Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail
Mount Rainier Area
As of March 21, 2026, the Bud Blancher Trail to Little Mashel Falls is experiencing very muddy conditions, particularly on the steps leading to the Lower Falls. Hikers from February and March report the trail is generally manageable for beginners despite the mud, with some finding it steep. Snow is not an issue, with reports from December and January confirming snow-free conditions. Parking at the main trailhead is limited; parking at Smallwood Park and walking to the trailhead is recommended by some. The Middle Falls is consistently described as the most impressive. While the trail is generally well-marked, caution is advised on slick rocks near the falls.
generated from 28 reports
Conditions at a Glance
Trail
Trail in good condition
3 of 3
Snow
Snow free
3 of 3
Road
Road suitable for all vehicles
3 of 3
Bugs
No bugs
3 of 3
Sources
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...
park at Smallwood park. there is not parking near the trailhead and private property all atpund! as far as the trail it was raining that day so the trail was wet but it was not too muddy. beautiful wa...
Such a great winter hike! To dig water in the middle falls which was our destination today.Very muddy as is normal here in winter - Rick’s and mud around the falls are very slippery, poles were a big ...
It was time to cross this lowlands hike off our list, and we reached the parking lot at 9am. The weather was clear and temps were below freezing, with frost everywhere. There were just a few other car...
What a great way to start the year. This is a beautiful hike for all ages. The waterfalls are running strong. It's a treat, three different waterfalls in under 5 miles. Not too busy to start the ye...
Great Christmas morning hike. Got to the TH at 9 . We were the first ones there and didn't see a soul until the return trip. The trail was muddy as usual. The falls had a perfect flow for photos. Much...
We parked in Smallwood Park. When we arrived around 11:30am, there were a few cars, many of whom were exploring the Smallwood Park. Parking here shortened the distance on the Bud Blanchard trail - it ...
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