Hike to Spray Falls

Spray Falls

NPS Photo

Season: Summer (July – mid-October) 

Spray Park and Falls were likely named in 1883 by a trail construction crew who noted how the cascading water of the falls broke "into a mass of spray." Spray Creek drops 354 feet over a lava cliff in a magnificent, veil-like waterfall. The remains of the Flett Glacier provide a reliable source of water for this impressive waterfall. 

The trailhead is located on the southeast side of Mowich Lake walk-in campground at the end of the Mowich Lake Road. The Mowich Lake area is generally open mid-July to mid-October, accessible via SR 165. The Mowich Lake Road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. 

From the trailhead, follow the Wonderland Trail 0.25 miles to a junction with the Spray Park Trail. Follow the Spray Park Trail east, as it weaves up and down through forested terrain and crosses Lee Creek. 1.5 miles from the trailhead, the Eagle Cliff viewpoint offers a spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the Mowich Glacier on a clear day. Continue 0.3 miles to the junction with Eagle’s Roost Camp, keeping left and continuing for 0.1 mile to the junction with a turn off for Spray Falls. Continue 0.1 miles on this spur trail to view Spray Falls. Use caution if crossing Spray Creek to get a better view of the falls as it requires scrambling over slippery rocks. 

For a longer, more challenging hike, return the way you came and follow the spur trail 0.1 miles back to the main trail, and continue uphill to the subalpine meadows of Spray Park. It is an additional mile and 735 feet of elevation gain to reach Spray Park, including a steep climb up a series of switchbacks before reaching the meadows. For a multi-day hike, the Spray Park trail continues, climbing into Seattle Park, before descending into the Carbon River Valley. Pets are not allowed. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry camping.  

Trail Statistics  

• Distance, round trip: 4 miles
• Elevation gain: 545 feet 
• Hiking time, round trip: 3 hours 
• Wilderness Camps: Eagle’s Roost 

Rules & Regulations 

• Pets are not allowed on trails 
• No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay) 
• No bicycles on trails 
• Pack out trash 
• Do not feed or disturb wildlife 
• Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features 
• Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet 

Details

Duration

2-3 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Park entrance fee required. Pay fee at Paul Peak Entrance Station on Mowich Lake Road. 

Location

Spray Park Trail

Spray Falls is located 2 miles up the Spray Park Trail from Mowich Lake. The trailhead is located on the southeast side of Mowich Lake walk-in campground at the end of the Mowich Lake Road.

Reservations

No

Season

Summer

The Mowich Lake area is generally open mid-July to mid-October, accessible via SR 165. The Mowich Lake Road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough.

Accessibility Information

This dirt singletrack trail has rolling up and down hills, gaining 545 feet over 2 miles. It has stairs, roots, and bridges over creeks. To get a full view of the falls requires scrambling over rocks on uneven footing to cross the creek.