Comet Falls & Van Trump Park Trail

 

Comet Falls Trail

To Comet Falls

• Distance, round trip: 3.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 900 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 3 hours
• Wilderness camps: none

To Van Trump Park

• Distance, round trip: 5.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 2000 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 4-5 hours
• Wilderness camps: none

To Mildred Point

• Distance, round trip: 6.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 2850 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 5-6 hours
• Wilderness camps: none

Trailhead Location

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

Trail Description

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.

For 1.8 miles the trail climbs steadily uphill until it reaches the base of Comet Falls. From there it switchbacks 0.8 miles uphill to the junction with the Comet Falls/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. Follow the Comet Falls/Rampart Ridge Trail to the right to the Mildred Point junction. Mildren Point Trail is a 0.5 spur trail that climbs up a viewpoint. Return the way you came. If you left a second vehilce in Longmire, follow the Comet Falls/Rampart Ridge Trail west to connect to the Wonderland Trail and return to Longmire.

Along the Trail

Three hundred-twenty foot Comet Falls is a popular destination for many hikers. 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.

Backpacking

There is no designated camp along this trail.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Permits are required for camping.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

 

Hiking Safety