Are there fees or permits required for Pearl Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Pearl Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pearl Falls.

Live Conditions · 203 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Pearl Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Pearl Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Pearl Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Pearl Falls

Pearl Falls is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s quieter spectacles, plunging about 400 feet (120 m) from a sheer columnar basalt cliff into an amphitheater-like basin. Fed by glacial Pearl Creek roughly halfway along the creek’s course, the falls feature an unbroken main drop of nearly 200 feet (61 m) and a geology that traces back to cooled eruptions of Mount Rainier, the park’s stratovolcano. The result is a dramatic, photogenic cascade that’s often compared in form to nearby Comet Falls. Nestled within Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service, Pearl Falls is a rewarding destination for hikers who prefer a more secluded outing. If you want to camp nearby, Cougar Rock Campground is about 3.83 km away, making an overnight stay a convenient option. Plan for changing mountain conditions and bring layers—the setting is as wild and rugged as it is beautiful.

The Setting

Pearl Falls sits at 5,384 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Puyallup River, in the high mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Comet Falls (320 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the east. Also nearby: Christine Falls (69 ft, 1.7 mi).

Comet Falls Christine Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Pearl Falls is an out-and-back hike of about 3.0 miles with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The route winds through dense, shaded forest and offers intermittent openings to creekside views; underfoot the trail can include roots, rocks, and uneven sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Expect a typical forest tread rather than a paved surface, and allow extra time for slower footing on steeper or rockier stretches.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views of the waterfall. The area is typically quiet, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pearl Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Pearl Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Pearl Falls, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail may have slippery sections, especially after rain. Always stay on marked paths and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Low

203 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

205 267 412 523

Based on 98 years of record

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

PUYALLUP RIVER NEAR ELECTRON, WA

USGS 12092000

13.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 93 sq mi

Altitude: 1,637 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge PUYALLUP RIVER NEAR ELECTRON, WA (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

506 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

577 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

518 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

472 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

471 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

491 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

502 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

503 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 May to mid August, 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.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 574 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 5,389 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 391 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 163 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Pearl Falls near Ashford, Washington, showing about 574 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: 5,389 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 574 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

Pearl Falls is located in Washington, but specific directions to the trailhead are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for accurate details.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,384 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.801497° N, -121.799264° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.

This trail sits at 5,384 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.0 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

2.4 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