Is swimming allowed at Madcap Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Madcap Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,710 ft³/s · About average

Madcap Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Madcap Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Madcap Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park • 25 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

jb10okie CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Madcap Falls

Madcap Falls is a picturesque 25-foot cascading waterfall located along the Ohanapecosh River in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It is part of the popular Wonderland Trail and is surrounded by lush forest scenery.

The Setting

Madcap Falls sits at 3,806 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington. The falls drop 25 feet.

Height: 25 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Narada Falls (188 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Christine Falls (69 ft, 1.3 mi).

Narada Falls Christine Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Madcap Falls is part of the Wonderland Trail and features a well-maintained path through old-growth forest. The hike includes gentle elevation changes and offers views of the Ohanapecosh River, with Madcap Falls being one of the highlights along the way.

What to Expect

The falls drop a gentle 25 feet.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Madcap Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Madcap Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides the most accessible trail conditions.

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 your visit, as snow or fallen trees may impact accessibility. Always carry the 10 essentials for hiking.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

1,710 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.3k 1.7k 3.5k 4.5k

Based on 96 years of record

2.17 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.

COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA

USGS 14226500

11.3 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 287 sq mi

Altitude: 1,051 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Madcap Falls is located within Mount Rainier National Park. The waterfall can be accessed via the Wonderland Trail, starting from the Box Canyon or Ohanapecosh trailheads. The trail is well-marked and maintained.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Ohanapecosh Campground or Box Canyon trailheads. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

3806 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.766220° N, -121.763428° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery in places. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before your trip, especially in spring and fall.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.0 miles and 400 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

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

1.5 miles away · 184 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Cougar Rock Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located near Paradise. Individual campsites are reservable on this page. Group campsite reservations can be made via Cougar Rock Group Campground. Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain-the highest in the state and Cascade range. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is t

Book on Recreation.gov