Carter and Madcap Falls Trail Hiking Guide
Carter and Madcap Falls are two waterfalls on a short stretch of the Wonderland Trail just up the road from Longmire. The park calls this section the Carter Falls Trail: it crosses the Nisqually River on a log footbridge and continues through forest to Carter Falls, with Madcap Falls about 100 yards beyond. It's a good family hike and a solid backup when the trailheads higher up are full.
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park charges an entrance fee of $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person 16 and older arriving on foot or bike, each valid for 7 consecutive days. The $55 Mount Rainier annual pass and America the Beautiful passes are accepted; Washington's Discover Pass is not. Entrance stations take cards only. The park is not using timed-entry reservations anywhere in 2026. Day hikes need no permit; a wilderness permit is required for any overnight camping.
Where to Start
The trailhead is across the road from Cougar Rock Campground, 2 miles from Longmire on the way to Paradise. The route crosses the Nisqually River on a log footbridge, then follows the Wonderland Trail through forest to Carter Falls. Walk about 100 yards past it for Madcap Falls.
Distance
The park lists 2.2 miles round trip and about two hours. AllTrails maps 2.5 miles with 511 feet of gain and rates it moderate. AllTrails also lists a longer version that continues on the Wonderland Trail to Narada Falls, about 5.7 miles round trip with 1,407 feet of gain.
The Footbridge
The Nisqually crossing is the one thing to check before you go. The park warns that the log footbridge can wash out in fall and winter, and that across the park such crossings are usually not replaced until the next summer. Its last summer report had the bridge in. Ask at the Longmire Museum before a late-season hike, and never try to ford the river if the bridge is out.
Off-Season Access
Cougar Rock Campground closes each fall, but the road past it stays plowed in winter. From November 1 the road above Longmire closes nightly at the Longmire gate and reopens in the morning once it's cleared, and every vehicle must carry tire chains through May 1. Pets aren't allowed on park trails or on snow.
A Backup for Busy Days
The park warns that on summer weekends trailhead lots between Longmire and Paradise fill up, Comet Falls in particular. Carter Falls is a good second choice that's close by.
Hiking tips for Carter and Madcap Falls Trail
- Confirm the Nisqually log footbridge is in before a fall or winter hike.
- Continue about 100 yards past Carter Falls to see Madcap Falls.
- Extend to Narada Falls on the Wonderland Trail for a longer day.
- Carry chains if driving above Longmire between November 1 and May 1.
- Use this as your backup if the Comet Falls lot is full.
Nearby trails to explore
- Comet Falls Trail
- Rampart Ridge Loop
- Eagle Peak Trail (Mount Rainier)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Carter and Madcap Falls is an easy-going waterfall walk that works for almost any group. Use TrailMates to find hikers heading to Longmire and Cougar Rock and join them for the day. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.