Are there fees or permits required for Van Horn Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Van Horn Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Van Horn Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Van Horn Falls.

Live Conditions · 28 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Van Horn Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Van Horn Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Van Horn 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 (1)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

6.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Van Horn Falls

Van Horn Falls is a remote, scenic cascade tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service. The falls sit amid dense, mossy forest and rugged terrain, offering a quieter waterfall experience than many of the park’s busier viewpoints. Its secluded setting makes it a favorite for hikers looking for solitude, photography opportunities, and the hush of old-growth timber. The approach feels pleasantly backcountry: relatively short but rewarding. The route is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate—a great half-day outing for day hikers who don’t mind rough, natural trails and a little scrambling to reach the base of the falls.

The Setting

Van Horn Falls sits at 3,241 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Huckleberry Creek, in the mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail to Van Horn Falls is an approximately 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Hikers should be prepared for steep sections, stream crossings, and stretches of muddy, overgrown, or root-strewn tread through dense forest. The route is remote and requires basic route-finding and backcountry awareness; as it lies within Mount Rainier National Park, trails are managed by the National Park Service and hikers should plan accordingly (seasonal conditions can change trail hazards).

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a remote and peaceful experience with beautiful views of the waterfall and surrounding wilderness. The trail may be challenging, and hikers should be prepared for backcountry conditions.

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 Van Horn Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Van Horn Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Van Horn Falls, as snowmelt increases the water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides the most accessible trail conditions.

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

Hikers should be prepared for backcountry conditions, including steep terrain, stream crossings, and potential wildlife encounters. Always carry the 10 essentials and let someone know your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Low

28 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

28 32 43 53

Based on 14 years of record

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.

HUCKLEBERRY CREEK NEAR GREENWATER, WA

USGS 12096865

8.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 35 sq mi

Altitude: 2,244 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HUCKLEBERRY CREEK NEAR GREENWATER, WA (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

31 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

36 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

33 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

32 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

31 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

33 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

35 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

35 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 April to early 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 Greenwater 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 178 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,247 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 189 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 69 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Van Horn Falls near Greenwater, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Van Horn Falls near Greenwater, Washington, showing about 178 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,247 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 178 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Van Horn Falls is located in the North Cascades region of Washington. Access typically requires navigating forest roads and hiking through backcountry trails. Specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may require parking at a trailhead along forest roads. Visitors should check local conditions before planning their trip.

Hours

Elevation

3,241 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.973726° N, -121.721009° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring proper hiking gear, including sturdy footwear, navigation tools, and plenty of water. Check weather and trail conditions before your trip. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.

Where to Stay

Secluded Greenwater Cabin with Loft Near Rainier

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

Silver Springs Campground

9 miles away · 51 sites

Reservable

Overview Silver Springs Campground is situated on the banks of the scenic White River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just outside Mt. Rainier National Park's North Arch entrance. Silver Springs offers visitors stunning scenery and access to a multitude of recreational activities.Recreation The White River sustains populations of salmon and trout, making it a great spot for fishing. A natural spring flows through the campground as well. Hiking and climbing top the list of recreational ac

Book on Recreation.gov