Martha Falls
Washington • Mount Rainier National Park • 150 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Martha Falls
Martha Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It cascades down a series of rocky steps, creating a picturesque and serene setting. The waterfall is fed by the Paradise River and is surrounded by lush forest and alpine scenery.
The Setting
Martha Falls sits at 3,675 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, in the mountains of Washington. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.
Height: 150 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Fairy Falls, the tallest waterfall in Washington at 680 feet, lies 1.9 miles to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Martha Falls is a short and relatively easy hike along the Wonderland Trail. It features gentle elevation changes and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest and Paradise River. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 150 feet.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Martha Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on any trail in Mount Rainier National Park, except leashed dogs on the Pacific Crest Trail along the park's eastern edge.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $30.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Martha Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Martha Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is accessible, and the waterfall flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.
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. Stay on designated trails to avoid accidents and protect the environment. Check weather conditions before visiting, as sudden changes can occur in the mountains.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Cowlitz River, 10.7 miles away, not on Martha Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
739 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
1.46 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (17 km away).
Today
Roaring
798 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
790 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
887 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
932 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1003 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1048 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1064 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, cloudy (trip score 8/10).
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.
Is Martha Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Martha Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 495 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
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.
3-meter lidar measures about 278 feet of descent through Martha Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 150 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 3,691 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 278 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 127 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,691 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 278 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Martha Falls is located along the Stevens Canyon Road in Mount Rainier National Park. The falls can be accessed via the Wonderland Trail, which intersects with the road near the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at nearby trailheads along Stevens Canyon Road. During peak seasons, parking may be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
3,675 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.767332° N, -121.694259° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy in spring or after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. Arrive early during summer months to secure parking and avoid crowds.
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This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Mountain Meadows Inn & Chalet Suites
Tiny Timber
Gateway Inn & Cabins
Rainier Spa Cabin 7 Minutes to Park
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
4.7 miles away · 184 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Narada Falls, Reflection Lakes, and the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, marmots, and numerous bird species. Visitors should be cautious of bears and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Cities near Martha Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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