Comet Falls is the most spectacular waterfall hike in Mount Rainier National Park — a narrow plume of whitewater dropping over 300 feet down a cliff face on Van Trump Creek. The trail is 4 miles round trip with 900 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate to moderately strenuous. June and early July are peak season when snowmelt from the upper mountain sends the highest water volume over the falls. The trailhead is 30 minutes from Ashford on WA-706. Parking is extremely limited — arrive before 8:30am on summer weekends.
Trail at a Glance
| Detail | Comet Falls | Comet Falls + Van Trump Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (RT) | ~4 miles | ~5 miles |
| Elevation gain | ~900 feet | ~1,500 feet |
| Starting elevation | ~2,400 ft (trailhead) | ~2,400 ft (trailhead) |
| Difficulty | Moderate–strenuous | Strenuous |
| Round-trip time | 2.5–4 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Waterfall height | Over 300 feet | Same |
| Trail type | Out-and-back | Out-and-back |
| Dogs allowed | No (NPS rule) | No (NPS rule) |
When to Hike Comet Falls: Conditions by Month
| Month | Trail Status | Waterfall Flow | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Lower trail may be open | Very high | Snow may cover upper trail; microspikes needed |
| June ★ | Typically open to falls | Peak flow | Best month — maximum water volume, wildflowers beginning |
| Early July ★ | Open | High flow | Still excellent; Van Trump Park wildflowers beginning |
| Late July–August | Open | Moderate | Falls impressive but lower; Van Trump Park in peak bloom |
| September–October | Open | Lower | Beautiful fall color; fewer crowds; trail may close with first snow |
| Nov–April | Typically closed | N/A | Snow-covered; check NPS for current conditions |
Getting There: Trailhead Location and Parking
The Van Trump Creek trailhead (access point for Comet Falls) is on WA-706, approximately 10 miles past the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. From Ashford, drive east on WA-706 through the Nisqually entrance, then continue up the mountain road for about 10 miles — the trailhead parking area is on the left side of the road, just past the Christine Falls viewpoint.
From Seattle: Take SR-167 south to WA-512, then WA-7 south to WA-706. Through Ashford and into the park. Total drive from Seattle: approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.
From Refresh House in Ashford: 30 minutes. You'll drive through the Nisqually entrance (NPS entry fee applies, or use America the Beautiful annual pass) and continue up toward Longmire and Paradise.
Parking Reality Check
The Van Trump Creek trailhead parking lot holds approximately 20 vehicles. This is small for one of the park's most popular waterfall hikes. On clear summer weekends:
- Before 8:30am: Usually space available
- 9am–12pm: Lot often full; you may wait or drive back to Longmire
- After 2pm: Cars begin leaving; spaces open up
If the lot is full, the nearest overflow is Longmire (about 5 miles back down the road). There is no formal overflow parking at the trailhead. Do not park on WA-706 — rangers issue citations.
What to Expect on the Trail
Trailhead to Van Trump Falls (0–0.9 miles)
The trail begins in old-growth forest — Douglas fir and western red cedar — following Van Trump Creek. The forest section is relatively gentle, with the sound of the creek below. At about 0.9 miles you reach Van Trump Falls, a tiered waterfall about 60 feet tall. This is a satisfying destination on its own for those who want a shorter outing, and a good turnaround point for children under 8.
Van Trump Falls to Comet Falls (0.9–2.0 miles)
After Van Trump Falls, the trail steepens noticeably. The forest thins as you gain elevation. A log footbridge crosses the creek partway along. The trail becomes rockier and can be slippery where spray reaches the path. At about 2 miles, Comet Falls comes into view — often heard before it's seen. The falls drop in a narrow white column that fans into mist at the base. The spray zone is cool even on hot days and creates a circle of lush vegetation around the cliff base.
Safety note: The rocks near the base of Comet Falls are extremely slippery from the spray. Stay on the trail and off any wet rocks — this is not a place to scramble for a better angle. Multiple injuries occur here each year from people who go off-trail.
Above the Falls: Van Trump Park (optional, 0.5 miles more)
A series of steep switchbacks above Comet Falls climbs 500 more feet to Van Trump Park — a subalpine meadow at approximately 5,000 feet. In July and August, this meadow is covered in wildflowers: lupine, paintbrush, and glacier lilies. There are views north toward Ashford and south toward the park's wilderness interior. Van Trump Park is much less visited than the falls themselves, and you'll often have the meadow almost to yourself even on a summer weekend.
What to Bring
- Trekking poles: Strongly recommended. The descent from the falls is steep and rocky. Available from the Refresh House gear library.
- Waterproof layer: The spray from Comet Falls reaches the trail near the base. Even on a warm day, you'll get misted. A light rain jacket keeps you comfortable at the viewpoint.
- Water (2+ liters): No water sources suitable for drinking without treatment between the trailhead and the falls. Carry enough for the round trip.
- Microspikes (early season): Before mid-June, snow may cover the upper trail above Van Trump Falls. Microspikes keep you safe on steep snow. Available from the Refresh House gear library.
- Sun protection: The first mile is shaded by forest; above Van Trump Falls the trail opens up. Apply sunscreen before the hike.
- NPS pass or fee: The NPS entry fee applies ($35/vehicle for a 7-day pass, or free with America the Beautiful annual pass). Pay at the Nisqually entrance gate.
How Comet Falls Compares to Other Rainier Waterfall Hikes
| Waterfall | Distance RT | Gain | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comet Falls ★ | 4 mi | 900 ft | Moderate–strenuous | Most dramatic; fit hikers; June–July flow |
| Narada Falls | 0.3 mi | 200 ft | Easy | Families, all ages; next to parking area on road to Paradise |
| Christine Falls | 0.1 mi | Minimal | Very easy | Roadside stop; stone bridge viewpoint; best from car |
| Silver Falls (Ohanapecosh) | 3 mi loop | 100 ft | Easy | East side; all ages; old-growth loop; open early |
| Carter Falls | 2.6 mi RT | 500 ft | Moderate | Near Paradise road; fewer crowds than Comet Falls |
For a complete overview of waterfall options and all hiking trails in the park, see the 15 best day hikes at Mount Rainier guide.
Staying Near the Comet Falls Trailhead
The trailhead is 30 minutes from Refresh House in Ashford — close enough for an early morning start that beats the parking crowd. Leave by 7:30am and you'll be on the trail by 8am, well before the lot fills on summer weekends.
An early start on Comet Falls pairs perfectly with an afternoon at Paradise: hike the falls in the morning cool, be back at the car by 11am, then drive up to Paradise for wildflowers in the early afternoon when the lighting is excellent for photography.
For current trail conditions before your hike, check NPS trail conditions and the WTA trip report for Comet Falls (updated regularly by recent hikers).
Hike Comet Falls from Ashford — 30 Minutes Away
Refresh House is 6 miles from the Nisqually entrance and 30 minutes from the Comet Falls trailhead. Leave at 7am, be on the trail before the parking lot fills, and back for a late breakfast. Trekking poles and microspikes are available from the gear library.
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