Ten Great Waterfall Hikes

In Washington's deep and gloomy woods (and also in its arid, rolling hills), you'll find an abundance of falling water, from subtle cascading streams to thundering falls that shake the stones to their foundations. In fact, our mountains—the Cascades—are named for the multitudes of falling waters you'll find here.

The falls are a short walk in on the Boulder River hike and a great destination for families. Photo by 'Snoring Saints.'

One of the joys of waterfall viewing in the Northwest is that you'll always find at least one flowing any time of year. Some are perennial, falling year-round. Others are seasonal. Some stream from glaciers heating in the summer sun, some are fed by winter rains, and others course from melting snow packs in spring. Many can be reached by car, but the most rewarding are those requiring a hike—either a short wander through the woods, or a grueling multi-day backpacking pilgrimage.

With spring upon us, we thought we'd suggest some waterfall hikes that are accessible most of the year but are most impressive as the snow in the mountains starts to melt. Check out our April 2006 Washington Trails article for more information on waterfalls and for additional suggestions for July and August waterfall hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park.

Cedar Falls

North Cascades Highway

Easily attained glory in the North Cascades! Cedar Falls is a two-tiered cascade that crashes loudly for much of the summer. The hike climbs gently to the falls at 1.75 miles while the creek below rages downstream loudly. While mostly in the trees, there are views of Goat Peak and pretty wildflowers to enjoy. For those wanting further exploration, an additional 7 miles will take you to the fabulous vistas from Abernathy Ridge. Read the Hiking Guide entry.

Featured in Day Hiking North Cascades by Craig Romano (Mountaineers Books)

The Middle Falls at Wallace Falls State Park. Photo by Rachel Popkin.

Wallace Falls

Stevens Pass

Wallace Falls State Park is one of the best destinations in the state for waterfalls. The three-tiered falls is one of the state's premier lowland falls (ranking with Snoqualmie and Palouse Falls) and is accessible most of the year. Lower Wallace Falls is arguably the most photographic; Middle Falls the most spectacular; and the Upper Falls the most lonely. Read more about this hike...

Featured in Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano (Mountaineers Books)

Boulder River

Mountain Loop

This lovely trail into the Boulder River Wilderness is a great hike for kids and adults and has several notable waterfalls to offer. Most prominent is Feature Show Falls (see photo above), a wedding-cake of a falls across the river from the trail just 1.5 miles in. It's at its peak flow in winter and spring. Learn more in our Hiking Guide.

Otter Falls is a delicate slippery slide down to Lipsy Lake. Photo by 'Eelpi.'

Otter Falls - Taylor River

North Bend area

On this road-to-trail you'll find access to three unique waterfalls: Marten Creek, Otter Falls, and Big Creek Falls. The highlight is Otter Falls, a 600-foot slide of creek descending a huge granite slab into Lipsy Lake. A cairn at 4.5 miles marks a short spur trail to the lake and falls. More about Otter Falls.

Featured in Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region by Dan Nelson & Alan Bauer (Mountaineers Books)

Twin Falls State Park

North Bend area

Twin Falls, photo by Dr. JD Hascup.

Twin Falls is a great year-round hike to a beautiful waterfall. With it's big pay-off at trail's end, Twin Falls is an ideal hike for small children and visitors. There are benches and a nice viewpoint of the falls at .75 mile, but by hiking another mile (down and then up again), you will reach a sturdy bridge that crosses high over the water and between the two falls. You will be mesmerized by the waterfalls and the water all around them. Do note that this is a popular trail, and on weekends don't expect any solitude. Read the Hiking Guide entry.

Featured in Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region by Dan Nelson & Alan Bauer (Mountaineers Books)

Franklin Falls is a short and easy hike with a towering waterfall at the end. Photo by Susan Elderkin.

Franklin Falls

Snoqualmie Pass

Franklin Falls is a great hike to take with young children. It is short, with a gentle climb, and a pretty waterfall at trail's end. The trail starts just outside the Denny Creek Campground and travels along the South Fork Snoqualmie River to the falls. While you may notice the sights and sounds of I-90 above the falls, your kids will be interested in the falls and the rocky beach - great for throwing stones into the water or wading. Note that the spray and morning shadiness at the falls can be cool even on hot days. Bring jackets! Read more about Franklin Falls.

Murhut Falls

Olympic Peninsula- East

A short and easy trail (1.5 miles round trip) to a plunging 130-foot waterfall makes this an excellent family destination. You'll enjoy the rhododendrons on the hike in and the powerful force of the waterfall as it pitches itself into a narrow ravine. Read more.

Marymere Falls. Photo by diver806.

Marymere Falls

Olympics - Crescent Lake

We like this hike as a leg-stretcher while driving to Pacific Coast beaches or as a destination with families enjoying time on the northern part of the Olympic Peninsula. Just one mile in on a very easy trail is a beauty of a waterfall - 90 feet of water that is particularly stunning in the spring. A little lollipop loop brings different views of the cascade and a way to keep the crowds moving in one direction. Read our Hiking Guide entry.

Featured in Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula by Craig Romano (Mountaineers Books)

Lower Falls Creek Falls in the South Cascades' Wind River area is a wonderful year-round destination for the whole family. Photo by John Hultquist.

Lower Falls Creek Falls

South Cascades

A forest walk along Falls Creek gives way to a beautiful waterfall at 2 miles. The falls are most impressive in fall, winter and spring when rainfall and snow melt are at their peak. However, the summer months offer the most forgiving weather and biggest respite from the heat as the viewpoint is continuously sprayed with mist. There's a nice pool at the top of the falls - watch for beavers!

Read the Hiking Guide entry.

Featured in Day Hiking South Cascades by Dan Nelson & Alan Bauer (Mountaineers Books)

Ancient Lakes

Central Washington

A waterfall in desert country? You bet! Photo by 'Galiwalker.'

Waterfalls in the desert. Deep coulees. Small lakes and large lakes. Sagebrush. Wildflowers. A cacophony of bird songs. There are many reasons to visit Ancient Lakes in the Quincy Wildlife Recreation Area. Early spring is really the best time to view the waterfalls; by June they are drying up and the area becomes quite hot. Make sure to save time to explore the entire lake basin. This wetland area provides habitat for many species of birds and mammals. Read more about Ancient Lakes.

Featured in Best Desert Hikes Washington by Alan Bauer & Dan Nelson (Mountaineers Books).