Carter Falls — Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020

The Carter Falls trail is a great one for kids.  In snow-free conditions, it would be too easy for my 10 year old, although it would still be enjoyable.  The snow made it a suitable trek for his sense of pride and accomplishment, though.

From the parking area (alongside Paradise road inside the Rainier reservation), the trail steps down to the Nisqually River.  A one-armed bridge crosses over it, and makes for great pictures.  After crossing, the trail snakes up northeasterly, following the (out of sight) river.  Once you're on the main thrust of the trail, you can't get lost.

The falls are somewhat obscured by the growth around them; you won't quite get the majestic views you'll see at other falls hikes in the Cascades.  However, it's still a worthwhile trip to share in the beauty of Mount Rainier with the family.

In snowy conditions, please be mindful of kids near the wooden railings overlooking the top of the falls (pictured below).  A kid can easily slip under that railing toward a 20-foot fall into rocky, rushing waters.