Narada Falls, on sunny days, you can often see a rainbow forming in front of the waterfall, creating a truly magical and dreamy scene. On the way back to Seattle, we made a stop at Post & Pour (arriving around 3:30 p.m.) and stayed for about an hour. It was a really chill break before heading back into the city.
Narada Falls





Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Narada Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Narada Falls famous?
Narada Falls is one of Mount Rainier National Park's most accessible and photographed waterfalls, named using a Sanskrit word meaning 'pure' or 'undefiled.' It's famous for being a stunning roadside attraction along the popular Paradise Road corridor, with the Paradise River plunging 168 feet over a cliff in a powerful single drop that creates dramatic mist and spray.
Can you swim at Narada Falls?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Narada Falls due to cold water temperatures and safety hazards. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Narada Falls?
Dogs are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park, including Narada Falls trails. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Narada Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Mount Rainier National Park entrance fee applies: $30 per vehicle (7-day pass) or annual America the Beautiful pass accepted. No additional permit needed for Narada Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Narada Falls?
There is a paved parking area directly off Paradise Road at Narada Falls with space for approximately 20-30 vehicles. Parking is free with park entry. The viewpoint is just steps from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Narada Falls?
Roadside viewpoint – no hike required. An optional short paved trail of about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) leads to a lower viewpoint closer to the base of the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Narada Falls hike difficulty
Easy. The upper viewpoint is roadside with no hiking required. The optional lower trail is short, paved, but descends steeply with some steps. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Narada Falls?
Late spring through early fall (June–September) offers the best access as Paradise Road is typically closed in winter. Peak flow occurs in late spring and early summer from snowmelt. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Narada Falls
From the parking area along Paradise Road, the upper viewpoint offers immediate views of the 168-foot falls. For a closer view, take the short paved trail that descends steeply via switchbacks and steps to a lower platform near the base of the falls. The trail can be slippery when wet.
Narada Falls official website
Attractions near Narada Falls
- •Paradise (visitor center, wildflower meadows, hiking trails) – 3 miles east
- •Christine Falls – scenic waterfall on Paradise Road, 2 miles west
- •Reflection Lakes – alpine lakes with Mount Rainier views, 4 miles east
- •Comet Falls Trail – 320-foot waterfall accessible via 3.8-mile round-trip hike
- •Longmire (historic district, museum, year-round facilities) – 8 miles west
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
More to explore nearby
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie, Washington
Twin Peaks famous waterfall 30 minutes from Seattle.
Palouse Falls
LaCrosse, Washington
Washington's state waterfall — basalt amphitheater.
Wallace Falls
Gold Bar, Washington
Three-tiered Cascades favourite near Seattle.
Comet Falls
Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier's most spectacular fall.