Is swimming allowed at Sluiskin Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sluiskin Falls.

Live Conditions · 333 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Sluiskin Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sluiskin Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Sluiskin 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)

jb10okie CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

sfgamchick CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

www78 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

5.5 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

1,700 ft

About Sluiskin Falls

Sluiskin Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It is a two-tiered waterfall that cascades down the Paradise River, offering stunning views of the surrounding alpine scenery. The falls are named after Sluiskin, a Native American guide who played a significant role in the early exploration of the area.

The Setting

Sluiskin Falls sits at 5,948 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the high mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Narada Falls (188 ft) lies 1.9 miles to the southwest.

Narada Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 5.5-mile loop trail gains 1,700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The Skyline Trail is a popular hiking route that offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and several waterfalls, including Sluiskin Falls. The trail is well-maintained but includes some steep sections and uneven terrain. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect stunning views of Sluiskin Falls as it cascades down the Paradise River. The surrounding area features lush alpine meadows, vibrant wildflowers (in summer), and panoramic views of Mount Rainier. Wildlife sightings, such as marmots and deer, are also common along the trail.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sluiskin Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sluiskin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Sluiskin Falls is during the summer months (July to September) when the trail is snow-free, and wildflowers are in bloom. Spring and fall can also be beautiful, but trail conditions may vary.

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

Hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and carry the 10 essentials. Snow may linger on the trail into early summer, so check trail conditions before your visit. Stay on marked trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

333 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

290 386 592 860

Based on 96 years of record

0.99 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

12.6 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 (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

333 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

333 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

325 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

313 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

314 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

338 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

339 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

317 cfs

9/10

Best window: Sat — moderate 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 276 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,967 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 120 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 225 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sluiskin Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 276 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,967 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 276 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Sluiskin Falls is located along the Paradise River in Mount Rainier National Park. It can be accessed via the Skyline Trail, which begins near the Paradise Visitor Center. The trailhead is well-marked and easily accessible by car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Paradise Visitor Center, which serves as the starting point for the Skyline Trail. However, parking can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

5,948 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.793165° N, -121.717316° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly. Carry plenty of water and snacks, and consider trekking poles for the steeper sections of the trail.

This trail sits at 5,948 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 24% 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 5.5 miles and 1,700 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

4.1 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

Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Wilkeson, Washington

Explore Washington hot springs

Mt Rainier Fumaroles

4.6 mi 162°F

Mount Rainier fumaroles reach 162 degrees at 14,217 feet elevation, emerging 154.8 degrees above ambient at Washington's highes...

Longmire Mineral Springs

6.1 mi 77°F

Longmire Mineral Springs flows at 77 degrees within Mount Rainier National Park at 2,758 feet elevation, emerging 31.9 degrees ...

Ohanapecosh Hot Springs

9.3 mi 122°F

Ohanapecosh Hot Springs flows at 122 degrees within Mount Rainier National Park at 1,920 feet elevation, emerging 74.5 degrees ...

Packwood Hot Spring

11.1 mi 100°F

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

26.9 mi 72°F

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

27.6 mi 120°F

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.

Explore Washington springs

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Myrtle Falls, the Paradise Visitor Center, and the Nisqually Glacier viewpoint.

Wildlife

Wildlife in the area includes marmots, deer, mountain goats, and a variety of bird species. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.