Is swimming allowed at Christine Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Christine Falls.

Nearby gauge (Cowlitz River) · 739 ft³/s · About average

Christine Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Christine Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Christine Falls. 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.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park • 69 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

A Camera Story CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

GOC53 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

afagen CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

orkybash CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

randallrrogers CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

20 ft

About Christine Falls

Christine Falls is a picturesque waterfall located within Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. The waterfall cascades gracefully in two tiers, with the lower tier visible from a historic stone bridge that crosses Van Trump Creek. It is a popular stop for visitors due to its accessibility and stunning views.

The Setting

Christine Falls sits at 3,727 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, in the mountains of Washington. The falls drop 69 feet.

Height: 69 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Comet Falls (320 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the north. Also nearby: Madcap Falls (25 ft, 1.3 mi).

Comet Falls Madcap Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.1 mi distance 20 ft climbed

The Approach

No hiking required. Christine Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

The trail to Christine Falls is extremely short and more of a viewpoint walk than a hike. Visitors can walk a few steps from the parking area to the viewing platform, which offers a clear view of the lower tier of the falls framed by the historic stone bridge.

What to Expect

The falls drop 69 feet.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Christine 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?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Christine Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Christine Falls, as the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. However, the falls are accessible and beautiful year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious near the road and parking area as traffic can be heavy. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing near the falls or creek, as the rocks can be slippery and dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Cowlitz River, 12.6 miles away, not on Christine Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

739 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

380 613 1.5k 2.7k

Based on 97 years of record

1.46 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

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

COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA

USGS 14226500

12.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 287 sq mi

Altitude: 1,051 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

739 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

798 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

790 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

887 cfs

8/10

Fri

Roaring

932 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1003 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

1048 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

1064 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, cloudy (trip score 8/10).

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.

Is Christine Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Christine Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°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: 495 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.

3-meter lidar measures about 179 feet of descent through Christine Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 69 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 3,716 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 95 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 111 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Christine Falls near Ashford, Washington, showing about 179 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,716 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 179 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Christine Falls is located along the road to Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. It is easily accessible via the Nisqually Entrance, and the falls are just a short distance from the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the falls, but spaces may be limited during peak times. Visitors should be prepared to park along the road if the lot is full.

Elevation

3,727 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.780942° N, -121.779818° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious near the road as it can be busy with traffic.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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