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Comet Falls

 4.5 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Longmire
Google Map

4.6 Miles 7.4 Kilometers


61%

Runnable

1,919' 585 m

Ascent

-1,918' -585 m

Descent

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

51%

Max Grade (27°)

5,507' 1,679 m

High

3,638' 1,109 m

Low

Shared By Tom Robson

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

“An easy to follow journey past three distinct waterfalls, Comet being one of Rainier's highest. ”

— Tom Robson
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

One of the highest waterfalls in the park, Comet Falls was named because it resembles the tail of a comet. Van Trump Park honors P. B. Van Trump, who, with Hazard Stevens, was one of the first people to stand on the summit of Mount Rainier.
Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

Need to Know

There is no designated camp along this trail. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Runner Notes

Comet Falls is a little pretty steep for running, but provides great hill training. In addition to the slope angle, the wet roots might prove difficult to navigate.

Description

The Comet Falls trailhead is located four miles east of Longmire on the road toward Paradise. Parking space is limited and often full. There is no additional parking nearby, so have an alternate run in mind.

The trail climbs steadily uphill for 1.8 miles until it reaches the base of Comet Falls. From there, it switchbacks 0.8 mile uphill to the junction with the Rampart Ridge Trail. Van Trump Park is to the right, where the trail winds through the meadows until the maintained trail ends in 0.5 mile - at Mildred Point.

Flora & Fauna

Three hundred-twenty foot Comet Falls is a popular destination for many runners. For those folks who continue to Van Trump Park, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens are visible to the south while the Kautz and Van Trump Glaciers dominate views of Mount Rainier to the north. Look for marmots, pikas, and goats on rocky open slopes.

Contacts

Local Club: Washington Trails Association

Jul 12, 2018: Mount Pilchuck

Jul 12, 2018: Tronsen Ridge

Jul 11, 2018: Will This Be On The Quiz?

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

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Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 17 votes

#2

in Longmire

#376

Overall
  4.5 from 17 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Longmire

#35

in Washington

#376

Overall
123 Views Last Month
772 Since Mar 4, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
7%
29%
64%
0%
0%
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Photos

Late summer at Christine Falls in Mt Rainier National Park.
Late summer at Christine Falls in Mt Rainier Na…
 4
Christine Falls
Christine Falls
 3
Comet Falls, Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls, Mt Rainier National Park
 4
Comet Falls, 320 foot fall
Comet Falls, 320 foot fall
 4
Crossing Van Trump Creek on a nice bridge.
Crossing Van Trump Creek on a nice bridge.
 3
Eagle Peak.
Eagle Peak.
 3

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