Comet Falls and Van Trump Park

The Comet Falls and Van Trump Park trail climbs steadily uphill for 1.8 miles to the base of Comet Falls, one of Mount Rainier's tallest waterfalls at 301 feet. The trail follows Van Trump Creek, showcasing numerous cascades carved into the granite stream bed. Along the ascent through a dense forest of noble firs and yellow cedars, the route passes Bloucher Falls, located near the confluence of the creek's East Fork and main stem. Beyond Comet Falls, the trail continues climbing via steep switchbacks for another 0.8 miles to a junction with the Rampart Ridge Trail. Branching right leads into the alpine meadows of Van Trump Park. The maintained trail continues for 0.5 miles through the meadows before ending at an elevation of 5,850 feet. On clear days, this high meadow offers sweeping views of Mount Rainier to the north, along with Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens to the south. Backcountry camping is permitted in the area with a valid wilderness permit, though there are no designated campsites along the trail. All overnight use requires a permit from Mount Rainier National Park wilderness information centers or ranger stations.

Comet Falls was so named because it resembles the tail of a comet. 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.