Are there fees or permits required for Nahunta Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Nahunta Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Nahunta Falls.

Nahunta Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Nahunta Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Nahunta 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)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Jonathan Miske from United States CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Nahunta Falls

Tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service, Nahunta Falls is a quietly beautiful waterfall set amid the park’s towering forests. Though its exact height and flow aren’t well-documented, the fall rewards visitors seeking a less-crowded, contemplative spot to enjoy rushing water and old-growth surroundings. Its location inside a national park means you’re hiking in protected wilderness, so plan to follow park rules and leave no trace. The falls make a convenient destination from nearby Cougar Rock Campground, just 2.7 km away, making it easy to base a night or two nearby. The route to Nahunta Falls is a moderate outing that suits hikers who want a short backcountry experience within Mount Rainier National Park without committing to a long, strenuous trek.

The Setting

Nahunta Falls sits at 3,993 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Comet Falls (320 ft) lies 1.1 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Christine Falls (69 ft, 0.6 mi) and Madcap Falls (25 ft, 1.1 mi).

Comet Falls Christine Falls Madcap Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The approach to Nahunta Falls is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. This summary reflects the recorded trail length, gain, and difficulty as managed by Mount Rainier National Park (NPS). Detailed surface, grade, and formal trail-class specifications are not provided in the available park data, so hikers should be prepared for typical national-park trail conditions and bring appropriate footwear and navigation. Note the trail lies on NPS land within Mount Rainier National Park and Cougar Rock Campground is the closest developed camping option (2.7 km away).

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and remote waterfall experience surrounded by dense forest. Due to the lack of detailed information, the area may be less frequented and could require advanced preparation.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nahunta Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Nahunta Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer may be the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have higher flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Cell phone reception may be limited in the area.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (20 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 Ashford 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.

3-meter lidar measures about 288 feet of descent through Nahunta Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 3,976 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 328 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 156 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Nahunta Falls near Ashford, Washington, showing about 288 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: 3,976 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 278 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; 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 southeast).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Nahunta Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or hiking guides for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

3,993 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.782609° N, -121.767040° 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 be prepared for uneven terrain.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

1.7 miles away · 184 sites

Walking distance 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

Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Wilkeson, Washington

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Ohanapecosh Hot Springs

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Packwood Hot Spring

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Packwood Hot Spring flows at 100 degrees at 1,002 feet elevation in the lower Cascade foothills near Morton, emerging 49.8 degr...

Orr Creek Warm Springs

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Orr Creek Warm Springs emerges at 72 degrees in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at 2,910 feet elevation, flowing 26.5 degre...

Lester Hot Springs

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This 120-degree spring sits within the City of Tacoma Watershed at 1,582 feet elevation, emerging 72.3 degrees above ambient in...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Wilkeson, Washington on SoakingSprings.

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Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions are not well-documented. Visitors may explore other natural areas in Washington for additional outdoor experiences.

Wildlife

The area may host typical Washington wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with bears or other larger animals.