Whether you drive or hike, these two pair well together being practically next to each other and get you a bit of everything. Snowy peaks, volcanoes, peaceful forest, ocean, waterfall, moss, white water, and blue pools! We could see Rainier, Adams, and Saint Helens from the south viewpoint, and Baker and some snowy Olympic peaks from the north. At Walker we took the trail up and road back for one big loop.
Drive/Parking: Excellent! We arrived around 9 and there was lots of parking, when we got down around 12:30 it was fairly full. There is no toilet. Parking for the falls is just by the gate (campground is closed) on the side of the road and it was busy at 12:30 but had room.
Walker Trail: Steady steep series of switchbacks but great tread. You get a hint of a view every now and then, but mostly just a grind uphill until suddenly you are there! The first viewpoint is the north one where you see Baker and some of the Olympics (nice close frosty peaks), then you can walk the road a little for the south viewpoint for the view of the Sound and Rainier+. Both have room to sit for a great lunch/dinner/sunset spot.
Going down the road there was a spot noted as a viewpoint, but the trees have grown up far too much for any good views now. There were some other viewpoints farther down though so the road is still more scenic than the forest trail and a bit longer/more gradual grade. The road was gravel but seemed to be in good shape so any vehicle should be fine. We did see a truck down at least 50 ft at one point.
Fallsview Canyon Trail: Starts out with a short jaunt through the parking lot because the campground isn't open. This is a flat paved/gravel walk to a lookout. There are some unofficial sketchy lookouts that I don't recommend. The canyon trail is easy to miss, it starts on one end of a fence and goes down a bunch of stairs to the water. You don't see the waterfall down here but there is lots of turquoise water and a couple calm swimming holes between the foamy white water. Much of the trail down the canyon is narrow with some drop offs. The trail has a few short steep spots that might be difficult in wet weather but were fine today. It splits and makes a small loop at the end with more views into the water on the lower side.
Walker Stats: ~7.3 miles, 2000 ft gain/loss, 3 hours moving, 3.5 hours total. We are fast/moderate speed hikers who hike weekly.
Fallsview Canyon Stats: ~2.1 miles, 330 ft gain/loss, 1 hour total. We are fast/moderate speed hikers who hike weekly.
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