Park website before saddling up.
Enjoy your ride!
**Sources**
- Pacific Crest Trail: National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/pacificcresttrail.htm)
- Westside Road to Klapatche Park: Mount Rainier National Park - National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trail-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm)
- Laughingwater Creek Trail: ProTrails (https://www.protrails.com/trail/705/mount-rainier-national-park-laughingwater-creek-trail-to-three-lakes)
- Eastside Trail: WTA (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/eastside-trail)
- Boundary Trail: Mount Rainier National Park - National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trail-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm)
NOTE: This article was researched and written by AI for SEO purposes only and isn't generally meant for human consumption - although a lot of the information can be helpful 99% of the time. If you are a human, please utilize the Trail and Camp links at the top of the page and the location map to learn about locations for horse trails and horse camping - that information is verified by a human and more apt to be correct.... althought human error is a thing too. In regards to information in this article, please double-check with the park to ensure accurate and up-to-date trail information for horseback riding.