Is swimming allowed at Ipsut Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ipsut Falls.

Live Conditions · 101 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Ipsut Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ipsut Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ipsut Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

brewbooks CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

5.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Ipsut Falls

Ipsut Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It is situated near the Carbon River area and is known for its serene surroundings and lush forested setting.

The Setting

Ipsut Falls sits at 2,631 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Carbon River, in the hills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Spray Falls (354 ft) lies 3.8 miles to the south.

Spray Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Ipsut Falls follows the Carbon River Road, which is now a wide, flat trail. It is surrounded by dense forest and offers views of the Carbon River along the way. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most visitors.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through old-growth forest with occasional views of the Carbon River. Ipsut Falls is a smaller waterfall but offers a tranquil setting, making it a rewarding destination.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ipsut Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ipsut Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Ipsut Falls, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger 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

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check trail conditions before visiting, as fallen trees or flooding may occasionally impact access.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

101 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

117 149 256 390

Based on 82 years of record

5.87 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.

CARBON RIVER NEAR FAIRFAX, WA

USGS 12094000

10.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 79 sq mi

Altitude: 1,214 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CARBON RIVER NEAR FAIRFAX, WA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

101 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

115 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

113 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

107 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

106 cfs

10/10

Tue

Roaring

106 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

107 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

106 cfs

6/10

Best window: Sun — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late 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 Carbonado 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 3-meter lidar measures about 165 feet of drop through Ipsut Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2,637 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 213 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 228 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Ipsut Falls near Carbonado, Washington, showing about 165 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,637 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 165 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Ipsut Falls can be accessed via the Carbon River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Visitors typically hike along the Carbon River Road, which has been closed to vehicles and is now a trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Carbon River Entrance, but spaces may be limited, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,631 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.970661° N, -121.830936° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to secure parking and enjoy the trail with fewer crowds. Bring sturdy footwear, as the trail may be muddy in places, especially after rain. Check weather conditions before visiting.

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

The Dalles Campground

13.8 miles away · 44 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated on the banks of the White River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Dalles Campground offers visitors stunning scenery and access to a multitude of recreational activities within the Cascade region. Scattered beneath a towering canopy of diverse forest, the sites in this campground are widely-spaced and many are at the water's edge.Recreation Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities in the area. For visitors wanting a glimpse at the wonders of the area, hi

Book on Recreation.gov