Spray Falls

Pierce County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 354 ft (107.9 m)
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Access status: Partial: park trail documented; the only road access is closed at the Fairfax Bridge
The walk: About 2 miles, then a 0.2-mile spur, one way (National Park Service)
Ground & access: Rolling forest trail, then a short spur to the base of the falls. Trees hide much of the falls from the end of the spur.

Spray Falls, WA
Photo credit
Photo: Joanna Poe from Munith, MI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Spray Falls is a 354-foot veiling waterfall where Spray Creek drops over a lava cliff below Spray Park, in Mount Rainier National Park. The National Park Service says there is no access to Mowich Lake 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, start at the trailhead to the left of the privy at the Mowich Lake walk-in campground. Follow the Wonderland Trail for three-tenths of a mile, keep left at the first signed junction, pass the Eagle Cliff viewpoint spur and Eagle's Roost Camp, and at a little over two miles take the signed spur to the base of the falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Mowich Lake trailhead at the end of the Mowich Lake Road, the Wonderland Trail and Spray Park Trail for about 2 miles, then the 0.2-mile spur to the base of Spray Falls

The National Park Service says to hike 2 miles toward Spray Park and then follow the 0.2-mile spur to the base of the falls. Waterfalls Northwest gives 2.3 miles.

Rolling forest trail, then a short spur to the base of the falls. Trees hide much of the falls from the end of the spur.

Where to start

Mowich Lake parking at the end of the Mowich Lake Road, about 17 miles of rough dirt road from SR 165 beyond Carbonado; a high-clearance vehicle is suggested. The National Park Service reports no access by SR 165 while the Fairfax Bridge is closed.

Timing & water

Mowich Lake Road is open to vehicles in summer only, typically mid-July to mid-October.

Before you go

Mount Rainier National Park entrance pass required (standard pass $15 to $30). WTA lists an America the Beautiful Pass.

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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