Silver Falls
Rating: ***
Form: punchbowl
Magnitude: 55 (h)
Access: trail (page 104)
USGS Map: Chinook Pass (1987)

Fall Creek Falls (u)
Rating: **
Form: horsetaill
Magnitude: 24 (l)
Access: auto (page 104)
USGS Map: Chinook Pass (1987 ns)







Ollalie Creek Falls (u)
Rating: *
Form: cascade
Magnitude: 24
Access: trail (page 104)
USGS Map: Chinook Pass (1987 nl)

Others
The extensive trail system within Mount Rainier National Park provides entry to many of the mountain's remote areas. The following backcountry falls are likely accessible, as suggested by their proximity to pack trails.  They are mostly available to all but the most ambitious day-hikers.  Before embarking upon one of these journeys, obtain either the USGS map showing the entire park or use the appropriate large-scale topographic maps listed with each falls.  Also, remember to secure a backpacking permit at a park ranger station.

Marie Falls and Mary Belle Falls, both USGS Mt Rainier East (1971), Lower Nickel Creek Falls (u), East Nickel Creek Falls (u), and West Nickel Creek Falls (u), all USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl). All of these waterfalls are within the basin of Nickel Creek. Hike north from Box Canyon along the Wonderland Trail for 5.5 to 6 miles. Bird's-eye views of the falls should be to the west (left), well past the heavily timbered region along the Cowlitz Divide ridge.

Wauhaukaupauken Falls, USGS Mt Rainier East (1971).  Hike north from Box Canyon for 7.3 miles on the Wonderland Trail. The falls are 100 feet below the shelter along Ohanapecosh River. The name, obviously of Indian origin, is reputed to be larger than the waterfall! Upper Ohanapechosh Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl), is located further upstream but away from the trail.

Ohanapecosh Park Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl).  Several waterfalls drop into the Boulder Creek drainage at Ohanapecosh Park. Climb steadily up switchbacks on the Wonderland Trail from Wanhaukaupauken Falls (described above).  A series of falls streaming from the adjacent cliffs should come into view to the northeast about one mile past timberline. Boulder Junction Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl), occurs well below the series of falls.

Huckleberry Creek Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl).  Hike three to four miles north of Sunrise to the base of these falls as shown on the topographic map.

Garda Falls, USGS Sunrise (1971).  Hike six to seven miles west of Sunrise along the Wonderland Trail. The falls are immediately upstream from where the trail crosses Granite Creek.

Affi Falls, USGS Sunrise (1971).  Hike five miles northwest of Sunrise, first on Wonderland Trail, then on the Northern Loop Trail. The trail should pass near the top of the falls where Lodi Creek descends down a glacial valley to West Fork White River.

Van Horn Falls, USGS Sunrise (1971).  Hike four to five miles past Affi Falls (described above) along the Northern Loop Trail to the footbridge crossing West Fork White River. Look along the west side of the valley where you could see this and Upper Van Horn Falls (u), USGS Sunrise (1971 nl) dropping from Van Horn Creek.

Maps show Laughingwater Creek Falls (u), USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl) in the vicinity of a trail.

Accessibility is very unlikely to the following cataracts: Basaltic Falls, Trixie Falls, and Margaret Falls, all USGS Mt Rainier East (1971); Twin Falls, USGS Mt Rainier East (1971); East Basaltic Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl); Middle Ohanapechosh Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl); East Boulder Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier East (1971 nl); Upper St Andrews Falls (u), USGS Mt Rainier West (1971 nl); Sunrise Falls (u), USGS White River Park (1971 nl); Mile 13 Falls (u), USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl); Saint Johns Falls, USGS Chinook Pass (1987); Fryingpan Creek Falls (u), USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl); Chimneys Falls (u) and Upper Chimneys Falls (u), both USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl); Middle Boulder Creek Falls (u), Upper Boulder Creek Falls (u), Boulder Creek Falls (u), West Ohanapecosh Falls (u), and South Ohanapecosh Falls (u), all USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl); Upper Olallie Falls (u), USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl); Needle Creek Falls (u), USGS Chinook Pass (1987 nl); Goat Mountain Falls (u), USGS Sunrise (1971 nl); Vernal Park Falls (u), USGS Sunrise (1971 nl); Upper Van Horn Falls (u), USGS Sunrise (1971 nl); Baker Point Falls (u), USGS Sunrise (1971nl); and St Andrews Falls (u), USGS Mount Wow (1971 nl).

Copyright 2008 by Gregory A. Plumb
GUIDEBOOK published by Mountaineers Books