Spray Falls
Washington • Mount Rainier National Park • 354 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
1,300 ft
About Spray Falls
Spray Falls is a stunning waterfall located within Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. It cascades approximately 354 feet over a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque and serene setting. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
The Setting
Spray Falls sits at 5,148 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Puyallup River, in the high mountains of Washington. At 354 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.
Height: 354 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 6.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Spray Falls is part of the Spray Park Trail, which offers a moderately challenging hike through old-growth forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. The trail is well-maintained but includes some steep sections and uneven footing. Hikers will pass through beautiful alpine scenery before reaching the falls.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 354 feet.
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 Spray Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $30.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Spray Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Spray Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is snow-free and the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.
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
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can experience sudden rain or temperature drops. Carry the ten essentials for hiking, and be cautious on rocky or slippery sections of the trail.
Current Water Conditions
203 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PUYALLUP RIVER NEAR ELECTRON, WA (15 km away).
Today
Roaring
577 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
518 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
472 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
471 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
491 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
520 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
512 cfs
6/10Best 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.
3-meter lidar shows Spray Falls dropping about 461 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 354 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 5,166 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 127 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 306 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,166 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 461 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Spray Falls is accessed via the Spray Park Trail, which begins at the Mowich Lake Trailhead in Mount Rainier National Park. The trailhead is reached by driving along a gravel road (State Route 165) to Mowich Lake.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Mowich Lake Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
5,148 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.915662° N, -121.841768° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check trail conditions before heading out, as snow may linger into late spring.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 6.0 miles and 1,300 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
Mountain Meadows Inn & Chalet Suites
Gateway Inn & Cabins
Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier
Luxe Chalet at Rainier Entrance with Hot Tub-AC-WiFi
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
10.5 miles away · 184 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Wilkeson, Washington
Mt Rainier Fumaroles
Mount Rainier fumaroles reach 162 degrees at 14,217 feet elevation, emerging 154.8 degrees above ambient at Washington's highes...
Longmire Mineral Springs
Longmire Mineral Springs flows at 77 degrees within Mount Rainier National Park at 2,758 feet elevation, emerging 31.9 degrees ...
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs flows at 122 degrees within Mount Rainier National Park at 1,920 feet elevation, emerging 74.5 degrees ...
Packwood Hot Spring
Packwood Hot Spring flows at 100 degrees at 1,002 feet elevation in the lower Cascade foothills near Morton, emerging 49.8 degr...
Lester Hot Springs
This 120-degree spring sits within the City of Tacoma Watershed at 1,582 feet elevation, emerging 72.3 degrees above ambient in...
Orr Creek Warm Springs
Orr Creek Warm Springs emerges at 72 degrees in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at 2,910 feet elevation, flowing 26.5 degre...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Wilkeson, Washington on SoakingSprings.
Explore Washington springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Mowich Lake, Spray Park, and Eunice Lake. These areas offer additional hiking opportunities and scenic views.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area may include deer, marmots, and various bird species. Be cautious of bears and always store food properly.
Cities near Spray Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Spray Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Spray Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.