Palisades Trail (#1198) is a 11.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Enumclaw, Washington that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Dogs on leash
Hiking
Mountain biking
Snowshoeing
Forest
River
Views
Waterfall
Wild flowers
Wildlife
Bugs
Snow
This trail has it all, from beautiful forests, good climbing and fun descents to technical sections with views of Mt. Rainier from cliffs that will inspire you. Start hiking through old growth timber. At a tenth of a mile cross Dalles Creek and for the next mile be careful as you hike through a series of short switchbacks in loose rock. You will gradually climb and cross Snoquera Creek at mile 3.7. At mile 4.7 you reach viewpoints of the White River Valley below. The next section of your hike will take you through a recent timber harvest area at mile 5.5. Another viewpoint of the valley below is just ahead at mile 5.7. At mile 6.6 is the junction with Ranger Creek Trail 1197.
No permit required. No toilet available.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Enumclaw Office 450 Roosevelt Ave. E. Enumclaw, WA 98022 (360) 825-6585
Follow Highway 410 from Enumclaw east 28.1 miles (one quarter-mile past the Skookum Falls viewpoint) to wide area on left side of highway. Follow White River Trail #1199 0.2 miles to start of Palisades Trail.
Mon Jun 22 2020couple blowouts, no snow, nice all the way up to dalles ridge drop in, fun as always
Sun Jun 21 2020
Sun Jun 14 2020Tue Jun 02 2020So nice to get out on a trail. Air smelled amazing.
Sun May 31 2020Sun May 31 2020Great trail. First mile or 2 is the workout. Great views, even with overcast skies. Saw quite a few others heading up. Started at 5:30am......loved this trail
Mon May 25 2020Great hike. Did this yesterday, beautiful day and trail was in great shape. First part of the trail is where most of the elevation gain is and then it’s more gradual from there. Some great views and best part was not a ton of people on it.
Sun May 24 2020Hiked this today. This was a nice trail, well-maintained. Lots of hiking in forested areas, and some nice views from the top. No snow, a few creek crossings which were easily managed. The views of the waterfalls were the best parts of the trail. I would say this is moderate because of the length, but the elevation gain is not particularly challenging.
Sun May 24 2020Gorgeous! Got there at 9:50 on a Sunday, there was still some edge space to park in. The first part of the trail is super steep, but most of it is medium gentle until the top. Views are incredible. Everyone was happy to social distance when necessary, but not very busy.
Sun May 24 2020Gorgeous hike! Snoquera falls was worth the detour, and the views up palisades were beautiful on this sunny day
Sat May 23 2020Highly recommend! A Beautiful waterfall only after a mile or so that you can rest at from the steepish incline right from the parking lot. Numerous view points along the trail to hang out and have lunch on. Would recommend getting there by at least 8am to beat the crowds. Some snow on the trail but easily navigable. Couldn’t see Mt. Rainier because of the clouds but still wonderful views all around.
Sun May 17 2020Hiked this in August 2019. We went on a pretty overcast day, so the views were limited by the clouds and overcast. The “trailhead” doesn’t really exist - it’s an opening in the trees on the side of the road. You have to really look for it as you approach it. We drove past and had to turn around because we couldn’t locate it. To get up to the actual trail from the opening in the roadside trees, you have to climb up a bit of a steep slope but it’s only about 15 feet. Most of the trail is through dense forest, so lots of winding trail and was great for the dog to explore. The trail is also mountain bike friendly, so there were a couple times we had to step off to the side to let some groups through. It opens up to a great vantage point toward the end - this is where we stopped and ate lunch before heading back.
Sat May 09 2020Great trail, nice views! We had excellent weather. Began the hike quite early; only saw a handful of people on the way down. Didn't make it quite to the peak since the snow was soft, but pulled back to the last overlook for a quick picnic and some photos. There were signs of mountain goats along the Ridge, but we didn't actually see any goats.
