About Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is a named waterfall in Pierce County, Washington, located about 18 miles southeast of Buckley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mowich Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°56′31″ N, 121°48′40″ W (46.94205, -121.81121). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Marmot Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Echo Cliffs (cliff, 0.6 mi), and Mother Mountain (summit, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Alice Falls, 1.7 miles to the northeast.
Weather at Cataract Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cataract Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cataract Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cataract Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Marmot Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Echo Cliffs — cliff, 0.6 mi
- Mother Mountain — summit, 0.7 mi
- Cataract Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Moraine Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Dick Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Northern Crags — cliff, 1.5 mi
- Knapsack Pass — gap, 1.5 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.94205, -121.81121. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cataract Falls
- Chenuis Falls, WA3.8 mi north
- Garda Falls, WA4.2 mi east
- Van Horn Falls, WA4.8 mi northeast
- Affi Falls, WA5.9 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cataract Falls located?
Cataract Falls is in Pierce County, Washington, about 18 miles southeast of Buckley. Its coordinates are 46.94205, -121.81121 (46°56′31″ N, 121°48′40″ W).
What town is closest to Cataract Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Buckley, WA, about 18 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cataract Falls?
The closest is Alice Falls (1.7 mi northeast). Others within reach include Cress Falls (2.0 mi), Ipsut Falls (2.2 mi), and Spray Falls (2.3 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cataract Falls?
Cataract Falls appears on the USGS Mowich Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.