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Spray Park and Spray Falls

Mount Rainier National Park

Hike to a 350-foot waterfall and epic views of Rainier.

Hiking Difficult

Distance
9.4 km
Ascent
505 m
Descent
505 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
1.7 km
Gradient
13˚
Spray Park and Spray Falls Map

"Found on the northwest side of Mount Rainier, Spray Park extends from the Mowich Lake walk-in campground and treats visitors to a dense collection of Pacific Northwest attractions and scenery, including the 350-foot Spray Falls waterfall,” writes Brad Lane on PlanetWare.com. While the long drive down a dirt road to reach the trailhead keeps some hikers away, if you do brave the long approach you'll enjoy some of the best views in Mount Rainier National Park along this fantastic hike!

Description

There are three main route options in Spray Park. The first and easiest is to simply hike out-and-back to Spray Falls. While this is a worthy hike and Spray Falls is an incredible destination, the most epic views are located beyond Spray Falls.

The second option, mapped here in full, visits Spray Falls and then continues further down the trail—and up the mountain. After Spray Falls, the climb gets significantly steeper, ascending a series of switchbacks along Grant Creek. "Your reward begins as Grant Creek goes out of earshot and you come to open meadow after open meadow, surrounded by forest that thins out the higher you go,” writes Steven Payne on WTA.org. About two miles after the turnoff to Spray Falls, you’ll reach the most epic vistas, with views of Echo Rock, Observation Rock, and Rainier. The route as mapped here turns around at this point and then retraces the same trail back to the car.

Finally, if you really want to get epic, you can turn this hike into a 16-mile loop around Mother Mountain that returns to Mowich Lake with no backtracking required. However, if attempted as a day hike, this is a serious feat with over 4,400 feet of elevation gain and a degraded trail tread in places. While, of course, it is an attainable day hike, ensure that you’re prepared and provisioned for a full day in the mountains.

Sources: https://www.planetware.com/washington/top-rated-hikes-in-mount-rainier-national-park-us-wa-114.htm https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/spray-park

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between July and October

Features

  • Alpine
  • Picturesque
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area