Are there fees or permits required for Wauhaukaupauken Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Wauhaukaupauken Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Wauhaukaupauken Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wauhaukaupauken Falls.

Wauhaukaupauken Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wauhaukaupauken Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wauhaukaupauken 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)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Buidhe CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Wauhaukaupauken Falls

Wauhaukaupauken Falls is a lesser-known cascade tucked inside Mount Rainier National Park and managed by the National Park Service. Surrounded by lush forest, the falls provide a quiet, photogenic destination for visitors looking to escape the park’s busiest corridors and enjoy a peaceful stretch of riverside scenery. The waterfall is reached via a short hike within the park; the approach is scenic and approachable for most hikers with a moderate fitness level. Because the falls and access route lie inside Mount Rainier National Park, check current conditions and any seasonal restrictions with the NPS before you go.

The Setting

Wauhaukaupauken Falls sits at 5,066 feet within Mount Rainier National Park, fed by the Cowlitz River, in the high mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Wauhaukaupauken Falls is an out-and-back route roughly 2.4 miles round-trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. Park documentation provides these distance, gain, and difficulty figures, but does not specify surface type, grade percentages, or technical trail class. Hikers should plan for variable conditions on a natural park trail, bring appropriate footwear, and consult the National Park Service for the latest trail status and safety information.

What to Expect

Expect a tranquil and scenic environment with a waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less crowded due to its lesser-known status.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wauhaukaupauken Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wauhaukaupauken Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt.

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

Trail conditions may vary, and the area may be slippery near the waterfall. Visitors should exercise caution and avoid visiting during severe weather.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COWLITZ RIVER AT PACKWOOD, WA (24 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

363 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

414 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

392 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

360 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

366 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

390 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

398 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

405 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 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.

3-meter lidar measures about 113 feet of descent through Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 5,085 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 142 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wauhaukaupauken Falls near Packwood, Washington, showing about 113 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,085 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 113 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Specific directions to Wauhaukaupauken Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.

Elevation

5,066 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.826221° N, -121.638981° W

Land Management

Mount Rainier National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a detailed map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.

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

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Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

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Nearby Campground

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

8.4 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