Are there fees or permits required for Marie Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Marie Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Marie Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,050 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Marie Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Marie Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Marie Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Harold Litwiler, Poppy CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

deepskyobject CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Washington Area Spark CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

guano CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Washington Area Spark CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Marie Falls

Marie Falls is a tucked-away cascade set among the forested slopes of Mount Rainier National Park, offering a peaceful, picture-perfect stop for hikers who prefer quieter corners of the park. Managed by the National Park Service, the falls reward visitors with a serene view framed by Washington’s lush greenery — a great choice for photographers and nature lovers looking to escape the busiest park trails. The approach to Marie Falls is approachable but not trivial: the route into the falls is an out-and-back hike of moderate difficulty that climbs through typical park woodland. Because the waterfall sits inside Mount Rainier National Park, check current conditions and trail access with the NPS before visiting to make the most of your outing.

The Setting

Marie Falls sits at 4,698 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Official trail surface, grade, and trail class/number are not listed in the provided data; visitors should expect typical mountain-park trail conditions and variable footing. The route is managed by the National Park Service as part of Mount Rainier National Park—confirm current trail status and any seasonal closures with the park before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be remote and less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Marie Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Marie Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow 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 unmaintained and could have uneven terrain or slippery sections. Visitors should exercise caution and be prepared for remote conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 19 minutes ago Barely Flowing

1,050 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

1.1k 1.7k 3.3k 4.1k

Based on 96 years of record

1.53 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.

COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA

USGS 14226500

13.8 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 (22 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1060 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1208 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

1209 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

1108 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

1074 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

1064 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

1069 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

1015 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, rain and snow likely (trip score 4/10).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Marie Falls is not widely documented. It is recommended to consult local hiking resources or maps for precise directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking near the trailhead.

Elevation

4,698 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.808999° N, -121.626480° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the trail and access points may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for uneven terrain.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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

Tiny Timber

9.3 35 reviews

Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier

10.0 4 reviews

Packwood Lodge & Cabins

8.6 643 reviews

Gateway Inn & Cabins

6.9 9 reviews

See all hotels near Packwood

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

8.5 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