Are there fees or permits required for Maple Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Maple Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Maple Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Maple Falls.

Live Conditions · 363 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Maple Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Maple Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Maple Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Maple Falls, see below

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Frank Fujimoto CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

striatic CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Ralph Earlandson CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Maple Falls

Maple Falls is a peaceful, cascade-style waterfall tucked into the forests of Mount Rainier National Park. Surrounded by verdant trees and the hush of the park’s backcountry, the falls offer a quiet spot to enjoy tumbling water and the scent of old-growth forest. The setting is ideal for a short nature escape and for photographers seeking soft light through the canopy. The site and access are managed by the National Park Service as part of Mount Rainier National Park (designation: NP). Reaching the falls involves a relatively short hike, so it’s a popular choice for day visitors who want a rewarding endpoint without a long, strenuous trek. Check current park conditions with the NPS before you go, as trail and seasonal access can change.

The Setting

Maple Falls sits at 3,018 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Martha Falls (150 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the west.

Martha Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The approach to Maple Falls is a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. This makes for a relatively short hike that nonetheless includes some uphill sections. Park-provided data does not specify a formal trail surface, grade percentage, or technical class; refer to National Park Service resources for the latest trail maintenance and condition updates before setting out.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Maple Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Maple Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Maple Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

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, especially after rain. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

363 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.05 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

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

10 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 287 sq mi

Altitude: 1,051 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

363 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

414 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

392 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

360 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

366 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

390 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

398 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

405 cfs

6/10

Best 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 428 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,009 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 173 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 102 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Maple Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 428 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,009 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 428 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Maple Falls is located near the town of Maple Falls, Washington. Access typically involves driving along forest roads, but specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability may vary depending on the trailhead. Visitors are advised to check local resources or AllTrails for the most up-to-date information.

Elevation

3,018 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.756499° N, -121.662869° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

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With 2.0 miles and 300 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

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Nearby Campground

La Wis Wis Campground

6.7 miles away · 113 sites

Reservable

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

Book on Recreation.gov