14,410 feet of fun & adventure await your exploration at Mount Rainier National Park! There are 61 moderate trails in Mount Rainier ranging from 0.6 – 18.9 miles and from 1,755 to 7,828 feet above sea level. Read on to learn about Comet Falls, and why you need to go!
Even just doing a drive through the park will give you gorgeous views, towering trees, and plenty of places to full over and take in the sights.
Comet Falls
With massive glaciers, powerful waterfalls, and alpine meadows, this hike leaves nothing to be desired.
A 3.8-mile hiking trail leads to a stunning 320-foot waterfall. Don’t let the “short” distance fool you, my friends. This hike is no joke.
Is it one of that hardest hikes I’ve ever done? No. But it’s a not a walk in the park, either.
Aw, rocky switchbacks, how I hate you.
On the way down you’ll want a walking stick if your knees aren’t what they used to be.
It is, however, totally worth it!
Comet Falls is a popular hike
The Comet Falls Trail is a very popular hike in Mount Rainier National Park, and there’s a good reason. Not only are the falls some of the tallest you’ll find in the park, but you’ll also get beautiful views of Van Trump Creek along the way!
Keep a watch for Bloucher Falls between the East Fork and the main stem of Van Trump Creek, and don’t forget to look up occasionally for views of Mount Rainier’s summit!
Note: this trail is unsurpassable when the snow falls heavily, unless you have snow shoes, (and a death wish) so the warmer months mean higher traffic on the trail.
It’s no doubt that Mount Rainier is known for its lush forests and streams, but that also means gorgeous wildflowers!
I clearly loved seeing them.
I made this trip in August, and the leaves were already changing colors! The colors in the above photo are 100% real and not adjusted! Super neat to see in person.
It was the perfect time of year to visit Mount Rainier. The weather was excellent for hiking!
For 1.8 miles the trail climbs steadily uphill until it reaches the base of Comet Falls.
From there it switchbacks 0.8 miles uphill to the junction with the Rampart Ridge Trail.
Van Trump Park is to the right, where the trail winds through the meadows until the maintained trail ends in 0.5 mile.
As you finally catch a glimpse of the falls, you’ll wanna trek it as fast as you can to get up close and personal.
Comet Falls is a cascading waterfall created by glacier water melting over the towering mountainside. You can see the snow still prevalent and melting below the falls! It’s a stunning sight to see.
These falls are extremely beautiful and powerful! The closer you get to the waterfalls, the more it feels like it’s instantly pouring rain. And, since it is a glacier waterfall, it’s super duper cold!
Although I’ve always been respectful of nature, I recently learned that wildflower etiquette is a real thing.
So, I’d like to also add a disclaimer here that no wildflowers were harmed in the making of these photos.
Nothin’ but love.
As mentioned previously, the switchbacks on the way down can be super rough on your knees. I’d suggest bringing a walking stick. It’ll make your life a million times easier!
Getting there
Enter the park from the west entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, 13.5 miles east of Elbe on State Route 706. Drive 10.2 miles to the Comet Falls Trailhead parking lot on the left.
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
In Summary
Comet Falls is a gorgeous hike at Mount Rainier National Park. I highly recommend trekking to see the stunning falls for yourself!
And if you’re looking for more things to do in the area, be sure to read 10 Things to Do Near Seattle!
You’ll find everything from hidden gems to iconic landmarks!
Need other ideas of places you can travel during the pandemic?
Check out Things to do Near Lake Powell!
21 Responses
Even without snow that thing is no joke!
I second that!
Never been to Mt. Rainier but it looks gorgeous! So many waterfalls and so much green vegetation everywhere!! Living in the desert you forgot how wonderful that is! Enjoyed pictures of your hike as well! Not sure I would have been able to hike it, but pretty incredible nonetheless!
It’s such a beautiful place! Thanks so much for reading!
Wow, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your trip and nice photos. Such a luxury to go exploring during this time. And at such a stunning place. Really envy you right now!
I agree! So nice to be able to do some domestic travel! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and the kind words!
Wow, that picture is stunning. It almost looks like the falls is a product of CGI or something haha. I’m sure the hike is totally worth it if this is the kind of view that will greet you.
It was totally worth it! Such a beautiful place! Thanks for checking out the article! ♥️
Mount Rainier is on my travel list. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I love the plush greenery offset by the waterfalls and wild flowers. So picturesque! Thanks for sharing your adventure. 🙂
Thanks so much! So awesome to see a diverse landscape outside of the usual desert life!
I can’t wait to get back out hiking! This looks absolutely beautiful!
Hiking is my happy place! Thanks for taking the time to check out the post!
Wow such gorgeous waterfalls! I would trade the city for a day in Mount Rainier for sure!
You and me both! Thanks girl!
Beautiful pictures, as per usual!! These shots are incredible! This is such an accomplishment!
Aw, thanks Pam! It’s an awesome place to experience!
Comet Falls seems like a wonderful place to visit. Your pictures are great, btw, as well.
Thanks so much! It’s a gorgeous place for sure!
This park is so beautiful! I keep telling my partner that we must make a road trip to the pacific northwest!
Nathalia | NathaliaFit – Fitness & Wellness Blog
http://www.nathaliafit.com
It’s gorgeous! Thanks for reading!
What fantastic pictures that you have shared. I haven’t been to Mount Rainer in years now and seeing your beautiful pictures has made it so that I will have to go back and see it again. I am a native born and raised in Washington State and I have seen a lot of places but Mount Rainer is probably my most favorite place to go.