About Ranger Falls
Ranger Falls is a named waterfall in Pierce County, Washington, located about 15 miles southeast of Buckley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mowich Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°59′02″ N, 121°51′14″ W (46.98399, -121.85399). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Green Lake (lake, 0.6 mi), Chenuis Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), and Ranger Creek (stream, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Chenuis Falls, 0.9 miles to the northeast.
More Photos
34 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Ranger Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Ranger Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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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 Ranger Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Ranger Falls holds a 4.8 average from 14 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Ranger Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Green Lake — lake, 0.6 mi
- Chenuis Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Ranger Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Gove Peak — summit, 1.0 mi
- Ipsut Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Arthur Peak — summit, 1.3 mi
- Rust Ridge — ridge, 1.3 mi
- Cayada Creek — stream, 1.3 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 46.98399, -121.85399. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Ranger Falls
- Giant Falls, WA5.6 mi south
- Van Horn Falls, WA6.3 mi east
- Garda Falls, WA7.4 mi southeast
- Affi Falls, WA8.4 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ranger Falls located?
Ranger Falls is in Pierce County, Washington, about 15 miles southeast of Buckley. Its coordinates are 46.98399, -121.85399 (46°59′02″ N, 121°51′14″ W).
What town is closest to Ranger Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Buckley, WA, about 15 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Ranger Falls?
The closest is Chenuis Falls (0.9 mi northeast). Others within reach include Ipsut Falls (1.4 mi), Alice Falls (3.5 mi), and Cataract Falls (3.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Ranger Falls?
Ranger 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.