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 Reporter |
Summary: This is probably the best hike to take if you are staying at Cougar Rock Campground, as it is close and offers an alternative to the alpine hikes further up the mountain. I addition it is almost impossible to get lost on this trail as it crosses the Nisqually river then follows the old water pipe for some time As you follow the old wooden water pipe along the trail you will have a chance to view some of the wildlife Mt. Rainier is famous for. Things such as the many birds and even a few of the smaller four legged critters tend to follow you now and then. You can begin to hear Carter falls as you approach and you may think that the view is lacking, but continue on to Madcap and you will be delighted with a very nice view and good picture opportunity. If you pack your lunch, go just past Madcap falls and spread out on the rocks for a relaxing lunch or a swim in the nearby pools of water. Trailhead: The Carter Falls trailhead (part of the Wonderland Trail) is located just down the road from the entrance to the Cougar Rock campground in Mt. Rainier National Park. Drive 8 miles east of the Nisqually entrance, or 6.5 miles west of the turn off to Paradise, to the marked trailhead. The trail starts off crossing the ever-changing Nisqually River (the bridges over which may occasionally be out). After climbing above the river, the Wonderland trail parallels the Paradise River for 1.1 miles to the falls at a signed viewpoint. (Lat:46.76664 Lon:-121.7907) Trail Guides for Carter and Madcap Falls Mt. Rainier: Day Hike Mt. Rainier by Ron C. Judd (Sasquatch Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Mt Rainier Nat'l Park, Paradise Ranger Station, 360 569-2211 ext. 2314 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RTE on 7/23/2009 Very nice hike not for kids under 6 went on 7/19 no show is a moderate hike for kids 6-14. Will do it again with my kids.
Reviewed by Sabrina on 7/20/2008 'Would hike again' given I was bringing along a friend or family member. Nice hike, there was still snow in mid-July, but not until you got above the two falls. Interesting that Madcap falls is not signed, but a pretty walk/hike nonetheless.
Reviewed by KC on 6/28/2008 Nice Hike. Went on June 22nd. The last 1/3 of the trail to Carter Falls still has snow. We continued along the trail past the fall and it is all snow. Beautiful day!
Reviewed by KC on 6/28/2008 Nice Hike. Went on June 22nd. The last 1/3 of the trail to Carter Falls still has snow. We continued along the trail past the fall and it is all snow. Beautiful day!
Reviewed by KC on 6/28/2008 Nice hike, went June 22nd. The last 1/3 of the trail to Carter falls still had snow. We coninued along the wonderland trail further, and it was all still snow. Very Beutiful day!
Reviewed by Paul on 5/28/2008 Great, quick, hike from the campground. The one think I would add to the description is that the Nisqually River can change pretty significantly through the day. We started this hike in the afternoon after getting settled in the campground. When we returned in early evening there was not a dry route over the river, forcing us to wade thigh deep across a few points. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Pierce County Hiking, Pierce County Trails, Pierce County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
