Kautz Creek Nature Trail

The Kautz Creek Nature Trail at Mt. Rainier National Park near Longmire, Washington is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a view of Mt. Rainier from the southern end of the Kautz Creek Valley.

Explore Kautz Creek Valley

This short boardwalk trail leads from the main parking area, located on the south side of Paradise Valley Road, westward to the edge of Kautz Creek. Along the boardwalk are information signs that help visitors better understand the natural topography and dangers of being downstream from Mt. Rainier's glaciers and glacial melt.

In short, Kautz Creek valley really could be flooded at any time by glacial melt or a catastrophic landslide on Mt. Rainier. While the vegetation thats growing along Kautz Creek almost takes over most of the view you'll find near the end of the trail, this doesn't mean that flash floods do not occur here. Following the boardwalk to the edge of Kautz Creek, you'll be standing next to the Paradise Valley Road bridge that spans the water with a forest of younger-growth trees that fill in the banks. To the north, however, is a view of Mt. Rainier's glacier-covered peak as it reaches over the trees. Note that over time these trees may completely fill-in the view, leaving visitors with a short walk to the water's edge of Kautz Creek instead.

While yes, there are better views of Mt. Rainier at Mt. Rainier National Park this very short out-and-back, universally-accessible trail provides a quick and easy way to appreciate the mountain from a different perspective.

Universal Access

This trail is universally accessible from the parking lot out to where the boardwalk ends where you'll find a view of Mt. Rainier. Note that the trail surface between the boardwalk and the exposed dirt area may not be accessible for every situation or visitor, but the terrain is flat with no roots to trip on.

Parking & Fees

Visitors will find a large parking lot on the south side of Paradise Valley Road on your way into the Longmire / Paradise areas of Mt. Rainier National Park. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles as of June 2025. As of June 2025, there's a $25 entry fee for the park which is good for several days. If you plan ahead, you can speed up your entry with an Annual National Park's Pass.

Pets

All pets, including dogs, are not allowed on any trails within Mt. Rainier National Park, so please leave your dogs at home.

Warning

Flash flooding: During certain times of the year, especially in spring with snow and glacier melt, in addition to heavy rainfall, there may be flash flooding along Kautz Creek. Flash floods happen in an instant, so be aware of the dangers while out exploring.