Comet Falls

The drama of the falls, along with its easy access make Comet Falls one of the park’s most popular waterfalls. This waterfall descends from Van Trump Park in a 462-foot plunge from Van Trump Creek, with two smaller drops below the main plunge. Comet Falls is so named because it resembled the tail of a comet. View the falls along its namesake hike, 1.6 miles from the trailhead. Continue another steep mile to the top of the cataract. The topography around the falls has changed dramatically due to recent floods and debris flows. Click here for lodging near the falls.

Visitor tip: the falls face toward the east, for the best photos try to arrive by late morning when the falls are illuminated. The cliffs tend to shade the falls in the early morning and late afternoon.

Height: 462 feet | Form: Tiered Plunges | Number of Drops: 3

Source Stream: Van Trump Creek | Access: Moderate Hike

Location: 46.79625 N, -121.78028 W

Directions: From the Nisqually entrance of the park, drive 10.4 miles to the Comet Falls trailhead. Hike 1.6 miles to the falls.

Q: Can I hike to Comet Falls in the winter? 

A: Yes you could however, you may not want to attempt this hike in the winter without equipment like poles, micro-spikes, snowshoes, a GPS and you may even want an ice ax. Plus you’ll want to be experienced hiking and navigating in snow and winter conditions. Use extreme caution crossing any body of water in the winter.