Trip Report
Day Hike - Comet Falls & Van Trump Park
We're looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow at Comet Falls. It's not just shenanigans with friends, you too can help another great non-profit, Washington Trails Association with a donation to the annual hike-a-thon. Support Team "Tacoma Hiking and Backpacking" in the link below.
Lisa Elliott
- Wed, Jul 26, 2023
- Day Hike - Comet Falls & Van Trump Park
- Comet Falls & Van Trump Park
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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A classic Rainier hike complete with wildflowers, gigantic waterfalls and an exceptional views in all directions.
Anticipating the joy of the day with minimal effort we lowered our footprint and started out early condensing our carpool to one vehicle at Eatonville Elementary School.
Finding the trailhead at 7:20 am on a weekday, the park entrance was welcoming and easy to navigate at the Nisqually entrance. We were asked for both the pass and our personal ID with little waiting and few cars.
Comet Falls parking area just above Longmire there were cars already there. Luckily there were a few spots left at 8 am in the lot fitting about 20 cars.
The hike started out amazing hearing Van Trump creek as we made our way up the trail. The newer footbridge over Bloucher Falls was safely in place.
More trail luck as we saw a mountain goat walking along side of us across the river. The view of Comet Falls had sunlight hitting it just right, creating a rainbow.
We then disappeared into the forest and enjoyed an early lunch at Van Trump Park enjoying a mild wildflower season.
Heading to Mildred Point the clouds obscured our view of the mountain as we watched the valley below change across shades of gray. Just beyond the lookout we discovered a goat wallow and another vantage point.
Hazards were few except sun exposure at above tree line which is most of the hike beyond the falls. Also quite a number of rocks and boulders up to the falls and a few tree obstacles that would be fun for kids but you do need to watch them at Mildred Point.
A beautiful day, nice steep climb, not too hot or cold but just right in every way. A great trip to kick off the month of August for Washington Trails Association Hike-a-thon. Can you tell we are spelling W-T-A.
9 miles, 4500' gain plus more shenanigans with friends!
Help support Team "Mountaineers Hiking and Backpacking" in the hike-a-thon this year. As trip leaders Washington Trails Association provides reliable trip reports year around, they advocate for trails and provide trail maintenance. It is a great non-profit and lightens our load as leaders.
Thank you!
Jody, Lisa and Marilyn