Narada Falls

The Paradise River gathers snowmelt off the high slopes of Rainier and drops it over a broad basalt cliff, fanning out as it falls. In early summer, when the mountain's snowpack is melting fast, the falls are at their loudest and fullest, sending spray far out into the air.

The name Narada was given by members of the Theosophical Society in the late 1800s, after a sage from Hindu tradition, one of many spiritual and poetic names early visitors attached to the mountain's features. The falls have been a beloved stop ever since the road was pushed up toward Paradise.

From the pullout at the top, a short paved path switchbacks down to a viewpoint that faces the full drop. It is a steep few minutes and the rock is often wet from the mist, so good footing matters, but the reward is a face-on look at the falls with the cool spray drifting over you.

On a bright afternoon the light catches the mist and a rainbow appears in the cloud of spray, a photographer's favorite. The falls also sit on the Wonderland Trail, so long-distance hikers pass right by on their circuit of the mountain.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Narada Falls is a powerful 168-foot waterfall on the Paradise River in Mount Rainier National Park, where the river plunges over a broad cliff of ancient lava beside the road up to Paradise. It is one of the most popular and accessible waterfall stops in the park, with a pullout at the top and a short, steep path leading down to a dramatic viewpoint at the base. Known for its sheer power in early summer and for the rainbow that often forms in its mist on sunny afternoons, Narada Falls is a favorite quick stop on the drive up the mountain.

Yes. A short paved path switchbacks from the parking area down to a viewpoint that faces the full drop of the falls. It is only a few minutes of walking, but it is steep, and the rock is frequently wet and slick from the constant mist, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are important, especially with children. The reward is a face-on view of the thundering water with cool spray drifting over the overlook. On a sunny afternoon you may catch a rainbow in the mist. Take your time on the wet path and stay behind railings and on the trail.

Narada Falls is most powerful in the early summer, when Mount Rainier's snowpack is melting fast and feeding the Paradise River, sending the falls roaring over the cliff and throwing up clouds of spray. As the season goes on and the snowmelt slows, the falls become gentler. Sunny afternoons are ideal for catching the rainbow that forms in the mist. Since the road above Longmire is seasonal and closed by snow much of the year, summer into early fall is the window to visit, and you should check the current road status before driving up.

Narada Falls is on the Nisqually-Paradise road between Longmire and Paradise in the southern part of Mount Rainier National Park. Most visitors reach it by entering through the Nisqually Entrance near the gateway town of Ashford and driving up toward Paradise, with the falls and its pullout on the way. The road here is a seasonal mountain route that is gated and closed by snow above Longmire for much of the year, so plan a visit for summer or early fall, check the current road status before you go, and carry tire chains in the shoulder seasons when they may be required.

Narada Falls sits right on the road between two of Mount Rainier's biggest highlights, so it is easy to combine with other stops. Just up the road is Paradise, with its wildflower meadows, Myrtle Falls, and the historic Paradise Inn, while nearby Reflection Lakes on Stevens Canyon Road offer the classic mirror view of the mountain. A little down the road, Christine Falls tumbles beneath a photogenic 1928 stone bridge, and Longmire's historic district lies farther down toward the entrance. That string of stops makes Narada Falls a natural pause on a full day exploring the south side of Mount Rainier.