Chenuis Falls is a 287-foot steep cascade on Chenuis Creek in the Carbon River area of Mount Rainier National Park, Pierce County, Washington. The Park Service describes it as a series of cascades over smooth bedrock ending in a pool, but it has been out of reach since the Fairfax Bridge on SR 165, the road to the Carbon River entrance, closed.
The falls
A survey in person counts four drops: lower slides totaling 168 feet, then upper tiers of 94 and 25 feet. The creek comes down a steep series of ledges separated by small, deep green pools, about 30 feet wide on average. Only the 168-foot lower section is visible from creek level; the upper tiers are hidden.
Getting there
There is no access to Carbon River and Mowich Lake via SR 165 until further notice because of the Fairfax Bridge closure outside the park (trailhead page updated February 9, 2026). The bridge is closed to vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Before the closure, the route followed the Carbon River Trail, the former Carbon River Road, for about 3.5 miles from the entrance, on foot or by bike; it is the only trail in the park open to bikes. A 0.2-mile spur then led to the falls. The trip is 7.4 to 8 miles round trip with 500 feet of gain, rated moderate. The trailhead has a bike rack, a picnic table and a restroom but no potable water. Park admission is $30 per vehicle for seven days.
When to go
Flow is best in spring, when the creek covers the full width of the bedrock. By late summer it narrows and can nearly dry up, exposing the pools between the steps.
On site
The spur crosses the Carbon River on a log footbridge that often washes out in winter; check its status with a ranger first. The hike is suitable for kids. Dogs are not allowed.
History and name
A historical account of Mount Rainier place names treats Chenuis as an Indigenous name whose meaning was never ascertained.
Nearby
Upper Chenuis Falls is about 0.3 mile away. Ranger Falls is about 0.9 mile away, and Ipsut Falls about 1.6 miles.
Distances are straight-line.