Are there fees or permits required for Ethania Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Ethania Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ethania Falls.

Live Conditions · 388 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Ethania Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ethania Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ethania Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Photo Credits (2)

brewbooks from near Seattle, USA CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Ethania Falls

Tucked into the forested slopes of Mount Rainier National Park, Ethania Falls is a lesser-known cascade that rewards hikers with a peaceful, green setting away from busier park corridors. The falls sit within the park’s managed lands and make a satisfying destination for those looking for a quieter outing—ideal for photographers and nature lovers who appreciate a short, scenic hike. Access to Ethania Falls is via a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that gains about 350 feet in elevation and is rated moderate. The trail’s manageable distance and gentle climb make it a great half-day excursion in Mount Rainier National Park; check with park resources for seasonal access and current conditions before you go.

The Setting

Ethania Falls sits at 2,976 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Puyallup River, in the hills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Spray Falls (354 ft) lies 6.6 miles to the northeast.

Spray Falls

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 length: 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The trail lies within Mount Rainier National Park (National Park Service). No USFS trail number or surface/grade/class data were provided in the available information; consult the park’s trail maps and current trail reports for specifics on footing, route markers, and seasonal conditions.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with a waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ethania Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ethania Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are likely the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow 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 be cautious of slippery rocks, changing weather conditions, and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails if available.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

388 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

429 562 931 1.2k

Based on 98 years of record

3.89 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.

PUYALLUP RIVER NEAR ELECTRON, WA

USGS 12092000

7.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 93 sq mi

Altitude: 1,637 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge PUYALLUP RIVER NEAR ELECTRON, WA (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

388 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

442 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

413 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

403 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

397 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

383 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

378 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

379 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, light rain (trip score 4/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid August, 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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Ethania Falls is not well-documented. Visitors may need to consult local hiking guides or maps for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should prepare for limited or roadside parking in the area.

Elevation

2,976 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.835107° N, -121.916771° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather conditions.

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.

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

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA)

7.3 miles away · 29 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated in the vicinity of majestic Mount Rainier, Big Creek is a family campground nestled among Douglas firs, hemlock, alders and maples. The lush vegetation offers plenty of privacy between sites. The sites at Big Creek form a loop, with only a handful of sites sitting along the banks of Big Creek. Open from mid-May through late September, Big Creek provides an alternative to the campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park, which can get very crowded during the summer. Recreation Angl

Book on Recreation.gov