Martha Falls.

Martha Falls was the destination for our hike today, and it proved to be a worthy trip.  To a certain extent, though, it is a bittersweet destination.  The falls are comprised of a number of smaller falls with a total drop of 665 feet from the first to the last.  The portion of the falls that is visible from the Wonderland Trail is only about 60 feet, so we only saw a small portion of the falls.  That didn't stop us from taking a seat and having our lunch.

Unfortunately, one cannot see the entire falls at once.  The topmost falls plunge between 50 and 60 feet, but cannot be seen.  The second falls makes a beautiful fan shape as it plunges the next 125 feet.  After 175 feet of cascades, the 60 foot falls shown here is visible.  After channeling through a narrow gorge, the final falls plunges 160 feet into the valley base.  Certain portions of the falls may be seen from the Steven Canyon Valley road above, but you have to walk up and down the road to get various angles.

Of course, like most Mount Rainier streams, it is wild and temperamental.  The collection of debris at the base of these falls extends down stream and took out the bridge over Unicorn Creek.  The trail service put in a log bridge and alternative hiking path, making crossing possible, but I would be cautious with small children. 

Martha Falls was named for Martha Longmire in the late 1880's by her son Ben.  More information may be found at Northwest Waterfall Survey.