Photo Credits (1)
Trail Length
0.1 miles
About Grant Purcell Falls
Grant Purcell Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Washington, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush forest and is a rewarding destination for those seeking a peaceful nature experience.
The Setting
Grant Purcell Falls sits at 1,368 feet within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the foothills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Grant Purcell Falls (#162A), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
GRANT PURCELL FALLS #162A
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.12 miTrail Description
The trail to Grant Purcell Falls is not well-documented, and details about its length, terrain, and condition are unclear. Visitors should be prepared for potentially unmarked or rugged paths.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less crowded due to its relative obscurity.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Grant Purcell Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grant Purcell Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit when water flow is typically at its peak.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Gifford Pinchot National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may be unmarked or rugged. Visitors should exercise caution, especially near the waterfall, as rocks may be slippery. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (10 km away).
Today
Roaring
414 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
392 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
360 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
366 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
390 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
398 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
405 cfs
6/10Best 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 150 feet through Grant Purcell Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,368 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 79 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 109 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,368 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 150 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Grant Purcell Falls is located in Washington, but specific directions to the falls are not widely documented. Visitors may need to rely on local knowledge or GPS coordinates to locate the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.
Elevation
1,368 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.670946° N, -121.587588° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check local conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Tiny Timber
Packwood Lodge & Cabins
Tall Timber
Rainier View | Mt Rainier, White Pass
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
La Wis Wis Campground
0.2 miles away · 113 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls and hiking trails in Washington may be nearby, but specific attractions are not documented.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Pacific Northwest wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Grant Purcell Falls
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