The Narada Falls Trail is a short trail leading you to the beautiful, 170-foot falls in the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park. In mid-June, you can see the falls plummeting due to all the snowmelt, which is the best time to go in my opinion.
The trail also has an amazing overlook view at the very bottom to be able to see and photograph the falls. There is also an upper overlook near the parking lot as well as the nearly 100-year-old bridge that crosses the river you can check out.
You are definitely going to want to stop by if you visit Mt. Rainier!! It is utterly amazing!!
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Narada Falls - Mount Rainier National Park
Distance: 0.4-mile round trip, In and out
The trail continues to the Wonderland Trail, Paradise River Camp, and Longmire
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 feet
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour depending on the skill level of the hiker or the time spent photographing.
Difficulty: Easy to medium for most people. Coming back is mostly all uphill. It all depends on the skill of the hiker and if the hiker has back knee, or other health conditions.
Restrooms: There are restrooms across the bridge where you begin the hike.
Accessibility: Not ADA Accessible
Pets: No pets are allowed on this trail or any other trails inside Mt. Rainier National Park.
Parking: Narada Falls Parking area/ Rest area and the upper falls pullout.
Water Source: Paradise River, The Paradise River plunges 168 feet over an andesite lava flow to the valley floor.
Where is Narada Falls?
Coming from the Nisqually Entrance, Follow Paradise Road East/Paradise Valley Road. From the entrance, it will be a 14.7-mile drive. Once you reach Rick Seeker Point you will be 2 miles away and Narada falls will be on your right.
From the Ohanapecosh Campground, take a right out of the campground and travel on State Route 123. Travel 1.8 miles and turn left onto Stevens Canyon Road. Once on Stevens Canyon Road, travel it for 19 miles passing by Reflection Lake on the way. After that, you will turn left onto Paradise Road East/Paradise Valley Road and travel it for 0.8 miles. Narada Falls will then be on your left.
Hiking the Narada Falls
The Narada Falls Trail is a very short trail but it can be difficult for some people because the 0.2 miles back to the parking lot is mostly all uphill. You should also take note that sometimes snow and ice can still cover this trail in the early parts of summer.
You should avoid walking on this to avoid injury. The trail can also be wet and muddy due to the snowmelt so be aware of that. The view is definitely worth the hike though.
Trail Safety
To be safe on this trail, make sure you watch out for wildlife. Especially bears and make sure you know proper bear safety.
If you do not feel comfortable walking a steep trail with 200 feet elevation gain you can see views of the falls from the overlook or drive to a higher overlook for additional views.
What to Bring
Water: It may not be a long hike, but it is strenuous so be prepared with water.
Closed Toe Shoes: Closed-toed shoes are recommended since there can be mud and water on the trail.
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
Things to know
Closest Mt Rainier Attractions- Paradise, Reflection Lake
Closest Campground- Cougar Rock Campground
Closest Lodging- Paradise Inn
Closest Visitor Center - Paradise Visitor Center
Additional Mount Rainier National Park Information & Resources
Mt Rainier National Park Lodging
There are two National Park Lodges located within the park.
National Park Inn
Mount Rainier National Park is home to the historic National Park Inn located at Longmire (Open year-Round), which was built in 1907.
The National Park Inn was built across the road from James Longmire's hot springs hotel. There is also a general store there located in a vintage 1911 log cabin.
Click here to book your stay at the National Park Inn.
Paradise Inn
This lodge is so grand that it has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Paradise Inn is open from mid-May to October only.
Click here to book your stay at Paradise Inn.
Lodging near Mount Rainier
Depending on what you want to see and explore in Mount Rainier may determine where you will want to stay. I have broken down lodging between the three main park entrances for your convience.
Nisqually Entrance (Near the Longmire and Paradise areas of Mount Rainier)
Alexander's Lodge (Ashford, WA)- 3-star historic hotel in the mountains. Alexander's Lodge provides amenities like free continental breakfast and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Nisqually Lodge (Ashford, WA)- Nisqually Lodge provides amenities like free continental breakfast and laundry facilities. Guests can connect to free Wi-Fi in public areas.
South Entrance (Near the Ohanapecosh area of Mount Rainier)
Packwood Lodge (Packwood, WA)- amenities include a garden and a fireplace in the lobby. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Crest Trail Lodge (Packwood, WA)- Crest Trail Lodge provides free breakfast and more. Guests can connect to free Wi-Fi in public areas.
North Entrance (near the Sunrise Area of Mount Rainier)
Lodge Alta Crystal (Crystal Mountan)- Enjoy a a firepit, an outdoor entertainment area, and a hot tub at Alta Crystal Resort. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Crystal Mountain Hotels (Crystal Mountain) - Located just 6 miles from Mount Rainier National Park is this contemporary alpine getaway. This property offers convient access to the Mount Rainier Gondola, dining, and cozy lodge style comfort.
Fun and educational Tours at Mount Rainier National Park
Mt. Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10-12 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
Experience the natural beauty of majestic Mount Rainier on this guided, full-day tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls, and historic towns to Mount Rainier. Take in spectacular views of Narda Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park and the aptly named Paradise.
Mt. Rainier Tour and Guided Hike
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10-11 hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability
Explore the highlights of Mount Rainier on this day tour filled with glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and old-growth forests. This tour departs from Seattle and includes a stop at Paradise, where you will get to hike from the visitor center at Paradise one mile to a picnic next to giant glaciers. You will also see Reflection Lake, Narda Falls, and Christine Falls. In the winter-spring, you will snowshoe rather than hike.
Mount Rainier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8-9 hours | 🔊Check Rates and Availability
Mount Rainier National Park is centered around an awe-inspiring, iconic volcano- Mount Rainier - and takes you through miles and miles of old-growth forest. The overlooks along the drive will take your breath away and the serpentine roads heading up to Paradise and Sunrise - the most popular sections of the park - will keep your heart pumping and your camera clicking. You can explore the stunning alpine meadows of Paradise, wander through the ancient forest of the Grove of the Patriarchs, and see impressive waterfalls.
Mount Rainier National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$30.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Additional Mount Rainier NP Resources
Mount Rainier Camping Guide - Complete guide to all of the campgrounds within the park.
Top things to do Mount Rainier National Park - All the things you don't want to miss while in the park.
Mount Rainier Hiking Trails - Check out the best trails in the park!
Most Visited National Park Sites - Find out if Mount Rainier made it on the most visited national parks list.
National Park Bucket List - How many bucket list national park adventures have you taken?
Paradise Mt. Rainier Guide - Check out all of the amazing things to see and do while visiting Paradise.
Check out all of the National Parks in Washington along with neighboring Oregon National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.
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