Comet Falls
Ashford, Washington
Details
Distance
3.57 miles
Elevation Gain
1312 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Lorene Voskinarian
Comet Falls, in Mount Rainier National Park, is a 3.6-mile roundtrip hike passing multiple waterfalls. This is a great hike for overcast days when Mount Rainier is not visible.
Located on Paradise Road along the south side of Mount Rainier, the Comet Falls Trail follows Van Trump Creek up to the magnificent Comet Falls. The hike is 3.8 miles round trip with 1250' of elevation gain.
The trail starts off at 3650' and soon crosses over a bridge above Christine Falls. It quickly starts ascending. As you hike, be sure to keep an ear out for waterfalls. There are many footpaths off the main trail to view smaller waterfalls along the creek.
At 1.2 miles the trail ascends a crib ladder and continues along until you reach a creek crossing. You will see a sign that says "Comet Falls 200yds" and a log bridge. The waterfall to the right is the 3-tiered 124' Bloucher Falls. Continue across the creek and you will see the massive Comet Falls up ahead. This falls has an overall height of 462', with the tallest drop being over 300'. Continuing along the trail will get you close enough to feel the spray off the waterfall. This is the end of the Comet Falls hike, but you have an option to continue on another 1.2 miles and 900' elevation to Van Trump Park with Mt Rainier views.
Timed Entry Reservation:
A timed entry reservation may be required for entry into Mount Rainier National Park. Get more details on NPS.Gov.
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Comet Falls Reviews
Not sure why this waterfall isnt more popular because its amazing! Really a gem on Mt. Rainier. Not crowded at all, but parking is limited. Holds maybe 10 cars and ni batbrooms at trail head. Id rate tbis as moderte to hard, as ita not a long hike, but pretty steep for a short trail. Highly recommend!
5.0
I would say this was one of the unexpected, coolest hikes I've been on. Last July I started around 7am under a heavy fog, which added a fascinating element I had yet to hike in prior to this day. The greenery, well-made and makeshift bridges, various waterfalls you pass by before you come upon the massive Comet Falls that were largely hidden by the dense fog...it was awesome. You can extend your hike well beyond, but beware the never ending stairway of death that comes right after Comet Falls.
5.0
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Nearby
Christine Falls
Carter & Narada Falls
Narada Falls
Narada Falls and Reflection Lakes Loop
Reflection Lakes via Wonderland Trail
Wonderland Trail
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