The most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Rainier is the source of five major river systems. Its over two dozen glaciers feed numerous streams, creeks and rivers, many of which run down the mountain in cascades and waterfalls.
Mount Rainier National Park is well-known for its spectacular alpine scenery, wildflower-covered meadows, old-growth forests and photogenic lakes. But there are also some stunning waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park.
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Top 4 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park
Some of the Mount Rainier waterfalls are seasonal, (dis)appearing in certain periods of the year. Many are hidden in wilderness areas, inaccessible to visitors.
Others are, in fact, reachable and visible, whether it’s from a roadside viewpoint or along one of the many hiking trails at Mount Rainier.
Below, you’ll find a handful of the most beautiful waterfalls at Mount Rainier, all of which are fairly easily accessible, either on the road or on a short hike.
What Is the Best Time to See Waterfalls at Mount Rainier?
Generally speaking, the waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park are at their most beautiful and impressive selves in early-summer.
Snowmelt in June and July feeds the creeks and streams that run down the slopes. This is when the water flow in the park is at its highest.
Additionally, you might also be able to see some spectacular waterfalls in the fall. During that time, usually mid-October through November, the main water source of the falls is rain.
Late-summer is arguably the worst time to enjoy the Mount Rainier waterfalls. After all snow has melted at higher elevations, only the major waterfalls will have (some) water in late-August through early-October. This is, however, a spectacular time of year to hike to park’s highest trails, which will be free of snow then.
4. Christine Falls
Although not among the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, Christine Falls is certainly one of the most picturesque.
Named after Christine Van Trump, the daughter of one of the first people who climbed Mount Rainier, this 60-foot waterfall is framed beautifully by a historic arched bridge. The waterfall is in Van Trump Creek, which is fed by the Van Trump Glacier high above.
You’ll find this beautiful waterfall on the road to Paradise, about 4.5 miles east of Longmire. Park at the Comet Falls parking area and walk down a short pathway to a viewpoint underneath the bridge.
Additionally, you can also walk past Christine Falls on the Comet Falls Trail, only 0.2 miles from the trailhead at the parking area.
3. Silver Falls
During high water flows, Silver Falls is one of the most impressive Mount Rainier waterfalls.
The eponymous waterfall of the 3-mile Silver Falls Loop Trail, it’s a powerful 60-foot drop in the Ohanapecosh River in the park’s southeastern corner.
After a series of smaller cascades, the river falls into a gorgeous natural amphitheater. Surrounded by old-growth forest and continuing through a gorge, this section of the Ohanapecosh River is one of the most scenic spots in Mount Rainier National Park.
The trail crosses a footbridge across the gorge, offering wonderful views of Silver Falls and the moss-covered rocks and trees around it.
2. Narada Falls
On sunny days, the spray and mist coming from Narada Falls often create a beautiful rainbow at the base of the waterfall. It’s a magical scene and easily one of the top sights in Mount Rainier National Park.
This waterfall is 9 miles east of Longmire and about 3 miles below Paradise.
You can see it from the top, but I highly recommend walking the steep but short path to the bottom of the falls. There, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the entire 168-foot waterfall, often adorned by the aforementioned rainbow.
This is one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park that are accessible from a road.
1. Myrtle Falls
The absolute jewel in the shimmering crown of Mount Rainier waterfalls is Myrtle Falls. Even though its 60-foot height is not particularly impressive, its setting undeniably is.
Situated 0.4 miles from the Paradise Inn on a paved section of the superb Skyline Trail, this braided waterfall in Edith Creek is backed by majestic Mount Rainier itself.
Tall trees frame Myrtle Creek amazingly well, while the meadows of Paradise roll towards the mountain behind the falls.
A small wooden bridge crosses Edith Creek just above the falls, providing fantastic photo opportunities.
This incredible scene of rolling meadows, a thundering waterfall and Mount Rainier itself makes the Skyline Trail one of the best waterfall hikes in the national parks.
Check Out This Guide to Accommodation in Mount Rainier National Park.
More Mount Rainier National Park Waterfalls
The Mount Rainier National Park waterfalls described above are merely a sample of the park’s extraordinary number of falls and cascades. They’re the cream of the crop, though.
If you’d like to see some more falls in the park, there are many more that are accessible as well, including the following.
- Carter Falls
- Comet Falls
- Fairy Falls
- Ohanapecosh Falls
- Ranger Falls
- Sluiskin Falls
- Spray Falls
- Van Trump Falls
- Wilson Glacier Falls
- …