Comet Falls and Van Trump Park

The walk starts at the Comet Falls Trailhead on the road to Paradise, four miles east of Longmire. The Van Trump Trail climbs steadily up the gorge of Van Trump Creek, past Bloucher Falls, and reaches the foot of Comet Falls after about 1.8 miles. From the falls it switchbacks up for another 0.8 miles to a junction, where the Van Trump Park Trail turns right into open meadows below the mountain. Return the same way.

It is 5.3 miles (8.6 km) round trip with 2,040 feet (621 m) of climbing; allow about 4½ hours. The grade is Moderate: not long, but steep and rocky for most of the way.

The parking lot is small and often full, and there is nowhere else to park nearby, so arrive early. Near the falls the wind can drench you with spray, and rock falling from the cliffs above is a real danger, so do not linger beneath them. Snow covers the upper trail into summer: in 2026 the park reported it clear on July 14. Treat any water before drinking it. Pets are not allowed on park trails.

Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle for seven days, and the entrance stations take cards only. No timed-entry reservation was needed in 2026.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.