Giant Falls
Washington • Mount Rainier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Giant Falls
Giant Falls is a scenic waterfall tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service. The cascade sits amid the park’s forested slopes and alpine backdrop that surround Mount Rainier, the stratovolcano protected by the park; viewpoints near the creek reveal the falls’ energetic flow framed by towering trees and mossy rock. Access to Giant Falls is a classic Mount Rainier day hike — a moderately rated out-and-back that rewards effort with a relatively secluded waterfall setting. The route covers roughly 4.0 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain; trails and the surrounding landscape are managed by the NPS, so plan visits with park conditions and regulations in mind.
The Setting
Giant Falls sits at 4,531 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.0-mile out and back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Out-and-back, 4.0 miles round trip with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain (moderate difficulty). The trail winds through dense forest with occasional clearings that frame views of the surrounding landscape and the falls; hikers will encounter some steep sections and uneven footing along the route. The hike is non-technical but requires steady footing on natural tread.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene hike through a forested area, culminating in a stunning view of Giant Falls. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of rushing water adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Giant 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 Giant Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal, as the waterfall is typically at its most powerful due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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 are steep sections that require caution. Stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Puyallup River, 8.6 miles away, not on Giant Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
373 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 99 years of record
3.78 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PUYALLUP RIVER NEAR ELECTRON, WA (14 km away).
Today
Roaring
403 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
407 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
376 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
405 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
472 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
463 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
463 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
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.
Is Giant Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Giant Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 43°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 491 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.
3-meter lidar shows Giant Falls dropping about 456 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 4,535 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 82 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 284 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,535 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 456 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Giant Falls is located within a forested area in Washington. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead, followed by a hike through well-marked trails. Specific directions may vary depending on the starting point, so consulting a map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead, though spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Hours
Elevation
4,531 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.903162° N, -121.852602° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check weather conditions before heading out, as the trail may be slippery after rain.
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With 4.0 miles and 800 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
Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier
Gateway Inn & Cabins
Redtail Rendezvous Private A-Frame Cabin Near Mount Rainier
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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Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions may include additional hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and picnic areas.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Giant Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Giant Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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