Is swimming allowed at Chenuis Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Chenuis Falls.

Live Conditions · 132 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Chenuis Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Chenuis Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Chenuis Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

NPS Photo Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

8.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Chenuis Falls

Chenuis Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It is a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades beautifully along the Chenuis Creek, offering visitors a serene and scenic experience.

The Setting

Chenuis Falls sits at 2,244 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Carbon River, in the hills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Spray Falls (354 ft) lies 5.4 miles to the south.

Spray Falls

Trail & Hike Details

8.4 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 8.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Chenuis Falls follows the Carbon River Road, which is a wide, relatively flat path through lush forest. After reaching the Ipsut Creek Campground, a short spur trail leads to the falls. The trail may involve crossing Chenuis Creek, which can be challenging during high water levels.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through old-growth forest, with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the Carbon River. The waterfall itself is a stunning sight, especially 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 Chenuis Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Chenuis Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Chenuis Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during this period.

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 Chenuis Creek, especially during high water levels. Always check weather conditions before your visit, and carry the Ten Essentials for hiking.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

132 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

111 146 257 336

Based on 82 years of record

6.04 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

CARBON RIVER NEAR FAIRFAX, WA

USGS 12094000

9.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 79 sq mi

Altitude: 1,214 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CARBON RIVER NEAR FAIRFAX, WA (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

132 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Strong

132 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

134 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

132 cfs

10/10

Tue

Roaring

133 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

133 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

132 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

115 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Carbonado 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.

3-meter lidar measures about 232 feet of descent through Chenuis Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,246 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 265 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 87 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Chenuis Falls near Carbonado, Washington, showing about 232 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,246 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 232 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; 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 southwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Chenuis Falls is accessed via the Carbon River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. From the entrance, visitors must hike along the Carbon River Road, which is closed to vehicles but open to hikers and bikers. The trail to the falls begins near the Ipsut Creek Campground.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Carbon River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Visitors should note that parking can be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,244 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.993161° N, -121.841492° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy waterproof footwear, as the trail may be muddy or involve creek crossings. Check weather conditions and water levels before visiting, as high water can make the creek crossing dangerous. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.

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With 8.4 miles and 300 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

The Dalles Campground

13.5 miles away · 44 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated on the banks of the White River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Dalles Campground offers visitors stunning scenery and access to a multitude of recreational activities within the Cascade region. Scattered beneath a towering canopy of diverse forest, the sites in this campground are widely-spaced and many are at the water's edge.Recreation Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities in the area. For visitors wanting a glimpse at the wonders of the area, hi

Book on Recreation.gov