Christine Falls facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christine Falls
Christine Falls from downstream.
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Location	Mount Rainier National Park, Pierce County, Washington, United States
Type	Tiered
Total height	69 feet (21 m)
Total width	10 feet (3.0 m)
Watercourse	Van Trump Creek

Christine Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park in Pierce County, Washington. It stands about 69 feet (21 meters) tall. This waterfall is famous for the historic Christine Falls Bridge that crosses right over its lower part.

The waterfall actually has two main sections, or "tiers." The upper part is about 32 feet (10 meters) high. The lower part, which is about 37 feet (11 meters) tall, is the one you see most often in pictures. It's one of the most photographed spots near Mount Rainier!

How Christine Falls Got Its Name

Christine Falls was named to honor a brave young girl named Christine Van Trump. She was the daughter of P. B. Van Trump. In 1889, when Christine was just nine years old, she joined her father on a climb up Mount Rainier.

Even though she faced a difficult health challenge, Christine climbed as high as she possibly could. She reached an amazing height of 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters) on the mountain. The waterfall was named after her to remember her courage and determination.

Changes Over Time: The 2001 Debris Flows

In 2001, something called a debris flow happened at Christine Falls. A debris flow is like a very powerful, fast-moving flood of water, mud, rocks, and other debris. It's much stronger than a regular flood.

This event dramatically changed the area around the falls. The powerful flow washed away plants along the creek's banks. It also moved a large piece of rock and dropped it into the upper part of the waterfall, changing its shape a bit.