This trail leads four and a half miles one way from the Longmire - Paradise Road at Stevens Canyon Road to the Longmire Complex. This trail passes three waterfalls as it leads through a forested stretch of the Paradise River and Nisqually River valleys. Hiking from Narada Falls to Longmire the route loses 2,160 feet.

Begin hiking from the Narada Falls Trailhead, following the throngs of people who walk the half mile round-trip to see the falls. This area is developed with some stone work preserving the path to the Falls. Beyond the falls the crowds diminish, so continue hiking for a less crowded river walk.

A short distance south of Narada Falls the trail meets the Wonderland Trail. Take the right side of the fork, which eventually leads to Longmire. The trail descends steadily for the next mile as it winds toward Paradise River. The trail crosses the forks of Paradise River on bridges and turns southward on the western bank of the waterway. Within a half mile of the river crossing the trail reaches Paradise River Camp. The camp consists of three individual sites and one group site, all which require a backcountry permit.

One and a half miles from the trailhead you'll reach Madcap Falls. This off-kilter cascade occurs where Tatoosh Creek empties into Paradise River. Not far below Madcap Falls you'll encounter Carter Falls. This site lies close to Cougar Rock Campground, so expect to see some folks from that facility along the trail here.

Following the trail westward the next mile parallels Paradise River to the confluence with the Nisqually River. The route crosses the Nisqually and reaches a fork. The Wonderland Trail leads to the left turning southward. A short spur trail leads to the Longmire - Paradise Road. Follow the Wonderland Trail to another fork. Here the right fork leads to the Cougar Rock Campground. Continue along the Wonderland Trail, which parallels the western bank of the waterway. The next one and a half miles leads through forested, level stretch along the river.

Directions from Longmire: Begin this hike at the trailhead across the road from the Museum.

Directions from Cougar Rock Campground: Begin hiking at the trailhead across the road from the campground, two miles east of Longmire on the road toward Paradise.

Directions from Narada Falls Trailhead: From the Longmire Complex drive east 8.5 miles to a signed parking area on the right for Narada Falls.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: July through September (NOTE: The trail may be snow covered in Early Summer and Fall.) .