Unicorn Creek

Unicorn Creek is located in the Tatoosh Range within Mount Rainier National Park, east of Paradise just off Stevens Canyon Road. It is the outlet of Snow Lake (elev. 4,688 ft), which is recharged by the Unicorn Glacier above (actually a semi-permanent snowfield). The creek descends 1,300ft in just under a mile. Columnar basalt is prevalent throughout. The character of the creek begins casually and gains momentum, culminating in the spectacular Martha Falls amphitheater just before the confluence with Stevens Creek.

The approach hike begins at the Snow Lake trailhead. Follow the trail to approximately 0.75mi to cross an obvious creek just past Bench Lake. Follow this downstream about 0.15mi where the official Unicorn Creek enters DCR. (This shortcut route skips the climb up over the ridge to Snow Lake and skips a 20ft nuisance rappel.) Continue 0.1mi downstream to R1.

Immediately below R8, the Wonderland Trail crosses Unicorn Creek on a log bridge, providing a possible exit. You will probably have an audience of hikers here so try to look cool. If interested in running Martha Falls, the last drop on Unicorn Creek, it's best to exit the creek DCR at the bridge and follow the Wonderland Trail eastwards about 30ft (9m). Exit the trail and make your way downhill through the forest, paralleling the creek through/along a large blowdown area until reaching a ledge above the falls. Remaining in the creek is not recommended as it's steeply sloping and extremely slippery. Going for a tumble could be quite dangerous. At the bottom, there are two options for getting back up to the trail.