Alice Falls
Washington • Mount Rainier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
About Alice Falls
Tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service, Alice Falls is a quieter cascade that rewards visitors with a peaceful setting away from the park's busiest corridors. The falls are a lesser-known stop for hikers who enjoy solitude and the sense of discovery that comes with exploring Mount Rainier’s backcountry pockets. Its location within the national park means visitors should follow NPS regulations and practice leave-no-trace principles while enjoying the view. Access to Alice Falls is most commonly via a short out-and-back hike that gains a moderate amount of elevation, making it a good option for hikers looking for a manageable day outing rather than a long trek. The nearest developed camping is Silver Springs Campground, about 19.85 km away, so plan accordingly for overnight stays and check park resources for current conditions and any trail alerts before you go.
The Setting
Alice Falls sits at 3,307 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Park-provided data lists the trail length, gain, and difficulty but does not specify a formal surface type, grade profile, or trail class; hikers should be prepared for typical natural-trail conditions such as roots, rocks, and variable footing. As the route is managed within Mount Rainier National Park by the NPS, expect standard park trail maintenance and consult current NPS trail reports for any closures or seasonal access notes before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with the sound of cascading water and surrounding greenery. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Alice Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail in Mount Rainier National Park, except leashed dogs on the Pacific Crest Trail along the park's eastern edge.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Alice Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during severe weather.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Huckleberry Creek, 11 miles away, not on Alice Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
37 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
36.91 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HUCKLEBERRY CREEK NEAR GREENWATER, WA (18 km away).
Today
Strong
38 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
39 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
40 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
42 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
43 cfs
7/10Sun
Strong
41 cfs
7/10Mon
Strong
39 cfs
7/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Greenwater hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Alice Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Alice Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 35 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 396 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,302 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 360 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 78 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,302 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 396 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location of Alice Falls is not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for directions. It may be located within a forested area, requiring some navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited parking options and consider carpooling if visiting with a group.
Elevation
3,307 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.960662° N, -121.788712° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
Where to Stay
Buckley Inn
Lake Tapps Bungalow
Comfort Inn & Suites Pacific - Auburn
Secluded Greenwater Cabin with Loft Near Rainier
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Silver Springs Campground
12.3 miles away · 51 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions are not well-documented. Visitors may explore other natural areas in Washington.
Wildlife
The area may host typical Pacific Northwest wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with bears or other larger animals.
Cities near Alice Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Alice Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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