Little Mashel Falls Trail is a 5.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Eatonville, Washington that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
nature trips
forest
lake
river
views
waterfall
bugs
muddy
over grown
The recommended way to see the falls is by entering from Highway 7. Follow the yellow diamonds on the trees, and there are 2 brown signs (1 for lower and 1 pointing up the trail for the upper). Muddy areas, due to recent rains, can make this trail slippery at times, so beware and be careful at all times. The trail takes you through a set of three waterfalls. Two are medium sized and the third is very large. About 125 ft drop. Access is a little tricky but well worth it. The largest of the three major waterfalls in the gorge, the Little Mashel River drops over a small punchbowl before sliding down a smooth concave lip and veiling 125 feet into a pile of large boulders in the gorge below. If you are fortunate enough to visit the falls in the spring when the river is at it's peak, you'll encounter a spectacular wall of water and spray. In the late summer, the falls become much more placid and tame, and actually provide an opportunity to walk behind the falling water. All three waterfalls along the river here are popular locations for the locals to come and hang around.
Most the trail was easy on a flat terrain. (You start basically going uphill) When you steer off to head to falls the path walk becomes rocky, steep and muddy. Once you get to the Waterfall it’s absolutely beautiful! Heading back out from the waterfall is a piece of work. A lot of leg work is needed but it’s definitely worth it!
Amazing time hiking this trail. For the first 2 miles it’s pretty much a flat walk to the path that leads to the water. Once you turn off onto the trail that leads you down to the water fall it can become a little steep. Great hike for kids over 8, unless you wanna carry them back up the steep trail ;). A little slippery due to mud from where it has rained but not too bad. Once you get too the upper part of the falls you are able to go down and take some amazing pictures and even walk behind the falls. My oldest really loved it. You are able to take dogs and are recommended they stay on the leash. Lots of people no matter what time you go. Will definitely do this one again. You can go see the other two water falls that is further down the trail but it does get steeper the further you go. Really leg burner.
Easy walk in. A bit steep going down to the lower falls which made a good hike out. We missed the upper falls. The trail was well marked to the lower falls. We stumbled upon the middle falls. Saw some fresh bear scat but no bears. The falls were gorgeous. The trail was busy as we were coming out around 9:30 Am. When you make the left off of Hwy 7 you will turn into UW’s Mt. Rainier Institute which surprised us. There was an outhouse at the parking lot- but It was nasty!
Fantastic hike!
Was out for just a short hike. Saw one waterfall that was breath taking. Plan on returning when I have more time so we can see more!
worth the 2 miles on gravel road. water looked to be less than half of full capacity, but definitely not a trickle. really beautiful place.
One of my favorite places to go. These falls are beautiful but more and more people are figuring out how to find them so it's getting a little crowded. Although muddy, go in early spring to beat the crowds and see the falls at their peak.
nice walk. would go there again for a short hike
Very nice views on this trail. We started at the Bud Blancher Trail and joined the trail about 1.4 miles in. The first mile and a half are wide and relatively flat. The remainder of the trail is pretty steep though well maintained. Trails up to the Lower and Middle Falls are pretty well marked. The trail to the Upper Falls leaves the designated trail and is a little more difficult. This trail was rated Easy, but the steepness made much of it seem more moderate to us.
The start of the trail is pretty easy. Wide graveled trail, until you get to the enter an exit of the falls trail. Then it turns into more of a hike with a pretty steep decline and of course a steep incline on your way back out! The. Jew is amazing especially at the lower falls. Highly recommend. We went on a weekday and were the only people for a good hour sitting by the waterfall.
Jenna Berglund recorded Little Mashel Falls Trail
Arrive early to miss the crowds! Definitely helps to use your recording to help you know where to turn.
This trail is dog and family friendly. there is some steeper hills so I would not suggest kids under 6. But a great trail either way.
Nice and easy trail. We hiked it today with our three children and 7 month old puppy. Well marked and maintained.
The falls are beautiful!!! Well worth the drive. Also as u drive out make sure u stop at the mt rainier scenic drive. It’s amazing
Beautiful, easy to navigate!
Super easy trail! Great for all ages.
Beautiful falls and easy trail. Most ofnthe way up is gravel road. Sign posts along regular intervals were easily visible. The rocks by the falls are very slippery, but paths to and from were great. It is absolutely gorgeous going behind the falls as well!
Loved this trail. We went on Sunday afternoon, it was not crowded and good parking spots. The first 2 miles is a gravel road then follow white signs and it would be another 0.5 mile to the falls. We went to the middle one, so beautiful. Kids and dog friendly. No bugs
Loved it- the falls were easy to find, follow the white stars.
Extremely crowded, even a couple drones flying around.
Lia Gogue recorded Little Mashel Falls Trail
Great hike.. does get muddy so be prepared. We took our 2,7, and 11 year old and they did great. Worth it at the end.
Super crowded and very muddy. The falls are beautiful! This was my 2nd trip here and might recommend waiting until it dries out a little or just wear shoes with good traction. I saw a lot of people in tennis shoes slipping and falling.
Marc Grau recorded Little Mashel Falls Trail
Agree with other posts, end by water falls is a little unclear. Will be back for sure and explore more. Very family friendly and trail is wide until falls.
Nice short trail. Trail leading to the waterfall is a bit steep and muddy. Overall a beautiful view and worth it.
