Myrtle Falls
Ashford
Myrtle Falls is celebrated as one of Mount Rainier National Park's most iconic and photographed spots, featuring cascading water flowing beneath a charming pedestrian footbridge. Located near Paradise, the viewpoint frames the towering peak of Mount Rainier directly in the background. The falls are reached via an accessible, paved 1-mile round-trip walk along the Skyline Trail, making it a scenic and family-friendly destination with frequent wildlife sightings.
Commenters consistently share immense enthusiasm for the area, calling the views life-changing and a top bucket-list stop. However, many point out that despite being paved, the trail's steep elevation gain can feel surprisingly challenging, especially for hikers with health or respiratory conditions. Visitors also frequently mention unpredictable weather and dense fog that can entirely obscure the mountain from view.
- Head out early in the morning to avoid crowds on the viewpoint footbridge
- Expect a paved 1-mile round-trip walk with about 160 feet of elevation gain
- Check visibility forecasts beforehand since fog can completely hide Mount Rainier
- Watch for frequent wildlife sightings along the Skyline Trail section
- Park at the Paradise lot for direct access to the trailhead
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