Van Trump Park via Comet Falls - Day Hike With Majestic Views All Around
Mount Rainer National Park is our home, our place where we recharge and always feel welcomed. Tahoma always treats us well, with incredible views, not only of herself, but also of the other nearby volcanoes, Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Hood, and on clear days, even Mount Jefferson. The air is always fresh and the meadows always surprisingly colorful and beautiful.
One such place, among those many that we love around Mount Rainier, is Van Trump Park. It is easily accessible from the road to Paradise. In fact, we have passed by the small parking lot so many times on our way to Paradise. This time we decided to top and make this our day trip.
Approx. 8 miles round trip & 2700 ft elevation gain. Green Trail Map: Mt. Rainier West No. 269. Trailhead: 46.77903, -121.78345
Shortly after the trailhead, we came upon a beautiful, sturdy log bridge that crosses over the Van Trump Creek. As you can see, it was very early morning and rather chilly.
From here the trail went up, and up, and up, while the Van Trump Creek kept us company for about a mile and a half, when we came upon a foot-log with a beautiful view of Bloucher Falls.
We passed the bridge and continued further up, and only in about a quarter-mile Comet Falls came into view through the tall trees.
First glimpse of Comet Falls from the trail through the tall trees
Comet Falls on our way to Van Trump Park
After a short break and a few more pictures, we continued going up towards Van Trump Park. First, we hiked a few switchbacks then, through a series of meadows where the wildflowers were just insane, keeping all our senses entertained.
My favorite flower, the Western Pasqueflower, looked a bit untidy after the rainy evening, but so ready to shake those raindrops once the mid morning sun would shine upon it.
Western Pasqueflower - looks like my hair in the morning!
The meadows are one of my favorite hiking features, and with the endless meadows on this trip, I could not be happier!
From where the maintained trail ended we meandered for another hour through an absolutely beautiful field of lupines - their scent was incredible that day! From here we could see Kautz Glacier and the Tatoosh Range along with Mount Adams and St Helens.
For our lunch and nap time, we picked a spot with majestic views towards the South with Mount Adams and St. Helens, Tatoosh Range, and even Mount Hood.
After a relaxing afternoon with beautiful views and quiet meadows, we turned around, but not without taking some more pictures of our surroundings.
We hope you enjoyed our short day trip and that you will visit us again soon! Until then, all the best and happy trails!