How is the road access to the Comet Falls trailhead?

The road is suitable for all vehicles, according to multiple reports from [August 7](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-13.213122222483) to [October 15](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-15.184118267067). However, the small trailhead parking lot can fill up, especially on weekends, with roadside parking available nearby as noted on August 7 and August 10.

Are there any significant trail obstacles or hazards?

The trail has some erosion in places, making certain sections more challenging, particularly the final half-mile which can have unstable gravel and small rocks. There are also rock steps and rooty sections throughout the trail, but these are generally navigable.

What can be seen beyond Comet Falls?

Continuing past Comet Falls towards Van Trump Park, approximately 0.6 miles further according to, offers meadows with views of surrounding peaks and Mount Rainier. Some reports suggest these higher views are more expansive than those directly at the falls.

Comet Falls

Q: What are the current snow conditions on the trail?

Intermittent snow was reported around 4700 feet as of [October 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-11.221436103212). This snow was described as not being hard to cross and never more than an inch deep. Prior to that, reports from [September 6](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-06.102244255971) through October 15 indicated the trail was snow-free.

Mount Rainier Area

updated 3 weeks ago

Comet Falls trail is largely snow-free, with only intermittent snow reported around 4700 feet as of October 11. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles, and parking can be found at the trailhead, though it may fill up, with roadside parking available as noted on August 7 and August 10. The trail itself is described as a steady uphill climb with a mix of earthen and rocky surfaces, featuring rock steps and some rooty sections. Erosion has made some sections more challenging, particularly in the final half-mile to the falls, which involves unstable gravel and small rocks. While Comet Falls is a primary attraction, some reports suggest that continuing past the falls to Van Trump Park offers more expansive views of surrounding peaks and Mount Rainier. There are no significant bug issues reported recently.

Generated from 35 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Comet Falls

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.

Intermittent snow was reported around 4700 feet as of October 11. This snow was described as not being hard to cross and never more than an inch deep. Prior to that, reports from September 6 through October 15 indicated the trail was snow-free.