Cougar Falls
Washington • Mount Rainier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Cougar Falls
Cougar Falls sits within Mount Rainier National Park and is managed by the National Park Service, offering a peaceful waterfall setting framed by the park’s dense forest. The falls are a lovely destination for hikers and nature lovers seeking a relatively short outing inside the park; the approach follows a moderate, wooded route that rewards visitors with cascading water and classic Pacific Northwest scenery. Access to Cougar Falls is via an out-and-back trail that covers 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The route’s moderate rating makes it a good option for hikers who want a shorter park hike with a bit of climb while remaining close to Mount Rainier’s broader trail network and park facilities.
The Setting
Cougar Falls sits at 2,841 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the hills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Managed by: National Park Service within Mount Rainier National Park. (Surface, grade, and formal trail class data were not provided.)
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cougar Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cougar Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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
Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail muddy and more challenging.
Current Water Conditions
363 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
1.05 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
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 COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (17 km away).
Today
Roaring
414 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
392 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
360 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
366 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
390 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
398 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
405 cfs
6/10Best 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 Packwood 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 210 feet of drop through Cougar Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2,843 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 146 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 91 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,843 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 210 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer 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
Cougar Falls is located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, which may be unpaved and rough in some sections. Visitors should check local conditions before traveling.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
2,841 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.759833° N, -121.628424° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check road conditions before heading out.
Where to Stay
Tiny Timber
Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier
Packwood Lodge & Cabins
Gateway Inn & Cabins
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
La Wis Wis Campground
6.2 miles away · 113 sites
Overview Situated at the confluence of three waterways near Mount Rainier, La Wis Wis is nestled under a canopy of towering Douglas firs and red cedars. The handful of sites that dot the riverbank enjoy the most sunshine. With an abundance of activities nearby, La Wis Wis is a popular destination for long-stay camping. Its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring all of the area's natural wonders. Recreation Hikers can easily access the Blue Hole Trail and
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include other waterfalls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, such as Panther Creek Falls and Falls Creek Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other larger animals.
Cities near Cougar Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Cougar Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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