Carter Falls is a 53-foot plunge waterfall on Paradise Creek in Mount Rainier National Park, Lewis County, Washington, reached along a stretch of the Wonderland Trail from Cougar Rock.
The falls
The creek is funneled through a squared rock groove and drops in two steps, with a tallest single drop of 41 feet.
Getting there
The route to the falls starts at Cougar Rock and runs 1.1 miles one way, or 2.2 miles round trip, with about 500 feet of elevation gain and roughly two hours of hiking; it crosses the Nisqually River on a log bridge. Parking at the trailhead is limited. Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle for seven days, and eligible federal passes are accepted.
When to go
May through October is the recommended season, and the log bridge can wash out in fall or winter. A trail report from July 14, 2026 found the route snow-free with the bridge in place.
On site
Trees obstruct the view from the fenced overlook. Pets are not allowed on the trail or in the riverbed.
History and name
The falls are named for trail builder Harry Carter, also given as Henry Carter, with the name dating to between 1889 and 1895.
Nearby
Madcap Falls is about 0.1 mile away, Tatoosh Falls about 0.6 mile, and Tahoma Cascades about 1.1 miles. Christine Falls, on Van Trump Creek, is about 1.2 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.