Comet Falls
A spectacular 380-foot cascade in Mount Rainier National Park, reached via a rewarding, moderately challenging hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Comet Falls
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spectacular 380-foot cascade in Mount Rainier National Park, reached via a rewarding, moderately challenging hike.
"Comet Falls is an absolutely incredible hike that you have to experience!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky, uneven terrain and steep steps mean good hiking boots are essential for Comet Falls .
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Bring at least 2 liters of water and wear a hat and sunscreen, especially on warmer days .
Highlights
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Comet Falls
Mount Rainier National Park
A breathtaking 380-foot cascade, the 'grand finale' of a rewarding hike through towering trees.
Christine Falls Viewpoint
Near Comet Falls Trailhead
A quick stop offering a beautiful overlook of Christine Falls, often seen before or after the Comet Falls hike.
Van Trump Trail
Connects to Comet Falls
The primary route to Comet Falls, this trail offers a challenging yet scenic journey with river and smaller waterfall views.
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Timing is Everything for Comet Falls
Trail Conditions & Gear
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky, uneven terrain and steep steps mean good hiking boots are essential for Comet Falls.
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Bring at least 2 liters of water and wear a hat and sunscreen, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Mist
The mist from the falls is refreshing but can make your camera lens damp. Bring a lens cloth!
🚫 Dogs Not Allowed
Comet Falls trail is not dog-friendly, so leave your furry friends at home.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Rocky, uneven terrain and steep steps mean good hiking boots are essential for Comet Falls.
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Bring at least 2 liters of water and wear a hat and sunscreen, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Mist
The mist from the falls is refreshing but can make your camera lens damp. Bring a lens cloth!
🚫 Dogs Not Allowed
Comet Falls trail is not dog-friendly, so leave your furry friends at home.
⚠️ Check for Closures
Roads and trails can close for construction or weather. Always check park alerts before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Comet Falls is lauded as an absolutely incredible and rewarding hike with breathtaking waterfall views. Visitors appreciate the refreshing mist and the journey through beautiful forests, though some note the trail's steep and rocky nature. It's a must-see gem within Mount Rainier National Park.
"Saw this right on the road to Comet Falls trail. Mt. Rainier has such beautiful gems! Glad we stopped!"
Maham Boghani
"Comet Falls is an absolutely incredible hike that you have to experience! The trail takes you through towering trees. As you make your way up, the sound of rushing water grows louder, building up the anticipation for the grand finale. And when you finally reach Comet Falls, prepare to be in awe. The waterfall cascades down from great heights, creating a mesmerizing display!! The mist in the air adds a refreshing touch, making it a perfect spot to cool off on a warm day. We stayed close to the waterfall and actually started to get cold from the mist! The hike itself was moderate. Many steep steps and lots of uphill walking. Don't forget to bring your camera, because the views from the top are simply breathtaking!"
Christina Le
"The trail is okay, it’s rocky, would recommend having some walking sticks because you will be going over uneven terrain and large steps. Have a hat and sun block too. When you get to the falls to be honest it is more beautiful than I expected. Have good boots, 2 liters of water, and someone to make sure you don’t go tumbling down the mountain."
James K
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Comet Falls is located within Mount Rainier National Park. The most common access is via the Van Trump Trail, which starts from a trailhead near the Paradise area. You'll need to drive into the park, and depending on the season, a reservation might be required.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday. Some sources mention the trailhead parking being closed for repaving at times.
Yes, Christine Falls viewpoint is often a quick stop right before or after the Comet Falls hike, making it easy to see both on the same trip.
Many visitors drive from Seattle. Renting a car, like a Zipcar, is a popular option for exploring the park and surrounding areas.
Restrooms are not available at the Comet Falls trailhead itself. You'll need to use facilities at the visitor centers, such as the one at Paradise.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations may be required to enter Mount Rainier National Park during peak seasons. It's crucial to check the official Rainier National Park website for current entry requirements before your visit.
Mount Rainier National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date fee information.
The park is generally open year-round, but access to certain roads and facilities, including trails like Comet Falls, can be seasonal and weather-dependent. Always check the park's official website for current conditions and hours.
Winter access to Comet Falls can be challenging due to snow and road closures. The Van Trump Trail may be covered in snow, making it difficult and potentially dangerous without proper winter hiking gear and experience.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass, an annual national parks pass, covers entrance fees to Mount Rainier National Park and other federal recreation lands.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Comet Falls hike via the Van Trump Trail is typically around 3.5 miles roundtrip.
The elevation gain for the Comet Falls hike is approximately 1,286 feet.
While the hike is rewarding, it's considered moderate with steep and rocky sections, making it challenging for very young children. However, some reviewers found it family-friendly and fun.
Early summer is often recommended for Comet Falls when wildflowers are in bloom and snow has melted. Fall also offers beautiful colors, but be prepared for cooler weather.
Yes, there are options to continue hiking past Comet Falls, potentially towards Van Trump Glacier for a more challenging adventure.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewpoint at Comet Falls offers stunning shots of the cascade. The trail itself provides opportunities to photograph smaller waterfalls and the surrounding forest.
The mist from the falls can be significant and may require lens protection or frequent wiping to keep your camera clean for photos.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the falls are also impressive throughout the day. Consider the angle of the sun and potential for lens flare.
Drones are generally prohibited in Mount Rainier National Park to protect wildlife and preserve the visitor experience. Always check the park's regulations regarding drone usage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light conditions.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Comet Falls
+1 The trail itself is a moderate challenge, featuring steep, rocky sections and numerous steps, making sturdy footwear and trekking poles highly recommended.The experience of standing near the falls is often described as awe-inspiring, with a refreshing mist filling the air. Many visitors find the hike to be entirely worth the effort for the breathtaking views and the sheer power of the cascade.
While the main attraction is the falls, the journey along the Van Trump Trail also offers glimpses of smaller creeks and waterfalls, adding to the scenic beauty of the hike. For those seeking an extended adventure, there are opportunities to continue beyond Comet Falls towards Van Trump Glacier, offering a more strenuous but equally rewarding experience.
+1Navigating Mount Rainier National Park
Access to the park can vary significantly by season, with roads and facilities closing due to snow during winter months.Visitors often use Seattle as a base for exploring Mount Rainier, with driving being the primary mode of transportation. Services like Zipcar have been used by visitors to facilitate travel within the park and between Seattle and the park.
Beyond hiking, the park offers diverse experiences, from scenic drives and viewpoints to opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The park's original name, Tahoma, given by the native Puyallup Tribe, means 'the mother of waters' or 'snowy peak,' reflecting its majestic presence.
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