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This is the easiest waterfall to get to along the Highway 410 / 123 corridor in Mt. Rainier National Park. The Ohanapecosh River cascades down a series of progressively larger steps, becoming more flume-like as it descends, ending in a powerful 40 foot plunge into a large blue pool. Below the falls the river enters a narrow gorge which the trail spans on a high footbridge. Don't be fooled by the beauty of the river here, more people have been killed in the area around the Silver Falls area than at pretty much any other waterfall in the park. I can't find any information on the origin of the name, it's likely not very in-depth however. I think something like Blue Hole Falls would have been more appropriate (you'll understand when you see it). Although the falls are technically tiered (the photo doesn't illustrate well how steep the river above the falls is), it's hard not to call this a punchbowl when you see how powerful it is.
- SILVER FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.
Silver Falls are said to have been named by early campers at Ohanapecosh Hot Springs, as a descriptive of the clear, silvery-blue waters of the Ohanapecosh River.
Located in the southeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive to the junction of SR 706 and SR 123 at the Stevens Canyon entrance to the park, then follow SR 123 south for 1/3 mile to the signed (small metal sign) turnout for the Silver Falls trailhead. the trail leads down to the river and the falls in 1/5 mile. Another way to reach the falls is to walk 1 mile up the Silver Falls Trail from the Ohanapecosh campground. Being the lazy type, I have never done that, but I have heard it is relatively flat and easy.
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