Waterfalls, Lakes & Glaciers

Mount Rainier National Park features a diverse hydrological landscape ranging from the massive Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier by surface area in the contiguous United States, to subalpine basins like Tipsoo Lake. This collection highlights prominent waterfalls such as the 320-foot Comet Falls and the stone-bridge-framed Christine Falls. Visitors can observe the active Nisqually Glacier from the Paradise area or see the mountain's peak reflected in the subalpine waters of Reflection Lakes. These features demonstrate the park's transition from ancient ice fields to cascading river systems.

Reflection Lakes

A series of subalpine lakes along Stevens Canyon Road known for providing mirror-like views of the mountain’s peak. The area features a loop trail through meadows and serves as a primary location for photography within the national park.

Christine Falls

A 69-foot drop on Van Trump Creek, framed by a historic 1928 stone arch bridge. The lower falls are accessible from a viewpoint located directly along the road to Paradise.

Narada Falls

A 188-foot tiered waterfall where the Paradise River drops over a wall of andesite lava. The site is accessible via a short, steep trail from the parking area on the road to Paradise.

Tipsoo Lake

Tipsoo Lake, at an elevation of 5,298 feet above sea level, is an alpine lake within the Northern Cascade Range near the summit of Chinook…

Nisqually Glacier

The Nisqually Glacier is one of the larger glaciers on the southwestern face of Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.

Emmons Glacier

Emmons Glacier is on the northeast flank of Mount Rainier, in Washington.

Kautz Glacier

The Kautz Glacier is a narrow glacier on the southern flank of Mount Rainier in Washington.

Ingraham Glacier

Ingraham Glacier is on the south-eastern flank of Mount Rainier, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Comet Falls

One of the highest waterfalls in the park, plunging 320 feet in a single clear drop. Reaching the site requires a 3.8-mile round-trip hike with significant elevation gain along Van Trump Creek.