Is swimming allowed at Narada Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Narada Falls.

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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

0.2 mi distance 50 ft climbed

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.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (19 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 261 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 188 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 4,574 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 120 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 190 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Narada Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 261 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 4,574 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 261 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; 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 south).

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

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