Are there any significant obstacles on the trail to Myrtle Falls?

The primary obstacle is the ice on the steps leading to the viewpoint as of [October 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-24.215153454018). Additionally, a section of pavement approximately half a football field long has been removed on the way to Myrtle Falls, which may pose a challenge for wheelchairs and strollers, noted as of [August 9](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-09.214713182741) and August 2.

Has there been recent wildlife activity reported near Myrtle Falls?

Yes, multiple reports mention seeing wildlife. Bears were seen on [August 29](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-04.002752754188), [August 9](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-09.214713182741), and August 2, and reports of bears in the area were noted on August 9. Deer were seen on August 23 and August 20, and marmots were reported on August 20 and August 9.

What are the parking and road conditions for accessing the Myrtle Falls area?

The road is generally suitable for all vehicles, but can become congested, with long wait times at the Nisqually entrance reported as of [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-17.164623787763). Parking at Paradise can be ample on weekdays, but the lot may fill up, and some accidents on the road to Paradise due to ice were reported on [October 11](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-24.215153454018).

Myrtle Falls

Mount Rainier Area

updated 1 month ago

The trail to Myrtle Falls is currently experiencing extremely icy conditions, particularly on the steps leading to the viewpoint, with multiple reports of falls. Traction devices like Microspikes or Yaktrax are strongly recommended for navigating these icy sections as of October 11. Despite the ice, the trail itself is generally reported as being in good condition and snow-free, with the road suitable for all vehicles. Hikers have encountered wildlife, including bears, deer, marmots, and chipmunks, though one report noted a lack of wildlife sightings on October 7. Fall colors were present in late September and early October. Parking at Paradise was available on weekdays as of October 7, but the lot can fill up, and the road can become congested, with a 40-minute wait reported for the Nisqually entrance on a Sunday morning as of August 16.

Generated from 25 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Myrtle 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 steps to the Myrtle Falls viewpoint are extremely icy and treacherous, with many visitors falling. Traction devices are highly recommended, and visitors are urged not to attempt the steps without them, as of October 11.