Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail
Mount Rainier Area
As of May 7, 2026, Little Mashel Falls via the Bud Blancher Trail is accessible and the waterfalls are flowing well, with recent reports noting significant river flow due to snowmelt. The trail is generally well-marked but is currently very muddy and slippery, particularly the steep descent to Lower Falls. Reports from April 4th and March 28th highlight significant mud and the need for caution on the trail, especially near Lower Falls.
The Bud Blancher trailhead parking lot is large and has ample parking with no pass required. While some reports indicate downed trees above Middle Falls, the main obstacles remain the mud and steep, slick sections of the trail, especially near Lower Falls. The water is cold.
generated from 34 reports
Conditions at a Glance
Trail
Trail in good condition
2 of 2
Snow
Snow free
2 of 2
Road
Road suitable for all vehicles
2 of 2
Bugs
No bugs
2 of 2
Sources
Bottom Line:What a beautiful set of waterfalls accessible via a short, chill hike! Each of the waterfalls has a very different character, so I would not miss any of them. I can see why this must get b...
I joined my hiking group at Bud Blancher trail today. No cars were in the lot when we pulled in at 10:00. It was 48 degrees with overcast skies. The porta potty was clean with supplies. Wildflowers ...
Great hike with kids and dogs. We started at Smallwood park for a shorter 3.5 mile round trip to middle falls and back. A few muddy parts but not too bad.
Last weekend I scouted the trail with my dog and this week I lead the actual hike. Our group of 7 Mountaineers arrived at the Bud Blancher trailhead at 7:45 on a beautiful Saturday morning. The parkin...
Pretty easy, beautiful but super muddy
The word of the day is: Muddy! The last time I hiked it was in July 2024 and what a difference it makes to come in the Spring! The lower and middle falls were raging compared to then.I grabbed Benny t...
Very good beginner hike, a bit muddy and steep but doable for sure. Much busier than I expected.
Muddy but easy! Very doable for a beginner hiker
Great little hike to a beautiful waterfall
To celebrate Galentine's day, a few girlfriends and I hiked to the Mashel Falls via theBud Blancher Trailhead. We decided to skip the Upper Falls today.The trail is well marked. We went to the Upper M...
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