Garda Falls
Washington • Mount Rainier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Garda Falls
Tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service, Garda Falls is a quietly scenic cascade that rewards visitors who seek a peaceful forest escape. The falls sit along a 3.0-mile out-and-back route that gains about 500 feet and offers dappled light through old-growth trees, making it a great half-day outing for hikers who enjoy a mix of mellow walking and short uphill stretches. Because it sees fewer visitors than the park’s marquee sights, Garda Falls is a lovely spot for photography and a contemplative break beside rushing water. The trailhead and approach travel through dense, verdant forest typical of the park. The nearest established camping is Silver Springs Campground, roughly 16.75 km (about 10.4 miles) from the trailhead, so plan this as a day hike unless you intend to stay elsewhere in the park. As part of Mount Rainier National Park, this area is managed for long-term conservation and visitor safety—check current NPS conditions before you go and pack out what you pack in to help keep the setting pristine.
The Setting
Garda Falls sits at 4,885 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a 3.0-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The route winds through dense forest and alternates between relatively flat stretches and moderately steep sections; expect uneven footing in places with roots and rocks, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The trail surface is natural tread typical of backcountry park paths; hikers should allow extra time for slower sections on the climbs and watch for seasonal trail conditions maintained by the National Park Service.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil hike through a forested area leading to a scenic waterfall. The falls may be more impressive during spring or early summer when water flow is higher.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Garda Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail in Mount Rainier National Park, except leashed dogs on the Pacific Crest Trail along the park's eastern edge.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Garda 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
The trail may be slippery after rain, and there could be loose rocks or roots. Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall, as wet rocks can be hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Huckleberry Creek, 11.1 miles away, not on Garda Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
37 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
36.91 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HUCKLEBERRY CREEK NEAR GREENWATER, WA (18 km away).
Today
Strong
38 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
39 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
40 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
42 cfs
8/10Sat
Roaring
45 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
44 cfs
6/10Mon
Strong
40 cfs
7/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
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.
Is Garda Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Garda Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 40°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 35 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 364 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 4,873 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 310 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 199 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,873 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 364 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Garda Falls is located in a remote area of Washington. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead followed by a hike. Specific directions may vary, so consulting a reliable map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may be located at a trailhead. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
4,885 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.922364° N, -121.725920° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate footwear. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may be slippery after rain.
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With 3.0 miles and 500 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
Mountain Meadows Inn & Chalet Suites
Tiny Timber
Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Silver Springs Campground
10.4 miles away · 51 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails and natural features in the surrounding area.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and avoid feeding animals.
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