Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail

The trail connects the towns of Yelm, Rainier, and Tenino, and each community offers parking facilities. You can find convenient access points and parking in any of these towns, which also provide other services for trail users.

Yes, the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. However, for the most pleasant jogging conditions, spring and fall offer mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, and winter may bring cooler, wetter weather, but the paved surface generally remains accessible.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to use the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail. It is a publicly accessible path for all users.

The trail is a paved path, primarily asphalt, due to its origin as a former railroad corridor. This means it has a generally flat profile with a gentle, consistent gradient. While mostly well-maintained, some sections, particularly the 5.5-mile stretch between Yelm and Rainier, may have "root heaves" which are typically marked. The segment from Rainier to Tenino is reported to be in better condition.

The trail is generally considered easy to moderate for jogging. Its rail-to-trail design means it's mostly flat with a gentle 320-foot elevation change over its entire 14.5 miles, typically a gentle climb from Tenino towards Yelm. This makes it suitable for casual runs or longer, steady jogs.

Joggers can enjoy diverse scenery, including agricultural lands, dense forests, and tranquil wetlands. A notable highlight is a mile-long section of forest trail running alongside McIntosh Lake, where you might spot herons. The trail also offers expansive rural landscapes and, in some areas, potential views of Mount Rainier.

Yes, near its midpoint, the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail intersects with the Chehalis Western Trail. This connection opens up possibilities for extended runs further into Thurston County.

Absolutely. As a paved, non-motorized, and ADA-accessible path, the trail is welcoming to a broad spectrum of users, including families with strollers and individuals with accessibility needs.

Yes, as the trail connects the communities of Yelm, Rainier, and Tenino, you'll find convenient access to local amenities in these towns. This includes restrooms, cafes, and other services for trail users.

While the trail is generally well-maintained, be aware that the 5.5-mile section between Yelm and Rainier has been noted to have some "root heaves." These are typically marked for visibility. The segment from Rainier to Tenino is reported to be in better condition.