Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail

Mount Rainier Area

updated 3 weeks ago

As of July 19, 2026, parking at the Bud Blancher trailhead is plentiful. The trail is muddy in sections up to the lower and middle falls, but passable. The middle falls are spectacular and a popular swimming spot. The trail to the upper falls viewpoint is washed out and unsafe beyond that point, though a glimpse of the falls is still possible. Signage can be confusing; look for small metal diamonds for directions. The Bud Blancher trailhead has a porta-potty.

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Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Plenty of parking at this trailhead on a sunny Sunday. One portable toilet available in the lot.The path is wide and flat up until the well-marked turnoff to the falls. The trail turns a little more n...

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Well marked, delightful trail. We only went to the middle falls (I was with several older adults). Enjoyed lunch & views before returning. There was a newly refreshed porta potty at the trailhead.

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Got to the trailhead about 10am with plenty of parking available. Easy hike up to the fork in the trail to the lower and middle falls. Upper falls trail virtually washed away and felt very unsafe with...

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Great

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

This was a great hike to kick off the season for me. The falls were better than I expected.Trail is a bit muddy in places to both the lower and middle falls.  Nothing a good pair of shoes can't handle...

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

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...

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

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 ...

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

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.

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

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...

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