Trail 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 more parking nearby, so have an alternate hike in mind.

One of the highest waterfalls in the park, Comet Falls was named because it resembles the tail of a comet. Or so some thought! 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.

For 1.8 miles the trail climbs steadily uphill until it reaches the base of Comet Falls. From there it switchbacks .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 it dead ends in .5 mile.

Along the Trail:

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

Backpacking:

There is no designated camp along this trail nor anywhere nearby; however, crosscounty camping opportunities exist for skilled minimum impact backpackers who seek a primitive experience. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.