Paradise River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paradise River |
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Paradise River at the Skyline Trail Bridge
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Counties | Pierce County, Lewis County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Paradise Glacier Mount Rainier |
| River mouth | Nisqually River |
The Paradise River is a quick and lively river located in Pierce County, Washington. It's a key part of the beautiful Mount Rainier National Park. This river is special because it has eight amazing waterfalls along its path! It's also the first big river that flows into the Nisqually River.
About the Paradise River
The Paradise River might be small, but it's very important to the area. It gets its water from the melting ice of the Paradise Glacier. This glacier is high up on Mount Rainier, a famous volcano. The river flows entirely inside the national park, which means it's protected.
The river's name, "Paradise," comes from the stunning area it flows through. This place is known for its beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer. Many visitors come to see the river and its incredible waterfalls.
Where Does it Flow?
The journey of the Paradise River starts at the very edge of the Paradise Glacier. As it begins its trip downhill, the water quickly drops over two waterfalls: Paradise Falls and Sluiskin Falls. These falls mark the start of its swift descent into Paradise Valley.
Just before reaching Paradise Valley, another stream called Edith Creek joins the Paradise River. Edith Creek also has its own series of pretty waterfalls. From there, the Paradise River generally flows towards the southwest.
After leaving the lovely Paradise Valley, the river continues its exciting journey. It tumbles over Ruby Falls and then the Washington Cascades. Soon after, the river gets wider and creates one of the most famous waterfalls in the Mount Rainier area: Narada Falls. This waterfall is so well-known that the Mount Rainier Highway crosses the river right near it.
Not far past Narada Falls, you might find the Sidewinder Cascades. These falls are not seen as often by visitors. The river then drops over Madcap Falls. After this, Tatoosh Creek, another stream with its own waterfalls, adds its water to the Paradise River. Finally, the river turns west and drops over Carter Falls. This is one of its last big drops before it meets the Nisqually River, where its journey ends.
