Deer Creek Falls

Pierce County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Access status: Short official park trail from SR 123; road closed in winter
The walk: 0.4 miles from the trailhead to the Eastside Trail junction, passing the falls, per the National Park Service
Ground & access: Forest trail, downhill on the way in and uphill on the way out.

National Park Service: Deer Creek Trailhead

Deer Creek Falls, WA
Photo credit
Photo: NPS Photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Deer Creek Falls is on Deer Creek just below SR 123 in Mount Rainier National Park. From the Deer Creek/Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead, look for the Owyhigh Lakes Trail sign and follow the trail downhill. The trail passes Deer Creek Falls on the way to the Eastside Trail junction 0.4 miles below the road. Return the same way, uphill.

Plan your visit

Deer Creek/Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead on SR 123, Owyhigh Lakes Trail downhill past Deer Creek Falls toward the Eastside Trail

The National Park Service says to follow the Owyhigh Lakes Trail downhill 0.4 miles past Deer Creek Falls to the Eastside Trail. It does not give the distance to the falls alone.

Forest trail, downhill on the way in and uphill on the way out.

Where to start

Parking area 200 feet south of the Deer Creek/Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead on the east side of SR 123, about 5 miles south of Cayuse Pass.

Timing & water

SR 123 closes in winter, so the trailhead can be reached by car only from about May to October.

Before you go

Washington Trails Association says the Deer Creek to Tipsoo Lake hike from this area needs no parking pass or entrance fee. Pets are not allowed on park trails.

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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