Is swimming allowed at Narada Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Narada Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,070 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Narada Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Narada Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Narada Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park • 188 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

j.s. clark CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Narada Falls

Narada Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. The falls are fed by the Paradise River and are known for their dramatic drop and picturesque surroundings. The upper tier cascades in a horsetail shape, while the lower tier fans out in a veil-like appearance, making it a popular spot for photography.

The Setting

Narada Falls sits at 4,573 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington. At 188 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.

Height: 188 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Madcap Falls (25 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the southwest.

Madcap Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Narada Falls is a short and well-maintained path that leads from the parking area to a viewpoint below the falls. The trail is slightly steep but manageable for most visitors. It offers a close-up view of the falls and the surrounding lush forest.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 188 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Narada Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Narada Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit Narada Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak. Winter visits can also be rewarding for those prepared for snowy conditions, as the frozen falls are a unique sight.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially when wet or icy. Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edge near the falls. In winter, check road and trail conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 35 minutes ago Low

1,070 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.0k 1.7k 3.2k 4.1k

Based on 96 years of record

1.55 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

11.7 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 (19 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1030 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1112 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

1086 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

1052 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

1043 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

1047 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

994 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

980 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — 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

Narada Falls is located along the Paradise Road in Mount Rainier National Park. It is easily accessible from the Narada Falls parking area, which is just off the main road. The falls are approximately 15 miles from the Nisqually Entrance to the park.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near Narada Falls, which can accommodate cars and small vehicles. However, parking may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

4,573 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.775109° N, -121.746483° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery, especially near the falls. Bring a rain jacket or waterproof gear if you plan to get close to the falls, as the mist can be heavy. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.

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For this easy 0.2 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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

2.3 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