Is swimming allowed at Comet Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Comet Falls.

Comet Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Comet Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Comet Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park • 320 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

orkybash CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,250 ft

About Comet Falls

Comet Falls is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington. The waterfall cascades in a dramatic free-fall of approximately 320 feet, with additional smaller tiers below.

The Setting

Comet Falls sits at 4,990 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington. At 320 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.

Height: 320 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Christine Falls (69 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the south.

Christine Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.8 mi distance 1,250 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,250 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Comet Falls is a moderately challenging hike that follows Van Trump Creek. The trail features steep sections, rocky terrain, and several small waterfalls along the way. The final approach to Comet Falls offers stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding forest.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 320 feet.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Comet Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Comet Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Comet Falls is during late spring through early fall, when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.

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

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Use caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be wet and unstable. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry the Ten Essentials.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (22 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

384 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

398 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 548 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 320 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,912 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 307 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 50 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Comet Falls near Ashford, Washington, showing about 548 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 4,912 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 548 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; 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 southeast).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Comet Falls is located in Mount Rainier National Park, approximately 4 miles east of Longmire along the Paradise Road. The trailhead is well-marked and located near a small parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but it is limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

4,990 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.795942° N, -121.780096° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can be cool and damp even in summer.

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With 3.8 miles and 1,250 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

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Nearby Campground

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

2.1 miles away · 184 sites

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