Are there fees or permits required for Cougar Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Cougar Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Cougar Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cougar Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,080 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Cougar Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cougar Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cougar Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

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

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

GOC53 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

ScottElliottSmithson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

GOC53 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

orkybash CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

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 summer fall

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

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

1,080 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.2k 1.6k 3.4k 4.5k

Based on 96 years of record

1.56 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

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

10.4 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 (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

1090 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1177 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

1245 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

1203 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

1103 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

1069 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

1059 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

1064 cfs

5/10

Best window: Sat — moderate flow, light rain likely (trip score 5/10).

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

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 Maps

Parking

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

Mount Rainier National Park NP

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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

Tiny Timber

9.3 35 reviews

Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier

10.0 4 reviews

Packwood Lodge & Cabins

8.6 643 reviews

Gateway Inn & Cabins

6.9 9 reviews

See all hotels near Packwood

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

La Wis Wis Campground

6.2 miles away · 113 sites

Reservable

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

Book on Recreation.gov