Friday, January 20, 2012

Mt. Rainier National Park's Waterfalls

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Last July 2010, we were at Mt. Rainier National Park. We were greeted by blizzard, very poor visibility and snow during the time we were there. However, we did not let the winter-like conditions in summer stopped us from exploring the beauty of Mt. Rainier.
Us Hiking @ Paradise Glacier Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park, July 4, 2010
Because of very poor visibility, snow deep and icy trail conditions, we gave up some of our planned hikes and focused instead on waterfalls that we can still photograph.
Here are some of the waterfalls in Mt. Rainier National Park that we were able to experience during our visit there last year. I will start from the Longmire entrance going to Sunrise.
1. Comet Falls
The trailhead to Comet Falls is 4 miles East of Longmire Entrance towards Paradise. There is a small turnout for parking on the left side of the road (coming from Longmire) which is just steps away for the parking for the next waterfall, which is Christine Falls. In fact, Christine Falls can be seen from the Comet Falls Trail. The hike to Comet Falls according to our GPS was 1.5 miles one way that climbs steadily 1500 ft. There were several waterfalls that we saw on this trail, one of them is this one below which we do not know the name.
one of several waterfalls we saw from the trail on our hike to Comet Falls
Comet Falls is 320 ft tall and is one of the highest waterfalls in Mt. Rainier National Park. This is one of the very few huge waterfalls that we can view very close to and not just from afar.
Me, In Front of Comet Falls (the white block that looks like icing is snow)
The Trail to Comet Falls
2. Christine Falls

The pullout or parking for viewing of Christine Falls is next to Comet Falls, on the right side of the road coming from Longmire towards Paradise. There is no need to hike to see this waterfall. Where I shot this picture is just a short walk from where we parked on the road.
3. Narada Falls
After Christine Falls, continuing on the road from Longmire to Paradise is Narada Falls. Like Christine Falls, it is hard to miss this waterfall since there are many people stopping by here. The parking here is larger compared to the small turn outs in Christine Falls and Comet Falls trailhead. Narada Falls can be viewed in just a short walk on a steep trail.
4. Sunbeam Creek

This is another roadside waterfall near Sunbeam Creek on our way to Sunrise. There is also very little parking here, like Christine Falls, it is just actually a small pull out for a very quick stop over to photograph this roadside waterfall. It was very foggy when we were here, but thankfully, we still could see the waterfall through the mists.

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22 comments:

  1. Christine's Fall look awesome buy...sunbeam creek is like heaven! :D

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  2. In Front of Comet Falls with the white block that looks like icing which is snow, you look so joyful and do not seem to be feeling cold at all :-) love love love the falls photos....my fave is the last picture...nature at its finest,

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  3. All the places look so beautiful seeing from your lens.

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  4. Fantastic photos of the waterfalls, Betchai, and it sounds like you did lot of hiking.

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  5. I love your high spirit for adventure, no matter what challenge is in your way. So many beautiful waterfalls in one place.

    Gorgeous photos as always!

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  6. I can't believe there are parts of this country that have snow in July. I find that so amazing.

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  7. Oh wow, Beth! The photos blew me away! Everything looks good. I am pining to see and experience those places! Amaazing. Mother nature is indeed the best playground. Such fun! :)

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  8. cool. but i still don't miss snow. i'm still enjoying the sun, the sand, and the sea. yay.

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  9. Beautiful waterfalls! I love waterfalls! : )

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  10. I have never seen a waterfall up close like you! They look spectacular in your beautiful photos.

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  11. amazing weather- of course i like the snow! the running water is really appealing on a hot day like today.

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  12. I am so jealous, what a stunning place to visit. I work with a friend, who used to live very near Mt Ranier and she said it was the most beautiful place

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  13. The first photo exactly captures the "images" of blizzards here without the people.....but your proceeding pics are amazing. It's fun to compare a scenery without the ice on it. Hehehe!

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  14. I love waterfalls, in my 3rd journey to Japan I like to see some beautiful waterfalls in this summer. Where do you re-command? Where is your favorite? Thanks

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  15. Wow, it is hard to believe winter-like weather during the summer. The scenery is still spectacular no matter the season.

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  16. a breathtaking scenery love it all..thanks for sharing...

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  17. All that snow in July, amazing! Glad you were able to see the waterfalls, they are beautiful. :)

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  18. i am not fit for hiking i think so i'll settle for photography only :-) thanks again for sharing this miss beth. by the way, got a US visa already :-) pede mo na ko ilagaw.

    PS

    nadula ka sa FB?

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  19. beautiful park.lovely place.thank you..

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  20. thanks for sharing nice info about this beautiful park...

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  21. The mountain mall is not that big of a deal.... I can't remember my favorite outlet mall!!!! It is on the left as you are going into Pigeon Forge! :( It has Tommy Hillfigure, Reebok, and Banana Republic. I would just stop and ask at the welcome center as you are going into the park about the hike and the falls.

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  22. Such truly beautiful gifts from nature. I'll bet the air was wonderfully invigorating!

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!