WaterfallNear Me

Chenuis Falls

Pierce County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Pierce County, Washington
Access status
Official park route; road access closed until further notice
The walk
7.4 miles round trip per the National Park Service
Ground & access
Long walk on a former road with washouts, then a rocky riverbed and a log bridge. Do not cross the river if the log bridge is not in place.
National Park Service: Chenuis Falls Trailhead
Chenuis Falls, WA
Chenuis Falls, WA
Photo creditPhoto: NPS Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chenuis Falls cascades into a pool on the north side of the Carbon River in Mount Rainier National Park. The National Park Service says there is no access to the Carbon River area by SR 165 until further notice, because the Fairfax Bridge outside the park is closed to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians and there is no alternate route. When access is possible, walk or bike the Carbon River Trail (former road) from the entrance to the Chenuis Falls Trailhead on the left, 3.5 miles in. Walk across the rocky riverbed and cross the log bridge, then follow the trail, which may be marked by cairns, to the falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Carbon River Entrance, Mount Rainier National Park, Carbon River Trail (former road) to the Chenuis Falls Trailhead, across the Carbon River on a log bridge to the falls

The National Park Service gives 7.4 miles round trip from the Carbon River Entrance, with the Chenuis Falls Trailhead 3.5 miles along the former road and the falls 0.2 mile from the road. An NPS trail guide gives 7.8 miles round trip.

Long walk on a former road with washouts, then a rocky riverbed and a log bridge. Do not cross the river if the log bridge is not in place.

Where to start

Carbon River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, reached by SR 165. The NPS currently reports no access on SR 165 because the Fairfax Bridge is closed.

Timing & water

The NPS lists the Carbon River Trail as open year round, but winter can wash out the log bridge.

Before you go

A Mount Rainier National Park entrance pass is required; the NPS lists standard passes from $15 to $30. Pets are not allowed on this trail.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Pierce County, Washington.

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