Historic Christine Falls Area

Black and white photo of a stone bridge under construction framed by wood scaffolding with piles of debris on either side. — Christine Falls Bridge and retaining walls under construction in 1927.
Mount Rainier National Park Archives

The Christine Falls Area is located approximately three miles northeast of Longmire and is a component of the Nisqually-Paradise Road. The area was recognized as an outstanding work of naturalistic landscape architecture and includes the stone-faced Christine Falls Bridge (listed on the Historic Roads & Other Structures page), two parking areas on the side of the road, a paved trail, and an overlook associated with the bridge. The period of significance is from 1927, when the bridge was designed, to 1941.

The view of Christine Falls determined the layout of the area. The falls are at a point where Van Trump Creek flows through a narrow canyon. In 1907 a wooden bridge was built over the creek further down from the falls. It was replaced in 1915 by a bridge in the present location, required the road to be relocated. In 1928, the present reinforced concrete span faced with native stone masonry was completed. The Christine Falls Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Contributing Structures

Parking Areas & Walls
- Date Constructed: Circa 1928 and Circa 1941
- Builder: National Park Service
- The parking areas on either side of the bridge are supported by large rock retaining walls, which are also contributing structures.
Trail & Overlook
- Date Constructed: 1930s
- Builder: National Park Service
- During the 1930s, the CCC worked in the area, “naturalizing” and defining a short trail to a lower overlook to view Christine Falls underneath the bridge.

Photo Gallery