Take the plunge this summer and visit one of Mount Rainier's picturesque waterfalls. Pick among the following three or combine one or more of them on a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park. Narada Falls, Comet Falls, and Myrtle Falls are located fairly close together in the southern portion of the park.

Easiest to reach is Narada Falls, visible from above at a parking area and from a vista point closer to the base of the falls by a short one-tenth mile trail. However, the way is steep and may have you huffing and puffing on the return. Enjoy the rainbow which is generally visible near the base of the falls.

It is possible to also access the Wonderland Trail, which encircles Mount Rainier, along this same route in two-tenths of a mile. To explore Comet Falls, continue along the park road about five miles past Narada Falls to the trailhead.

Comet Falls requires more effort to reach, but is one of the most spectacular cascades in the park. The trail reaches the falls in just less than two miles. Yet the way is steep, with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.

Numerous vantage points are available along the trail and most hikers wander off the corner of a switchback to enter the spray near the base of the main falls. Visitors are reminded to be cautious here since a careless misstep on wet rock or mud could cause one to slip down into raging Van Trump Creek.

Although Comet Falls ranks as a highly worthy destination on its own, many hikers continue beyond the falls to Van Trump Park. This meadow area on the southern flank of Mount Rainier contains numerous wildflowers in midsummer.

The parkland is located another mile beyond Comet Falls and 700 feet higher, with the last section quite steep. Those with more energy can continue to Mildred Point, still another mile from the entry to Van Trump Park. It also is especially steep on the last half mile of side trail, but most will find the mountain vistas worth the effort.

The trail to Comet Falls is popular and the parking area is rather small so an early start is recommended. This also allows you to make the upward climb mostly in shade.

The trail starts in forest, contouring above the road, until you reach a sturdy footbridge over Van Trump Creek. The powerful nature of this stream is evident here as you look down on the rocky gorge through which the creek tumbles.

Then the route turns up the canyon gouged by Van Trump Creek. There are occasional views down into the creek, but the way is mostly forested until about a mile into the trip. The trail is generally steep all through this mile after the bridge crossing.

Next the route enters a rockslide area with a brief view of the mountain ahead. Now the trail dips up and down before it reaches a switchback and then climbs up through a large boulder patch.

After rounding a bend you hear the roar of rushing water and expect to see Comet Falls. Instead, the sound is generated by a set of falls up a sidestream which joins Van Trump Creek here. A set of footbridges offers passage, and in a very short way you top a rise and finally see Comet Falls ahead through the trees.

The first vista is an eye-grabber and the shade provides a handy place for a drink and snack. This view includes the main falls, measuring some 320 feet, and a lower cascade and well as a section of the creek gorge.

For a closer look, continue upward. Some hikers scramble down a fairly steep bank to a large perch on rocks below the cascade in the creek. But the best is yet to come.

Walk ever upward and leave the forest for meadow. At the corner of a switchback, walk out near the base of the falls and enjoy the mist. One can get quite wet here without actually getting that close to the falls.

Another interesting viewpoint is from another switchback higher up the trail. This vista allows you to look down on the base of the falls and see the people dwarfed by the massive falls.

Yet another waterfall which attracts many visitors is located in the Paradise area. Well, there are actually two prime waterfalls along this trail. The first is Myrtle Falls on Edith Creek, located only a half-mile past the Paradise Inn along a paved trail. A short side trail leads to a vista of the falls from below. The view from the bridge above the falls of Mount Rainier is also a classic photo spot.

To visit Sluiskin Falls, continue past Myrtle Falls, dropping somewhat along a side hill to the creek valley beyond. This is the upper reaches of the Paradise River. Sluiskin Falls offers a different aspect than the other falls mentioned here. It glides down a rock face much of the way, rather than plunging off a rock precipice.

Hikers who are looking for a more extensive trip have many options on the route which includes Myrtle and Sluiskin Falls. One choice is to continue past Sluiskin Falls and climb upwards to reach the Skyline Trail and form a loop back to the parking lot at Paradise. Another is to continue out on the Lakes Trail which leads to Reflection Lakes. This can also be done as a loop trip. Yet another option is to continue upward from the ridge above Sluiskin Falls to the Paradise River valley, where the ice caves were once located.

To check out the specific mileage and elevation gain as well as the specific route of these trips, obtain a map or written description at the park visitor center at Paradise. Those manning the information desk can also give up-to-date information on trail conditions.

All of the waterfall trips described here are relatively close together. Conceivably, they could all be visited in one full day. The stop at Narada Falls can be done easily in a half hour, and the trip to Myrtle and Sluiskin Falls could be accomplished within two hours. Comet Falls would likely take in excess of three hours.

Those seeking a "cool" destination can't go wrong this summer in visiting one or more of these outstanding cascades on the slopes of Mount Rainier.

Ron Graham, an elementary school teacher and native of the Yakima Valley, is an avid outdoorsman who has hiked throughout the Pacific Northwest.