A 320-foot waterfall reached by a steep, popular trail above Longmire in Mount Rainier National Park.
Comet Falls drops about 320 feet down a cliff face above Van Trump Creek, ranking among the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. The National Park Service trailhead sits roughly four miles east of Longmire on the road to Paradise, and the hike climbs steadily through forest before opening to views of the falls and, on clear days, Mount Rainier itself.
The round trip to Comet Falls is 3.8 miles with about 900 feet of elevation gain, roughly a three-hour hike; continuing to Van Trump Park extends the trip to 5.8 miles and about 2,000 feet of gain. The NPS warns that trailhead parking is limited and often full, with no additional parking nearby, so visitors should have an alternate hike in mind. Pets are not permitted on park trails, open fires are prohibited, and any water drawn from the creek should be treated before drinking. As with all Mount Rainier trails, check current conditions with a park wilderness information center, ranger station, or visitor center before setting out, since snow can linger on the upper trail well into summer.
Know before you go
Trailhead about 4 miles east of Longmire on the road to Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park.
Typically snow-free in summer; upper sections can hold snow into early summer. Check current conditions before visiting.
3.8 miles round trip to the falls (900 ft gain); 5.8 miles round trip to Van Trump Park (2,000 ft gain).
Mount Rainier National Park entrance fee applies; check current rates.
Steep, unpaved trail with significant elevation gain; not an accessible route.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- NPS — Mount Rainier: Comet Falls & Van Trump Park Trail ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
