Are there fees or permits required for Fairy Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Fairy Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Fairy Falls.

Fairy Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Fairy Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Fairy Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Jaykhuang CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

thecosmicweb CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Bill Incognito CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Wonderlane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

brewbooks CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

700 ft

About Fairy Falls

Tucked into Mount Rainier National Park (managed by the National Park Service) in Pierce County, Fairy Falls is a dramatic horsetail waterfall that plunges about 680 feet (210 m) down into a narrow, wooded canyon. Fed by an unnamed tributary of the Cowlitz River, the cascade narrows to roughly 20 feet (6.1 m) across as it threads the canyon, creating a striking vertical ribbon of water framed by old-growth forest. The falls sit in the same Stevens Creek drainage historically fed by the Paradise Glacier, which once supplied the two forks above the tree line that formed Upper Stevens Creek Falls and Fairy Falls. Visitors will find the setting quietly wild and moss-draped—an appealing destination for hikers who want a moody, high-drop waterfall without leaving the park’s established trails and protections.

The Setting

Fairy Falls sits at 5,669 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the high mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Martha Falls (150 ft) lies 1.9 miles to the south.

Martha Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.5 mi distance 700 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The access route to Fairy Falls is an out-and-back hike of approximately 3.5 miles round trip with about 700 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is commonly rated moderate. The tread goes through dense forest with shaded sections and occasional viewpoints into the narrow canyon; after rain, parts of the trail can be muddy or slippery. This route lies within Mount Rainier National Park and is managed by the NPS; there is no USFS trail number or USFS surface/grade/class data for this NPS-managed trail.

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 Fairy Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Fairy Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall.

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

The trail may be slippery after rain, and there are some steep sections. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost. Cell service may be limited in the area.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (20 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

398 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

405 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 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.

3-meter lidar shows Fairy Falls dropping about 320 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 5,664 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 72 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 341 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Fairy Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 320 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,664 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 320 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; 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 south).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Fairy Falls is located near the town of Washougal, Washington, within the Columbia River Gorge area. Access is typically via a trailhead in the Cape Horn area, though specific directions may vary depending on the trail chosen.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at designated trailheads in the Cape Horn area. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

5,669 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.794554° N, -121.699815° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before heading out, as rain can make the trail slippery.

This trail sits at 5,669 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 23% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.5 miles and 700 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

La Wis Wis Campground

9.9 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