After a long winter, it feels good to get outside and walk in the forest. Spring is a transition month in the Mt. Rainier area. As the snow melts more roads open and the waterfalls roar. Check out these 8 waterfall hikes to take this spring. Click the links below for more information on each of these hikes.
Carbon River to Ipsut Falls: 15 miles round trip, considered an easy but long hike in the Carbonado area. National Park Pass required. For lodging near Ipsut Falls click here. Best time to hike? Spring-Fall
Chenuis Falls: 6.4 miles round trip, considered an easy hike in the Carbon River area. National Park Pass required. For lodging near Chenuis Falls click here. Best time to hike? April-October.
Denman Falls: 16.3 miles round trip, considered a strenuous hike near Westside Road. National Park Pass required. Best time to hike? June-October.
Doe Falls via Suntop: 7.25 miles round trip, considered a moderate hike near Chinook Pass. NW Forest Pass required. For lodging near Doe Falls click here. Best time to hike? Late June-early October.
Goat Falls: 1-mile round trip, considered an easy hike near Chinook Pass. NW Forest Pass required. For lodging near Goat Falls click here. Best time to hike? May and June.
Little Mashel Falls: 5.75 miles round trip, considered an easy hike, in the Eatonville area. No pass required. For lodging near Little Mashel Falls click here. If you’re looking for an extra activity before or after visiting the Falls there’s wine tasting at Stringtown Cellars and Lavender Farm located a short 12-minute drive from the falls. Best time to hike? Year-round.
Silver Falls Loop: 3 miles round trip, considered an easy hike in the Ohanapecosh area. National Park Pass Required. Best time to hike? Late May through mid-October.
Snoquera Falls: 4.2 miles round trip, considered a moderate difficulty hike in the Chinook Pass area. NW Forest Pass required. For lodging near Snoquera Falls click here. Best time to hike? April-early June.
This is only a sampling of the waterfalls in the region. Would it surprise you to know there are over 300 waterfalls in the county? Half of those waterfalls are located in Mt. Rainier National Park. Don’t miss seeing iconic waterfalls this spring like Narada Falls and Christine Falls. Narada Falls is located within walking distance of the road from Longmire up to Paradise. Christine Falls can be viewed from the comfort of your car. There is no hiking required to enjoy viewing Narada or Christine Falls. The list above focuses on waterfall hikes accessible during spring for a list of additional waterfalls accessible during the summer months click here.
We hope this information proves helpful. Please let us know if you decide to explore any of these trails. Feel free to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. #visitrainier