Is swimming allowed at Carter Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Carter Falls.

Carter Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Carter Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Carter Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Carter Falls, see below

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

jb10okie CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

djwudi CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

dolanh CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Frank Fujimoto CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Carter Falls

Carter Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It is fed by the Nisqually River and surrounded by lush forest, offering a serene and scenic experience for visitors.

The Setting

Carter Falls sits at 3,684 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Narada Falls (188 ft) lies 1.3 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Christine Falls (69 ft, 1.2 mi) and Madcap Falls (25 ft, 0.3 mi).

Narada Falls Christine Falls Madcap Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Carter Falls follows the Wonderland Trail and crosses the Nisqually River via a sturdy footbridge. The path is well-maintained but includes some moderate elevation gain and rocky sections. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest, providing a tranquil and shaded hike.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with scenic views of the Nisqually River and surrounding forest. Carter Falls itself is a cascading waterfall that is particularly impressive during spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Carter Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Carter Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Carter Falls, as the waterfall is most impressive during peak snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring snow-covered scenery but could limit access.

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

Be cautious when crossing the Nisqually River, especially during high water flow. The trail can be slippery in wet or icy conditions. Always check weather and trail conditions before your visit.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

363 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

414 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

392 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

360 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

366 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

390 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

398 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

405 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Ashford hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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.

Here the descent is spread out: 3-meter lidar measures about 86 feet of drop through Carter Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 3,686 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 56 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Carter Falls near Ashford, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Carter Falls near Ashford, Washington, showing about 86 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,686 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 86 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Carter Falls is accessed via the Wonderland Trail, starting from the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. The trailhead is located near the Cougar Rock Campground.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Cougar Rock Campground or nearby trailhead parking areas. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

3,684 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.764831° N, -121.768706° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during summer weekends. Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven in places. Check weather and trail conditions before visiting, as snow or rain can make the trail slippery.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.0 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

1.2 miles away · 184 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Cougar Rock Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located near Paradise. Individual campsites are reservable on this page. Group campsite reservations can be made via Cougar Rock Group Campground. Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain-the highest in the state and Cascade range. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is t

Book on Recreation.gov