Is swimming allowed at Sunbeam Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sunbeam Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,070 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Sunbeam Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sunbeam Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Sunbeam Falls.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Bernd Thaller CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Simonds CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jeff Krause Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

ShebleyCL CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Sunbeam Falls

Sunbeam Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. It is a cascading waterfall formed by the Sunbeam Creek as it flows down the slopes of Mount Rainier. The falls are known for their scenic beauty and are often photographed with the backdrop of lush greenery and the towering Mount Rainier.

The Setting

Sunbeam Falls sits at 4,452 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Narada Falls (188 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the west. Also nearby: Martha Falls (150 ft, 0.9 mi).

Narada Falls Martha Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Sunbeam Falls does not require a hike to access, as it is visible from Stevens Canyon Road. Visitors can enjoy the view of the cascading falls from the roadside.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a stunning view of a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The falls are particularly beautiful in the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sunbeam Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sunbeam Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Sunbeam Falls is in the spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall also offers beautiful foliage in the surrounding area.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Exercise caution when parking and walking along Stevens Canyon Road, as traffic can be heavy. Do not climb on rocks near the falls, as they may be slippery and dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 42 minutes ago Barely Flowing

1,070 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

1.2k 1.6k 3.4k 4.5k

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 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.

COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA

USGS 14226500

11.3 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 (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

1090 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

1177 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

1245 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

1203 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

1103 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

1069 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

1059 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

1064 cfs

5/10

Best window: Sat — moderate flow, light rain likely (trip score 5/10).

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

Sunbeam Falls is located along Stevens Canyon Road in Mount Rainier National Park. The falls are visible from the road, making them easily accessible for visitors traveling through the park.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited roadside parking available near the falls along Stevens Canyon Road. Visitors should exercise caution when parking and exiting their vehicles due to traffic.

Elevation

4,452 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.774554° N, -121.711204° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of the falls. Be cautious when stopping along the road, as traffic can be busy during peak seasons.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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 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