Comet Falls and Van Trump Park on August 17th, 2026
To Comet Falls:
Round trip-about 3.6 miles
Elevation gain-about 1000 feet
To Van Trump Park end of trail sign:
Round Trip- 5.2 miles
Elevation gain-2200 feet
Note: Numbers here are approximate. Signs and maps, including those posted at the trailhead and at the Van Trump Trail junction, disagree on the milage for this hike. I used the Green Trails mileage, which is different than NPS and National Geographic, and even one of the hiking books I have. It seemed the most accurate based on my observations along the trail. Elevation gain from various sources seems accurate, though.
Sorry, no handmade map for this one...it's so straightforward, there is no need.
The parking area for the Comet Falls/Van Trump Trail is frustrating, to say the least, since it fills up so quickly. There are a few alternate parking areas, but they involve walking the Paradise Road for at least a small distance, which isn’t particularly safe. The best alternative is probably parking at Christine Falls and walking westbound along the road.
Once on the trail, be prepared for an almost non-stop uphill hike all the way to the falls and Van Trump Park. There are a few breaks in the slant near Bloucher Falls and the first viewpoint of Comet Falls. The trail alternates between rocks and roots, sometimes both at the same time, which makes this one of the more difficult trail beds to deal with in the entire park.
The trail goes east to a crossing of Van Trump Creek over the top of Christine Falls. Look down to the Paradise Road. Look upstream to see an invigorating stairstep waterfall! The trail turns north, toward Mount Rainier, just beyond the crossing. From there, the trail is never far from Van Trump Creek and its multiple waterfalls. The trail trades off time between forest cover and large rockfalls. All the way the trail uses switchbacks to achieve elevation gain.
While the sound of the creek is delightful, the first half of the trail to Van Trump park is fairly boring. At about halfway, the trail uses a long staircase to overcome a long ago washout. In this area watch for obscured views of Mount Rainier that could help you make a decision on whether to continue to Van Trump Park or not (don’t bother if Mount Rainier is not visible!). Not far beyond, the route switchbacks through the biggest rockfall area along the trail, which is a good place to watch for small animals. Just after the rockfall, the trail reaches the crossing of Van Trump Creek, and the previously-mentioned view of Bloucher Falls. The trail toughly pulls out of the creek bed and opens up to a ravishing view of Comet Falls, including two smaller tumbles below the giant drop. Take some time here before continuing steeply along the sketchy trail to the upper viewpoints.
After taking in all the views of Comet Falls, including a side trail to the base of the falls, the trail reenters full forest cover. The first long switchback continues the trend of the earlier trail, it’s rough and steep in places. After this stretch, the trail gets steeper, but the trail quality improves significantly. The portion of the trail bed from here to the Van Trump junction is probably of the best of the whole route, which makes the steepness much more friendly.
Views eventually open up to the south, with views of St. Helens and Adams. After the views, it’s not too far until a junction suddenly appears along a flat portion of the trail. The “straight” portion of the trail heads toward Mildred Point, and, eventually, the Rampart Ridge Trail. If heading that way, the trail drops to the creek that feeds Comet Falls, then up steeply the rest of the way to Mildred.
For the Van Trump Trail, turn right and continue north, facing Mount Rainier. Soon, peeks of the mountain’s top become visible. The trail starts out fairly easy going, but soon becomes steep and difficult. Previously-built erosion steps have, well, eroded, making the trail more difficult. Take it easy and remember the care that will need to be taken on the downhill trip. An unmarked junction comes and presents a choice. The left trail goes, in short order, to a viewpoint over a branch of Van Trump Creek with views of Mount Rainier. The view isn’t the best, but is significantly easier to access than continuing to the end of the trail.
To continue, return to the junction and take the right branch (now on your left) and climb to the end of the maintained trail. Nothing much to see at that point, so plan to continue on, beyond the sign, to where the views really open up. The only thing to say about the signed end of the trail is that it’s the best place to find a rock and relax. Once in the clearing beyond the sign, trace the glaciers of Mount Rainier and notice the “cleavers” that separate the glaciers. The trail continues further, but goes steeply uphill after a slight downhill dip. It may be worth exploring if you aren’t exhausted and time isn’t an issue, but the views from the open meadow will probably exceed expectations.
Commentary: As with the Rampart Ridge Trail, I don't like the trail to Comet Falls. Not because the falls are disappointing, because it's arguably the best waterfall in the park, but the trail is in rough shape! Prepare to make your way across roots for significant portions of the trail. Take those roots, and the significant elevation gain over a short distance, and that drops this trail down from "favorite" to "memory."