Grant Purcell Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
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, 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.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Cowlitz River, 5.9 miles away, not on Grant Purcell Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
739 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
1.46 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 COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (10 km away).
Today
Roaring
798 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
790 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
887 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
932 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1003 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1048 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1103 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
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.
Is Grant Purcell Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Grant Purcell Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 495 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.
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.
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