Fri May 08 2020One car ahead of us in the lot at 7:30 on a Friday. Very fun trail. Steep to start but the waterfalls were beautiful. Trail evens out and takes a long meander through the forest with lots of moss and pretty light through the trees. Comes up to a ridge line where you play peek a boo with Mt. Rainier. It was pretty windy for us but not uncomfortable. The trees were creaking and it was kinda freaky. A few water crossings and one with a ton of snow/ice on a bridge but nothing too scary. Slushy snow at the top prevented us from continuing to the peak (honestly, I was just too tired at that point). So we went back to the last viewpoint and had lunch. Saw about a dozen people on the way down but everyone was great at social distancing/wearing masks. Great day!!!
Thu May 07 2020Hiked Palisades to Little Ranger Peak yesterday. Some snow at deep creek bed at 3.7m in. Bridges(2) at this point were covered and slick. Poles or a walking stick would help. No need for spikes. Spoke with Forrest Service employee Weds who stated "trails are open, trailheads closed". There were no signs and we didn't get towed...
Tue May 05 2020Trail is in overall great condition on 5/5. I was the first one there at 7:15 and didn’t see anyone until I was a quarter of the way back down. If you are as distracted by the lower falls as I was it’s easy to miss the switchback. You don’t cross the water there so be sure to backtrack and keep going up through the particularly brutal section of the vertical climb. A couple of bridges have loose boards so tread carefully. Waterproof shoes a must for the river crossings. One patch of snow about 4 miles in, be careful as it’s a little slick over two bridge crossings, I was able to complete without spikes. Beautiful views were worth it at the end. If you’re not a fan of skinny trails on sheer cliffs stay away.
Fri Apr 17 2020Overall it was a pretty good experience. Total spending roughly 6 hrs for this hike . 3.5 hrs up and 2.5hrs down . Once we have reached to the top , the view were quite spectacular . Waterfalls are great too . Neither my friend and I had micro spikes on . Not muddy Recommended
Sat Apr 11 2020Thu Apr 09 2020This trail begins with a ~2 mile fairly steep ascent to a ladder. There are many switchbacks in this section though no snow. The next mile is fairly flat and easy with a trace of snow as you gain elevation. At ~3.5 miles you cross a snow field that is not well packed. There were many postholing episodes. Beyond this you stay on snow and ice until you arrive at the cliffs. They are snow free. The final ascent had deep snow and no visible trail. The views from the cliffs are magnificent. You can climb a bit around them depending on your confidence. There were some goat droppings about, but none seen. This trail is great. The snow field took some work. And the final ascent. Well worth the time. Enjoy your travels.
Mon Mar 02 2020Great snow hike. On the way up (around 9am) the trail was covered in snow the entire way. One group had gone before me and paved a path. Although the trail is followable even in more snow (at least for the first 4 miles). First viewpoint (about 2.5 miles) was doable without micro spikes, but they help. Second view point (1 mile plus) was accessible, but pay attention to the trail. I was the first one to tackle the trail to the second lookout. Second lookout was well worth it, view is gorgeous. If you time it right, you’ll see Rainier across the way. About .5 mile after second lookout the trail is lost. Just too much snow and no idea where the trail is actually supposed to go. Still beautiful, but made more for snowshoeing past that point.
Wed Dec 04 2019Love this trail!. It was a perfect day for hiking, the scenery was gorgeous. We walked through some light snow, but easy to navigate and it wasn't muddy!
Fri Nov 29 2019This trail was beautiful! I hiked up to the 3rd viewpoint thanksgiving weekend. It was challenging with the snow but it was a great adventure and we could easily still follow the trail. Be safe and prepared but this is totally worth it!
Mon Sep 02 2019Gorgeous area and trail. The trail does not become flat and is hill the entire way, so if you are looking for a flat hike, this isn't it. However, it is gorgeous, the trails are nice, and there is a lot to see.
Sun Jun 30 2019Nice hike. Not a whole lot to see except a few viewpoints and small waterfalls. Lovely, dense forest. Nice and quiet, arrived at 7am and only passed 5 others on my way back.
