Christine Falls at Mt. Rainier National Park near Longmire, Washington is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back walk that leads to one of the most photographed waterfalls in the park, Christine Falls.
Starting at the trailhead, the dirt path leads down a fairly-steep hill for just a short ways before it terminates at viewpoints for the lower portion of Christine Falls. Here, you'll find a scenic stone bridge that spans the road and hangs over the turquoise-tinted waterfall. In the gorge below, you'll find small rapids that display the vibrant turquoise waters in more detail. From the edge of the Van Trump Creek's cliffs, you can appreciate the turquoise-tinted Christine Falls from several angles which makes for some fun photography. Stay a while to enjoy the waterfall, have a lunch or take a break from other nearby day hikes before leaving.
Uneven terrain: This trail leads through a very short path that has uneven terrain, roots, and other tripping hazards.
Explore Christine Falls
Located on the Longmire-to-Paradise Road in Mt. Rainier National Park sits the ~40-foot tall waterfall known as Christine Falls. While the entire height of Christine Falls is closer to 70-feet tall, most visitors will explore the lower portion of the waterfall which is where this route leads you.Starting at the trailhead, the dirt path leads down a fairly-steep hill for just a short ways before it terminates at viewpoints for the lower portion of Christine Falls. Here, you'll find a scenic stone bridge that spans the road and hangs over the turquoise-tinted waterfall. In the gorge below, you'll find small rapids that display the vibrant turquoise waters in more detail. From the edge of the Van Trump Creek's cliffs, you can appreciate the turquoise-tinted Christine Falls from several angles which makes for some fun photography. Stay a while to enjoy the waterfall, have a lunch or take a break from other nearby day hikes before leaving.
Explore Upper Christine Falls
After taking in the scenery of Lower Christine Falls, you might want to see the upper portion too. The hike to reach Upper Christine Falls is relatively easy at 0.6-miles out-and-back with the trailhead located just down the road. While the Van Trump Creek gorge is steep and rugged, it's also full of lush, vibrant vegetation like moss and fern-covered cliffs with views of its turquoise-hued waterfalls. It's well-worth your time if you're looking for another short but fun hike to do nearby.Parking & Fees
Visitors will find a small parking turnout near the coordinates provided. The turnout is large enough to fit about a dozen vehicles as of June 2025. As of June 2025, there's a $25 entry fee for the park which is good for several days. If you plan ahead, you can speed up your entry with an Annual National Park's Pass.Pets
All pets, including dogs, are not allowed on any trails within Mt. Rainier National Park, so please leave your dogs at home.Warning
Cliffs: This trail follows steep cliffs that plummet over 40-feet into the Van Trump Creek gorge. For your own safety, stay on-trail.Uneven terrain: This trail leads through a very short path that has uneven terrain, roots, and other tripping hazards.
