Upper Comet Falls facts for kids

Upper Comet Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Pierce County, Washington. You can find it along Van Trump Creek, a bit upstream from another well-known waterfall called Comet Falls. This waterfall is quite special because it might have been created by powerful floods that rushed down Van Trump Creek in 2003 and 2006.

Discovering Upper Comet Falls

Where is Upper Comet Falls?

Upper Comet Falls is nestled within the amazing Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state. It's part of the stunning natural landscape that draws many visitors. The falls get their water from Van Trump Creek, which flows through this scenic area.

How the Falls Were Formed

Scientists believe that Upper Comet Falls was likely formed by very strong floods. These floods happened in 2003 and again in 2006. When a lot of water rushes down a creek, it can carry rocks, dirt, and other materials. This is called a "debris flow." These powerful flows can change the shape of the land and even create new waterfalls, like Upper Comet Falls.

Visiting the Falls

There used to be a bridge that crossed Van Trump Creek right below Upper Comet Falls. However, this bridge was washed away by debris flows in 2001. Even without the bridge, you can still easily see the falls from where the bridge once stood.

If you want to get a closer look at the falls, it's possible, but it requires some effort. You would need to climb over many large boulders. These boulders were probably left behind by the same powerful floods in 2003 and 2006 that helped create the falls. Always remember to be safe when exploring natural areas!