Golden Gate Falls
Pierce County, Washington
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Pierce County, Washington
- Access status
- National park trail from Paradise; falls beside a switchback on the Golden Gate Trail
- The walk
- About 1.3 miles from the Paradise Lodge parking lot to the switchback below the falls, per the Northwest Waterfall Survey
- Ground & access
- The first section from the Paradise Inn is paved, then dirt and rock with many steps. The Golden Gate Trail climbs a series of switchbacks up the meadow slopes.
Golden Gate Falls is the uppermost waterfall on Edith Creek in Mount Rainier National Park. Two streams drop side by side, just under 120 feet in all, down the headwall of Paradise Valley. The name was suggested by the Northwest Waterfall Survey; no historical name is known. From the Paradise Lodge parking lot, follow the Skyline Trail to the bridge at Myrtle Falls, then turn left on the Golden Gate Trail. The falls are visible high on the headwall as the trail climbs, and the trail reaches a switchback at the bottom of the falls. Return the same way, or continue up the Golden Gate Trail to its junction with the Skyline Trail.
Plan your visit
Paradise parking area, Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, then the Golden Gate Trail up to the switchback at the base of the falls
The Northwest Waterfall Survey gives about half a mile from the Paradise Lodge parking lot to Myrtle Falls and 1.3 miles to the switchback at the bottom of the falls. The return distance is not stated.
The first section from the Paradise Inn is paved, then dirt and rock with many steps. The Golden Gate Trail climbs a series of switchbacks up the meadow slopes.
Where to start
Paradise parking area at the Paradise Inn (Paradise Lodge) in Mount Rainier National Park. From Elbe, drive Highway 706 through the Nisqually entrance and continue to Paradise.
Timing & water
The Paradise trails are mostly snow-free in summer. In spring and fall, patches of snow can cover sections of trail; stay on the trail even if it means crossing snow.
Before you go
Mount Rainier National Park entrance pass: $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. Pets are not allowed on trails.
Visitor informationVisit sources
- Northwest Waterfall Survey: Golden Gate Falls
- Northwest Waterfall Survey: Golden Gate Falls
- National Park Service: East Skyline and Upper Golden Gate Trail Junction
- National Park Service: East Skyline and Upper Golden Gate Trail Junction
- Washington Trails Association: Golden Gate
- National Park Service: East Skyline and Upper Golden Gate Trail Junction
- Northwest Waterfall Survey: Golden Gate Falls
- National Park Service: Mount Rainier fees and passes
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
Paradise FallsPartial guide: distant view from Skyline Trail footbridges; only one source describes this fallsPierce County, WA0.4 miE- Sluiskin FallsDistant view from the Skyline Trail at ParadisePierce County, WA0.6 miSE
Myrtle FallsResearched visit notes59 ft (18 m) · Pierce County, WA0.7 miSW- Upper Stevens Creek Falls375 ft (114.3 m) · Pierce County, WA0.9 miE
- Fairy FallsDistant roadside view in a national park; entrance feePierce County, WA1.3 miE
- Wilson Glacier FallsNational park trail to a distant viewpoint315 ft (96 m) · Pierce County, WA1.3 miNW
- Nisqually Valley FallsPierce County, WA1.3 miW
- Ruby FallsRoadside and short trail view in the national park; entrance pass requiredLewis County, WA1.6 miSW
- Washington CascadesShort national park trail from a road pullout; park entrance feeLewis County, WA1.6 miSW