Van Trump Park Trail is one of the stronger hikes from the Longmire side of Mount Rainier, climbing through old forest to Comet Falls before pushing on into the open meadows of Van Trump Park. The waterfall is the early reward, but the trail feels much bigger once the trees thin and the mountain starts to dominate the view ahead.
This is not a casual leg-stretcher. The climb is steep, snow can linger into summer, and the upper meadows are fragile enough that staying on the path matters. On a clear day, though, the mix of waterfall, alpine flowers, and close Rainier views makes it one of the park's most satisfying half-day hikes.