Are there fees or permits required for Cress Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Cress Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cress Falls.

Live Conditions · 31 ft³/s · About average

Cress Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cress Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Cress 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 (4)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

About Cress Falls

Cress Falls is a lesser-known cascade tucked into the wooded landscape of Mount Rainier National Park. Managed by the National Park Service, the falls offers a peaceful, picture-perfect stop for hikers looking for a quieter experience away from the park’s busiest overlooks. Its forested setting and gentle soundscape make it a rewarding short outing for nature lovers and photographers alike. Access to the falls is along a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that gains roughly 350 feet and is generally rated moderate in difficulty. Because the waterfall sits within Mount Rainier National Park, follow NPS signage and regulations on the approach and practice Leave No Trace to keep this serene spot pristine for others.

The Setting

Cress Falls sits at 5,128 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Huckleberry Creek, in the high mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Park records do not specify a USFS trail number, surface type, grade, or technical class for this route; the approach is through forested terrain and footing can vary with season and weather. The trail is managed by the National Park Service as part of Mount Rainier National Park—check current park conditions and advisories before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cress Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cress Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have a stronger flow due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths if available.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

31 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

28 31 43 55

Based on 14 years of record

36.86 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.

HUCKLEBERRY CREEK NEAR GREENWATER, WA

USGS 12096865

10.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 35 sq mi

Altitude: 2,244 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HUCKLEBERRY CREEK NEAR GREENWATER, WA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

31 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

31 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

32 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

31 cfs

10/10

Tue

Roaring

33 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

35 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

35 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

32 cfs

9/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early 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 Greenwater 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 314 feet of descent through Cress Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 5,137 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 229 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 390 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cress Falls near Greenwater, Washington, showing about 314 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,137 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 314 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Cress Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for the most accurate route information.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or roadside parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

5,128 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.955940° N, -121.773433° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for potential muddy or uneven terrain.

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

Silver Springs Campground

11.7 miles away · 51 sites

Reservable

Overview Silver Springs Campground is situated on the banks of the scenic White River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just outside Mt. Rainier National Park's North Arch entrance. Silver Springs offers visitors stunning scenery and access to a multitude of recreational activities.Recreation The White River sustains populations of salmon and trout, making it a great spot for fishing. A natural spring flows through the campground as well. Hiking and climbing top the list of recreational ac

Book on Recreation.gov