Place · 0.3 mi away
Overview
Mildred Point is a dramatic, end-of-trail perch above cliffs on Rainier’s southwest side. From roughly 5,900 feet, you stare straight into the Kautz Creek gorge and up to the crevassed Kautz Glacier—raw, changing terrain shaped by recent ice retreat. It’s a choose-your-day kind of spot: aim for clear skies and you’ll feel like you’re eye-level with the mountain.
What You’ll See
- Waterfalls and ice: Views toward Kautz Glacier with Kautz Creek Falls and Pearl Falls in the mix.
- Varied approach scenery: Old-growth forest, flower-filled meadows (beargrass pops in summer), and the popular Comet Falls en route if you take the common corridor.
- Big panoramas: On clear days, distant peaks stack the horizon while Rainier dominates the foreground.
Trail & Difficulty
Expect a stout outing: about 10.5 miles round trip and ~3,350 feet of gain via the Van Trump/Comet Falls corridor. Past Comet Falls, the trail steepens; the last half mile is sandy, narrow, and exposed. A sign marks the end of the maintained trail—heed it and give the cliff edge a wide berth.
Safety Notes
- Seasonal hazards: Avalanche chutes near Comet Falls are an issue in snow seasons; some hikers prefer a Rampart Ridge approach in winter to avoid them.
- Navigation: Download offline maps. After the creek crossing, go left after the wooden log bridge to stay on the correct line toward the point.
- No facilities: No water, restrooms, or tables at the point. Carry plenty of water and layers; weather flips fast.
Wildlife
Upper meadows sometimes host mountain goats in summer. Deer and marmots are possible, and the forested approach can be a mushroom-and-wildflower show when conditions line up.
Access & Parking
You’ll reach the route from the Van Trump/Comet Falls side along the road to Paradise. Parking is limited, and the road can be dicey in winter. If you’re coming through the Nisqually entrance, have your park pass or fee ready.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer for wildflowers and dry footing; August reports rave about blooms and views.
- Clear days maximize glacier-and-waterfall drama; foggy days trade vistas for moody forest ambiance.
- Weekdays and early starts help with limited parking and make solitude more likely—even in high season, it can be quiet beyond Comet Falls.
Pros
- Wild, cliff-edge views into Kautz Glacier and Kautz Creek valley
- Far quieter than Paradise/Skyline, with real chances for solitude
Cons
- Strenuous, with a steep, narrow, exposed final stretch
- Route-finding quirks and limited parking at the approach corridor
Tips
- Download offline maps; after the creek, go left after the log bridge.
- Start early to snag parking along the Paradise road approach.
- Pair it with Comet Falls, then continue to the point for the big views.
- In snow season, consider a Rampart Ridge approach to avoid avalanche chutes.
- Respect the end-of-trail sign and keep back from the cliff edge.
