Skyline Trail Loop
2 weeks ago
Fall colors are fading, but still beautiful
7 this month · 133 reports
Carter Falls
Mount Rainier Area
updated 1 month ago
A log bridge with one railing is a key feature of the Carter Falls trail. Recent reports from October 8 indicate the trail is in good condition, snow-free, and the road is suitable for all vehicles with no bugs reported. This trail is described as a steep climb through shady forest after an initial sun-exposed section, with some rocky areas. The reported mileage and elevation gain vary, with one account suggesting it is longer and steeper than officially listed.
Generated from 17 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Carter Falls
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
The log bridge is sturdy with one railing and was easy to cross as of October 8. However, the step up and down from the bridge is large.
As of October 8, hikers had to rock hop across river side channels after the bridge, which was easy but could be a problem at higher flows. The trail also narrows and gets rocky in places as it climbs.
The park lists the hike as 2.2 miles and 500' elevation gain, but a report from October 8 suggests it is longer and steeper, closer to WTA's estimate of 2.8 miles and 660', and potentially even longer based on their tracking.
More in Mount Rainier Area
Eagle Peak Saddle
3 weeks ago
Fall color arriving on open slopes
3 this month · 35 reports
Rampart Ridge Loop
3 weeks ago
Fall color arriving
2 this month · 48 reports
Comet Falls
3 weeks ago
A nearly dry waterfall, with intermittent snow
2 this month · 35 reports
Alta Vista Loop
2 weeks ago
Fall colors are peaking on the trail
2 this month · 16 reports
Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail
3 weeks ago
Fall color arriving at the falls
1 this month · 47 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
We arrived at the trailhead around 1pm and had no trouble parking (everyone was beelining for Paradise). There are no toilets or trash cans at the trailhead, which is really just a large pullover, but...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Older3 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Older3 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
We hiked to Carter Falls on a 3 day trip based out of Paradise Inn today.It was a great way to finish off our 3 day group hiking trip after 2 days spent on trails at the Paradise area.There were no hu...
Older4 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Arrived around 10am on a Saturday and the trail was surprisingly very quiet. I was almost completely alone the whole way out. Carter Falls was very nice but even better was continuing past to Map Cap ...
Older4 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Arrived at the TH at 9:30. Plenty of parking. most people stopping for a photo and then continuing on. Bridge is in as mentioned previously. Hike to Carter Falls and then Made Cap Falls and found a ni...
Older4 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
The Log Bridge over the Nisqually River has been repaired and has been reinstalled over the river. Yea! Many thanks. The trail to Carter Falls is in very good condition.
Older8 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
The bridge is out to the falls but the portion of the trail from Longmire to Cougar Rock Campground was beautiful with constant rain and a few snow showers. Great views of the Nisqually River. Trail h...
Older10 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Snow covered at Longmire. Snow - rain mix all day but still nice to be out! Trees down but most easy enough but a few required crawling . Nisqually River is incredibly full and not sure if the log bri...
Older13 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
This is a delightful little hike - an excellent option if you find yourself visiting Mt Rainier on a rainy day. I pulled into Cougar Rock Campground about 4 pm and decided to explore it before 2 days ...