Van Trump Creek

As of 2019, Comet Falls (Upper Van Trump Creek) has been descended, but the lower, more gorge-like section (including Christine Falls) has not been descended. As of 2024, Comet falls and upper van trump creek has been descended. (by you know who) Christine falls has not been descended. This canyon begins with the four-tiered Comet Falls (390'), one of Mount Rainier National Park's most spectacular. Below it, approximately 4-6 drops on two major waterfall features complete the upper portion of the canyon. For a half-mile, the creek continues in a broad, open gorge and parallels the Comet Falls trail. There are likely no rappels or notable features in this section. Below, the canyon narrows and deepens, with 4-6 additional drops and some challenging swiftwater features before culminating in the two-tiered Christine Falls (69'), one of the most photographed waterfalls in the park. A final section of deep canyon and at least one drop await before the exit. This creek is fed by glacial melt from the Van Trump Glaciers, and its water is slightly milky in color. Water flow is actually very high in the summer, even late summer, when sun and heat melt the glacial ice. During cooler periods in spring and fall, the flow can be substantially less, especially on cloudy days. Observed water flows can be very low in winter, but the creek is buried deeply by snow throughout the winter season and Christine Falls is often coated with thick ice.

Parking: Park at the trailhead for the Comet Falls Trail; approach is via this trail. Parking is limited, with room for perhaps 20 cars, and the lot is often full due to the popularity of the Comet Falls hike. If parking is full, a few additional spots are available at the Christine Falls viewpoint, 0.25 miles up the road. Upper Section (Comet Falls): Hike 2.8 miles and +1600 feet of elevation gain, and access where the trail crosses the creek on its way to Van Trump Park. Middle Section: Very few features in this middle section appear to be worth doing. Using the trail is advisable between the upper and lower sections. Lower Section (undescended): Hike approximately 0.8 miles up the trail (gaining 700 feet along the way), then cut cross-country to the west and drop into the canyon at about the 4200 ft elevation contour. (Since the lower section of the canyon has not yet been descended, further drop-in points may be possible and have yet to be explored.)

Comet Falls (Upper Van Trump Creek) has been descended as of 2017. However, anchor options are limited, which presents quite a challenge. The lower sections of the canyon including Christine Falls and the sections directly above and below, have not had a documented descent (see "Red Tape" below for additional details)