Christine Falls: A Quick, Stunning Must-See Stop at Mount Rainier

By Samantha Panzera | October 23, 2024 |

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If you're planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, there’s a hidden gem you can’t miss—Christine Falls. This quick, scenic stop offers a perfect glimpse of the beauty the park has to offer, all without having to embark on a lengthy hike. Whether you're just passing through or making a day out of exploring the Paradise area, Christine Falls is an easy addition to your itinerary that won’t disappoint.

Quick Facts

Height: 69 feet

Average Width: 10 feet

Formation: Tiered Plunges

Number of Drops: 2

Difficulty: Easy (No hiking required)

Elevation: The falls are located at 3,706 feet

Dogs: No dogs allowed

Restrooms: None available

Parking Permit: Standard Entrance Pass, Mount Rainier Annual Pass, America the Beautiful Pass

Why Christine Falls Should Be on Your List

Christine Falls may not have the grandeur of some of Mount Rainier’s larger waterfalls, but its charm lies in its accessibility and beauty. The falls drop gracefully in two tiers over a total of 69 feet, creating a serene scene framed by a beautiful stone arch bridge. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the park, offering stunning views in just a matter of minutes. Plus, it's an ideal place to take a break if you're headed up toward the more popular hiking trails in Paradise.

Getting to Christine Falls

Located just off the main road that leads to Paradise, Christine Falls is an easy stop as you make your way through the park. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from the park's Nisqually Entrance, so if you're entering from the southwest side of Mount Rainier, it's the perfect place to stretch your legs.

There’s a small pull-off parking area right near the falls, but parking can be limited, especially during the summer months and peak visitor times. Arriving early or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the crowds and score a parking spot. Even if the lot is full, it’s worth circling back after visiting another nearby site, as this spot is truly worth a stop.

If parking at Christine Falls is filled you can snag a spot at the Commet Falls Parking lot and walk across the stone bridge and descend down to the Christine Falls Viewpoint.

What to Expect at Christine Falls?

Once you park, you'll find a well-marked viewpoint just a short walk from the road. The sound of rushing water will guide you toward the falls, and within minutes, you’ll be standing at the overlook, where you can take in the full beauty of Christine Falls. The combination of the waterfall, stone bridge, and surrounding old-growth forest creates a postcard-worthy scene.

The best part? No hiking required! Christine Falls is a great stop for those who want to enjoy some of the park's beauty without committing to a long hike. It’s also a fantastic spot for families or anyone looking for an easy, accessible way to experience a beautiful waterfall at Mount Rainier National Park.

Upper Christine Falls

To get a better view of Upper Christine Falls, head to the Comet Falls Trailhead, which provides access to a bridge offering a clearer vantage point. The falls cascade over rocky ledges, framed by lush greenery that adds to the serene atmosphere. You can also see Upper Christine Falls a bit more from the bridge

Lower Christine Falls

Lower Christine Falls is the more famous section of Christine Falls, located just off the road as you drive toward Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. The Lower Falls are the more picturesque waterfall of the two distinct tiers dropping 69 feet. This is the postcard shot.

The lower falls are easily accessible with no hiking required just follow a path a few feet down from the parking area alongside the road.

Christine Falls Is Absolutely Amazing For Photographers

Christine Falls is a fantastic location for photographers and social media enthusiasts alike. With its stunning historic stone bridge gracefully arching over the picturesque waterfall, this spot offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural charm. The arch bridge that frames the falls adds a unique element to your photos, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the park. The towering tree to the left adds an extra layer of depth to your compositions, framing the falls beautifully. Whether you're capturing a breathtaking landscape shot or snapping a quick photo for your feed, Christine Falls is sure to impress.

Photography Tips

Try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, which will make for more dramatic and vivid photos. Helps you avoid that harsh overly exposed sun glare on the water.

To capture the motion of the water, consider using a longer exposure to get that silky-smooth effect. A tripod will come in handy here, especially if you're aiming for a professional-looking shot. If you visit during autumn, you might even catch the leaves turning golden, adding another layer of beauty to your photos.

Nearby Sights to Explore

Christine Falls is a quick viewpoint with no hiking involved so it is best to loop this in with other hikes and stops in Mount Rainier National Park. Below I listed a few ideas to help you out to round out your day:

Narada Falls:

Just a few minutes up the road from Christine Falls, Narada Falls is a spectacular sight that should not be missed. This impressive waterfall drops over 168 feet, making it one of the most prominent waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. The hike to Narada Falls is approximately 0.5 miles round trip. It typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views at the overlook. The trail is relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors.

For more details on Narada Falls, be sure to check out my blog post: Narada Falls – A Must-See Hike at Paradise, Mount Rainier.

