Narada Falls

Narada Falls

Although technically not on the Wonderland Trail, Narada Falls is within sight of the trail junction.  It is easy to get to, either by driving or using the shuttle bus.  I took the shuttle bus and planned to walk back down to Longmire.  I started off at approximately 10:30 am with partly cloudy skies and 65 degrees F. 

The falls plunge about 170 feet (57m) right next to the parking area.  As you can see from the from the photographs, the water was running high.  At the top of the falls is a stunning view down the Paradise River Canyon. 

The hike descends rough hewn stairs to a viewing area.  Be careful, they are often wet and slippery.  The temperature cooled significantly as the evaporating effects of the water cooled the air.  The second tier viewing area was enveloped in mist, making it a wonderful way to cool off.  If you're coming down from Reflection Lakes and heading to Longmire, the natural air conditioning is well worth the short side trip. 

Bridge over Paradise River at the top of the Falls

The name Narada was proposed by Arthur F. Knight and adopted in 1893 for the Narada branch of the Theosophical Society of Tacoma. Narada is a Hindu word meaning 'uncontaminated' or 'pure'.

View from Parking Lot