Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the National Park Service.
A project is being proposed to open the suspension bridge to Mount Rainier National Park’s Grove of the Patriarchs.
The park, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration’s Western Federal Lands Highway Division, is inviting the public to learn about plans to replace the historic suspension bridge and restore trail access to the ancient old-growth forest loop.
The original suspension bridge, constructed in 1961, was permanently closed and removed following severe flood damage and heavy river drift in November 2021. To ensure long-term resilience against extreme weather, park engineers and specialists are designing a new, relocated suspension bridge spanning approximately 215 feet—about double the length of the original structure—elevated 30 to 35 feet above the riverbed.
The park will host two public open houses to share engineering renderings, project timelines, and environmental stewardship plans, as well as respond to public questions:
- In-Person Public Open House: 5p.m. to 7p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. White Pass Country Museum located at 12990 U.S. Highway 12, Packwood, WA 98361
- Virtual Public Meeting: 6p.m. to 7p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. At the following webpage click on the “Meeting Notices” link under the Project Links sidebar for the webinar link: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GroveOfThePatriarchsBridgeAndTrail
The proposed design incorporates crucial natural resource protections, including specialized construction techniques like highline cable delivery to protect delicate tree roots, and careful scheduling to safeguard threatened species such as the Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet.
Trail and bridge construction is planned to begin in 2028. The bridge and trail are projected to open to the public in 2029.
For more information on the in-person open house, to view the interactive GIS Storymap, or to access the upcoming online public meeting link, please visit: parkplanning.nps.gov/GroveOfThePatriarchsBridgeAndTrail
