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The biggest downside to hiking in the Paradise Valley is that off-trail travel is basically prohibited. This is a bit detrimental to waterfall hunters because two notable waterfalls in the area – this, and Sluiskin Falls – can’t be approached closely without traveling sans-trail. Fortunately both are easy to see without a close approach. Though this waterfall must be viewed from a distance, its still notable enough to warrant a look now and then. Here, Edith Creek skips down a rounded step in the valley, dropping about 60 feet amid wildflowers and alpine fir trees. Visitors to Myrtle Falls may want to go the additional ¼ mile up the trail to get a decent view of this one, if not for the fact that when the flowers are in bloom, the valley is literally a sea of purple and red (in which case, the falls become an afterthought).
- MIDDLE EDITH CREEK FALLS is the Unofficial name of this waterfall.
Located in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. Follow signs to the Paradise Inn and Ranger Station at the large parking lot in Paradise. From there, find the Skyline Trail, or any sign pointing towards Myrtle Falls and the Golden Gate trail. Hike the 4/10-mile to Myrtle Falls, and proceed across Edith Creek, then head left on the Golden Gate Trail. After another ¼ mile, the falls can be seen to the left up the valley.
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