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Mud Mountain Dam – Vista Trail

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
47.1432, -121.9331 Map & Directions
Length
0.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
260 feet
Highest Point
1,300 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
View from Vista Point at Mud Mountain Dam (photo by Ric Walston) Full-size image
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

Located on the White River near Mount Rainier, the Mud Mountain Dam is both a flood control dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a recreation facility. The Vista Trail is short but steep. Continue reading

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Hiking Mud Mountain Dam – Vista Trail

Located on the White River near Mount Rainier, the Mud Mountain Dam is both a flood control dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a recreation facility.

The Vista Trail is short but steep. Start at the upper observation where you will find views of the White River basin and Mud Mountain Dam. After taking in the sights, hike down the steep switchbacks to the lower observation deck where you can get a closer view the dam and its operational areas. For longer hikes, check out the Mud Mountain Dam – Rim Trail and River Trail.

Mud Mountain Dam has specific open hours that vary slightly through the seasons. Please check their website for more information.

Hike Description Written by
Claudia Lopez, WTA Community

Mud Mountain Dam – Vista Trail

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.1432, -121.9331 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

From Jan to Apr 2023, the park is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays only. Check the website for more details: https://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-and-Dams/Mud-Mountain-Dam/Recreation/

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From I-5 S, take exit 142A to get onto Hwy 18 E. In about 4.5 miles, take the exit for Hwy 164 E toward Auburn Wy/Enumclaw. Continue on Hwy 164 E for about 15 miles through Enumclaw, then take a left onto Roosevelt Ave/Hwy 410 E. Stay on Hwy 410 E for approximately 6 miles, then make a right onto Mud Mountain Road. After around 2.5 miles, you will reach Mud Mountain Dam.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Vista Trail (#0)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Guidebooks & Maps

60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Seattle

2nd Ed. (Weber and Stevens - Menasha Ridge Press)

Buy the Green Trails Enumclaw No. 237 map

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Mud Mountain Dam – Vista Trail

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