Narada Falls (Paradise Mt. Rainier Hikes)

Longmire:

Take a quick stop at this historic district to explore the Longmire Museum and enjoy a leisurely stroll on its short, scenic trails. The Trail of the Shadows, is an easy loop that circles a peaceful pond, showcasing natural springs and some of the park’s early historic buildings. The Trail of Shadows is approximately 0.7 miles round trip. It’s a relatively easy loop that usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. It’s a perfect stroll for families, kids, and seniors, offering a gentle and enjoyable way to experience the history and beauty of Mount Rainier.

Comet Falls:

A short drive from Christine Falls, Comet Falls is another must-see waterfall in the park. This impressive cascade drops over 300 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. The hike to Comet Falls is approximately 1.6 miles round trip. It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views. The trail features a moderate elevation gain of around 500 feet, making it accessible for most hikers.

Paradise:

Just a short drive from Christine Falls, the Paradise Visitor Center is a must-visit destination within Mount Rainier National Park. Known for its breathtaking views of Mount Rainier’s majestic peak, Paradise offers some of the most iconic hiking trails in the park, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

At the visitor center, you’ll find helpful rangers ready to provide information on trail conditions, tips for hiking, and insights into the park's unique ecosystems. The center features exhibits that highlight the natural history of Mount Rainier, including its geology, wildlife, and diverse plant life.

From Paradise, you can access several stunning hiking trails suitable for all skill levels:

Skyline Trail: This moderate hike is approximately 5.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 1,700 feet. The trail offers panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding valleys, showcasing vibrant wildflowers in the summer and leading to breathtaking viewpoints, including a chance to see majestic glaciers up close. It typically takes about 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you stop to take in the views.

Nisqually Vista Trail: This easy, accessible loop is about 1.2 miles long and has a minimal elevation gain of about 100 feet. It provides beautiful vistas of the Nisqually Glacier and is perfect for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed experience. The hike usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

The Story Behind the Name: Christine Falls

Christine Falls is named after Christine Van Trump, the courageous daughter of P.B. Van Trump, one of the first climbers to conquer Mount Rainier. In 1889, at just nine years old, Christine embarked on an incredible journey with her father, climbing as high as her strength would allow. Despite battling a challenging nervous disorder, she persevered and reached an impressive altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Her determination and spirit deeply inspired her father, leading him to name the falls after her.

The Historic Stone Bridge Over Christine Falls

One of the most striking features of Christine Falls is the historic stone bridge that spans the waterfall. The bridge was constructed in 1928 as part of the early development of the park’s infrastructure. During this time, the National Park Service was working to improve accessibility to the park’s scenic areas, and the construction of roads and bridges became an important project. The stone arch bridge over Christine Falls is a prime example of the craftsmanship of that era and has since become an iconic feature of the site.

The Role of Christine Falls in Early Park Tourism

Christine Falls was part of Mount Rainier’s early push to attract tourists. The road to Paradise, completed in the 1920s, was designed to make the area more accessible to visitors, and Christine Falls became a popular stop along the route. Its easy accessibility and picturesque setting made it an ideal destination for early travelers who wanted to experience the beauty of Mount Rainier without embarking on a long hike. Today, the falls continue to be a favorite stop for both tourists and photographers.

Preservation Efforts

Mount Rainier National Park, established in 1899, has long been committed to preserving its natural and historical landmarks, including Christine Falls. Over the years, the National Park Service has undertaken efforts to maintain the scenic beauty of the area while ensuring that infrastructure, such as the historic bridge, remains intact for future generations to enjoy.

Christine Falls Location: 46.78105 N, -121.77959 W

Directions to Christine Falls from Seattle

Get on I-5 South: Start by heading south on I-5 from Seattle.
Merge onto I-405 South: Take the exit for I-405 South toward Renton/Tacoma.

Continue on I-405: Follow I-405 for about 14 miles.
Merge onto I-5 South again: Take the exit to merge back onto I-5 South toward Tacoma.
Take Exit 132 for WA-512 East: After about 14 miles, take Exit 132 for WA-512 East toward Puyallup.

Merge onto WA-167 South: Follow WA-512 until it merges into WA-167 South.
Continue onto WA-161 South: Follow WA-161 South toward Puyallup.
Merge onto WA-7 South: After about 10 miles, take the exit for WA-7 South toward Elbe/Mount Rainier.

Continue on WA-7: Stay on WA-7 for about 30 miles, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Turn onto Mount Rainier National Park Entrance: Follow signs for the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. There is a fee to enter the park.
Drive to Christine Falls: Once inside the park, continue on the main road (Paradise Road) for about 10 miles. Look for the pull-off parking area for Christine Falls on your right.

Travel Time

The drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

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