WaterfallNear Me

Wilson Glacier Falls

Pierce County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
315 ft (96 m)
Location
Pierce County, Washington
Access status
National park trail to a distant viewpoint
The walk
About a mile and a quarter from the Paradise visitor center to Glacier Vista (Northwest Waterfall Survey)
Ground & access
Steep paved and stone-stepped trail through subalpine meadow.
National Park Service: Skyline Trail

Wilson Glacier Falls is a 315-foot falls where meltwater from the Wilson Glacier pours over a cliff onto the Nisqually Glacier in Mount Rainier National Park. There is no way to get close to it, so it is seen from a distance. From the Paradise parking lot, find the Skyline Trail behind the Jackson Visitor Center and follow signs north. At about 0.4 mile keep right at the split for the Deadhorse Creek Trail and Glacier Vista, climb stone steps, and reach Glacier Vista on the left. The falls can also be seen from the Panorama Point area further up the Skyline Trail. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park, Skyline Trail to Glacier Vista, for a distant view across the Nisqually Glacier

The Northwest Waterfall Survey gives about a mile and a quarter from the Paradise visitor center to Glacier Vista along the Skyline Trail. It does not give a return figure. The full Skyline Trail loop is 5.5 miles.

Steep paved and stone-stepped trail through subalpine meadow.

Where to start

Paradise parking lots by the Jackson Visitor Center. WTA says to use the lower parking lot for visits longer than 2 hours.

Timing & water

Flow varies a lot with the weather; the Northwest Waterfall Survey says the falls run heaviest on the hottest summer days. Paradise is a day-use-only area. Check trail conditions with the park before going.

Before you go

A Mount Rainier National Park entrance pass is required; the park lists standard entrance passes at $15 to $30.

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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