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.

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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

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

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

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

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.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (22 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 153 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,699 feet above sea level.

Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 124 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Marie Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 153 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 4,699 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 153 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

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.

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

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Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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Glamping Hipcamp

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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