Comet Falls
{{Short description|Waterfall in Washington (state), United States}}
{{One source|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox waterfall
| name = Comet Falls
| photo = Comet Falls (95ee215cf0334ec3ba1168be837570be).JPG
| photo_caption =
| location = Mount Rainier National Park, Pierce County, Washington, United States
| type = Tiered
| height = {{convert|380|ft|m}}
| width = {{convert|30|ft|m}}
| watercourse = Van Trump Creek
| number_drops = 4
}}
Comet Falls is a tall waterfall located on Van Trump Creek in Pierce County, Washington. The falls are thought to be the best in the Mount Rainier region.{{Cite web|url=http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/|title=Northwest Waterfall Survey|website=www.waterfallsnorthwest.com}}
Stature
At first glance the falls drop about {{convert|300|ft|m}} out of a hanging valley in one lofty plunge. The height of the plunge is actually {{convert|320|ft|m}}. The falls are more than that though, as there are two obvious smaller tiers below the main drop as well as one just visible above the main drop. The bottom two drops are 40 and {{convert|20|ft|m}} high while the height of the upper drop is not known. In any case, assuming the upper drop is at least {{convert|20|ft|m}} high, the falls are likely around {{convert|400|ft|m}} high.
Debris Flow of 2001
Due to the strong bedrock the falls flow over, the falls themselves were not damaged, but the mudflows still left their mark. A canyon up to {{convert|10|ft|m}} deep was carved by the mudflows just below the falls and all plant life lining the creek below the falls was washed away and replaced by dead vegetation. Also, the pool at the base of the main drop was filled in by rock and debris.
Floods of 2003 and 2006
The floods of 2003 and 2006 actually helped the falls a lot because it removed most of the debris that previously lined the creek below the falls. Once again, due to the strong bedrock the falls flow over, the falls were not altered much.
References
{{Reflist}}
{{MtRainierNPWaterfalls}}
{{Authority control}}
{{coord|46|47|45|N|121|46|48|W|display=title}}
Category:Mount Rainier National Park
Category:Waterfalls of Pierce County, Washington