Is swimming allowed at Twin Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Twin Falls.

Live Conditions · 358 ft³/s · About average

Twin Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Twin Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Twin Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Twin Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $10.00. A permit is also required. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Passes can be purchased online or at the trailhead.

Washington • Mount Rainier National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 21 other waterfalls also named Twin Falls, see below

Mount Rainier National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

yancy9 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

amidfallenleaves CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Twin Falls

Twin Falls sits within Mount Rainier National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. The falls are an attractive stop for hikers exploring the park’s lower-elevation forest corridors, dropping through a series of scenic cascades framed by old-growth trees, mosses and ferns. The setting feels intimate and verdant — a classic Pacific Northwest waterfall experience inside a nationally protected landscape. The hike to the falls is approachable for most hikers: the out-and-back route covers about 3.6 miles round-trip with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. Trails are generally well-maintained, and the short distance makes Twin Falls a satisfying half-day outing for visitors to Mount Rainier National Park looking for water, forest ambience, and photo opportunities without a multi-day commitment.

The Setting

Twin Falls sits at 5,246 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the high mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

3.6 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 3.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 3.6 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~500 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Surface and grade: well-maintained singletrack with typical forest tread; expect some steeper pitches and stair sections near the falls. Trail character: forested walk through moss-covered trees and ferns with streamside viewpoints and several smaller cascades on the approach. Managed by: National Park Service (Mount Rainier National Park). No USFS trail number provided.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twin Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Passes can be purchased online or at the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Twin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience but could include icy trail conditions.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Be cautious near the falls and riverbanks, as rocks can be slippery. Watch for changing weather conditions, and avoid hiking during heavy rain or snow.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

358 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.04 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average 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

13.4 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 (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

358 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

358 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

352 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

357 cfs

9/10

Tue

Strong

381 cfs

8/10

Wed

Strong

389 cfs

8/10

Thu

Strong

396 cfs

8/10

Fri

Strong

363 cfs

10/10

Best window: Fri — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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 ground through the falls loses about 267 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,231 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 189 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 320 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 Twin Falls near Packwood, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Twin Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 267 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,231 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 267 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

Twin Falls is located off Interstate 90, near North Bend, Washington. The trailhead is accessible from Exit 34, with clear signage leading to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking lot at the Twin Falls trailhead. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Elevation

5,246 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.804277° N, -121.640370° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy in wet conditions. Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for some steep sections.

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With 3.6 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

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

Tiny Timber

9.3 35 reviews

Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier

10.0 4 reviews

Packwood Lodge & Cabins

8.6 643 reviews

Gateway Inn & Cabins

6.9 9 reviews

See all hotels near Wilkeson

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

7.7 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