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Pending the documentation of Alice Falls, and perhaps the even more isolated Cress Falls, Ranger Falls could be considered the best waterfall in the Carbon River area of Mount Rainier National Park. The falls drop down a forested, mossy step, cascading 44 feet then plunging 55 feet before spitting into two segments, which converge just before the base of the falls, dropping another 73 feet. However, because the viewpoint for the falls is so close, there is a significant amount of foreshortening when viewing the falls. For a better sense of scale (and the only views of the uppermost tier to the falls), one can view the falls through the trees at the beginning of the spur trail to the viewpoint, but a clear picture is only possible at the viewpoint. During extended periods of drought, Ranger Creek shrinks considerably, and the falls become less impressive. However, most of the year, the creek retains enough water for the falls to appear very attractive.
- Ranger Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
Located within the Carbon River area of Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive south from Enumclaw along Highway 410 to just past Buckley to Highway 165, marked for Carbonado, Wilkeson and Mt. Rainier. Follow this road for 16 miles to the Carbon River Entrance Station of Mt Rainier National Park where the road has been closed due to extensive washouts. Hike the now closed road 3 miles to the signed Green Lake trailhead and follow the moderately graded trail for another mile to the signed spur leading to the viewpoint for the falls. If you have the time, I recommend hiking the additional ¾ of a mile to Green Lake.
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