Are there fees or permits required for Margaret Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Margaret Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Margaret Falls.

Live Conditions · 333 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Margaret Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Margaret Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Margaret 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)

Brokentaco CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

ehpien CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Brokentaco CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Margaret Falls

Margaret Falls is a peaceful cascade tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The waterfall drops through a lush, forested setting that rewards photographers and day-hikers alike with dappled light, mossy boulders, and the steady rush of the stream. Because the falls sit within the park, expect classic Mount Rainier backdrops and a sense of protected, natural solitude.

The Setting

Margaret Falls sits at 6,053 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the high mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The approach to Margaret Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with about 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated as moderate. The route follows an established footpath through forested terrain—suitable for most hikers comfortable with a steady uphill grade—ending at viewpoints near the cascade. The trail is managed as part of Mount Rainier National Park by the NPS; specific surface type and a formal trail number are provided through park resources and on-site signage.

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 Margaret Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Margaret Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Margaret Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails to avoid accidents.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

333 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

290 386 592 860

Based on 96 years of record

0.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual 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

14 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 (23 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

333 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

333 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

325 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

313 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

314 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

338 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

339 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

317 cfs

9/10

Best window: Sat — moderate 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 245 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,031 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 76 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 294 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Margaret Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 245 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,031 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 245 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Margaret Falls is located within a forested area in Washington. Specific directions may vary depending on your starting point, so it is recommended to use a reliable GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not well-documented, but visitors should expect to find parking near the trailhead or along nearby roads. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Elevation

6,053 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.815665° N, -121.659815° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery in some sections. Check weather conditions before your visit.

This trail sits at 6,053 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 24% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

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

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

7.2 miles away · 184 sites

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