Comet Falls & Van Trump Park Trailhead

Comet Falls is one the the highest waterfalls in the park.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

The Comet Falls trailhead is located four miles east of Longmire on the road toward Paradise.

Amenities

2 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

Comet Falls Area

Including Comet Falls, Van Trump Park and Mildred Point trails.

Season: Summer Only (June - October)
The Comet Falls Trailhead can be reached year-round along the road to Paradise, but this trail can be very hazardous in winter with icy drop-offs and avalanche danger.  

Plunging 320 feet, Comet Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the park and a popular destination for many hikers. The trailhead is located four miles east of Longmire on the road to Paradise. Parking space is limited and often fills quickly. There is no additional parking nearby, so have an alternate hike in mind. The trail can be treacherous in spring, with ice and snow lingering well into June or July.  

For 1.8 miles the dirt trail climbs steadily uphill, with sections of log steps. Just before reaching Comet Falls, the trail passes by Van Trump Falls, a tiered waterfall. Continue to reach the base of Comet Falls. Many hikers then return the same route back to the trailhead, but for a longer hike, the trail continues to Van Trump Park. 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.

From Comet Falls the trail switchbacks 0.8 miles uphill to the junction with the Rampart Ridge Trail, which connects to the Wonderland Trail and Longmire. Approximately half a mile along the Rampart Ridge Trail is a 0.5-mile spur trail that climbs to Mildred Point. From the junction, a trail to Van Trump Park is to the right, climbing through subalpine meadows until the maintained trail ends in 0.5 miles. There is 900 feet of elevation gain to reach Comet Falls, and 2000 feet of total elevation gain to reach Van Trump Park. From 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.