Is the Upper Falls trail accessible?

The trail to Upper Falls is washed out and not fully accessible. Hikers can see the falls from a distance as of [August 22](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-30.183319540908), but the final portion of the trail is impassable. This has been the case since at least [July 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-19.174854647679).

What are the conditions for accessing the Middle Falls?

The Middle Falls is the highlight of the hike and is readily accessible. However, the rocks leading to and behind the falls are very slippery, requiring caution. This was noted as of [August 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-29.140514310714).

Is parking generally available?

Yes, parking is generally ample. The Smallwood Park access point offers a large parking lot, and even on a sunny Sunday in August, there were plenty of open spaces reported on [August 9](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-09.172002032097).

How is the trail condition overall?

The trail is in good condition, well-maintained, and easy to follow. It varies from a wide gravel path to a narrower forest floor. There have been a few downed trees, but they were easy to navigate around as of [August 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-29.140514310714).

Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail

Mount Rainier Area

updated 1 month ago

The Bud Blancher Trail to Little Mashel Falls is in good condition, with no snow reported. The road is suitable for all vehicles, and parking is generally easy to find, with a large lot at the Smallwood Park access point. The trail itself is well-maintained, transitioning from a wide gravel path to a more narrow forest floor.

The Upper Falls trail is washed out, with the falls only visible from a distance as of August 22 and July 19. The Middle Falls is consistently described as the highlight, with reports noting the ability to walk behind the waterfall. Be cautious on the slippery rocks leading to and behind the Middle Falls as noted on August 23. The Lower Falls is also accessible, though it involves elevation gain and steep stairs. Signage for the trail junctions to the falls can be easy to miss, but blue diamonds and brown markers are present. Bugs have not been a significant issue, with reports of them not being too bad as of August 23 and no bugs as of August 22.

Generated from 46 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail

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 trail to Upper Falls is washed out and not fully accessible. Hikers can see the falls from a distance as of August 22, but the final portion of the trail is impassable. This has been the case since at least July 19.