|
Spray Falls is one of the best wateralls in Mount Rainier National Park, thats really all that needs to be said. The falls curtain down a wall of Andesite for almost 300 feet, spreading out to as much as 80 feet wide towards the bottom of the falls. Unfortunately because of the way the falls drop and the orientation of the cliff, foreshortening plays a noticeably negative part in viewing the falls from the bottom. As one climbs the Wonderland Trail towards Spray Park, through-the-tree glimpses of the falls reveal the upper portion is quite a bit more extensive than initial impressions let on. Thanks to the remnants of the Flett Glacier, the falls flow well all year long and rightfully serve as a popular destination on the north side of the National Park.
- SPRAY FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.
Though an exact timeframe isn't known, Spray Falls is thought to have been discovered in 1883 when the Bailey Willis Trail, long since replaced with the Spray Park trail, was constructed. The name stems from the physical nature of the falls and was afterward extended to both the creek and Spray Park.
Spray Falls is accessed from the end of the Mowich Lake Road in Mount Rainier National Park. From Highway 410 in Buckley, turn towards Wilkeson and Carbonado on Highway 165. About 3 1/2 miles south of Carbonado turn right where the road splits (signs point the way to Mowich Lake). The trailhead is found at the roads end in another 16 miles. Spray Falls is found 2 1/3 miles from Mowich Lake along the Wonderland Trail.
|
