Guide to Finding Waterfalls in Washington State
Author: Tammi Kaeberlin from Wander Healthy
The beauty of waterfalls in Washington state, other than the sheer number of them and their stunning brilliance, is that the weather is a bit less important in your planning considerations. Especially in the rainy, winter season.
Most of them are great year-round.
However, all of the waterfalls are best viewed from late spring, when the snow is melting from the mountains and flowing fastest downhill, to early summer before it dries out too much.
These are my top picks for Washington waterfalls:
Let this article serve as your Washington State waterfall guide. All distances and elevation differences are an average between WTA and AllTrails, which traditionally differ slightly on their hike specifications.
Best Waterfalls in Washington State
These are the best falls in Washington in my opinion. I’ve described individually why I think so, but a lot of people who hike regularly would agree with me.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
- Distance: 4.1
- Elevation gain: 1020 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Near Index, WA off of US-2
- Parking pass: Northwest Forest Pass
- Gear: Raincoat, rain pants and waterproof boots, or just a towel and a change of clothes depending on the time of year. An umbrella will not help much.
- Best bet for a good bite: Sultan Bakery, 31407 US Rt 2, Sultan
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
The water flowing from Lake Serene pours down the mountain and comes out mostly at Bridal Veil Falls, although there are several smaller and also beautiful falls on your way up to Lake Serene, if you choose that difficult hike.
Bridal Veil is not nearly so difficult, often quite crowded and always a very wet experience. What makes this waterfall one of the best is its’ sheer size and that your view of it is usually completely free of obstacles.
It’s quite possibly my favorite in Washington, although I might have a few.
This impressive waterfall can be seen from the right, where the trail for it takes you, or from the left if you go just a little way farther along the Lake Serene Trail.
Both are awe-inspiring and worth the hassle of parking and far too many people.
2. Teneriffe Falls
- Distance: 5.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 1496 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Location: near North Bend
- Parking pass: Discover Pass
- Gear: Raingear, hiking poles
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: North Bend Bar & Grill
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
Teneriffe Falls is a stunning waterfall in North Bend, just a few miles from Twin Falls. The falls drop approximately 150 feet and are surrounded by old-growth forest and rocky cliffs.
The hike to Teneriffe Falls is considered moderately difficult, with several stretches that are very rocky and unstable. Hiking poles would be helpful here.
The trail is steep in some sections, but hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
3. Lewis River Falls
- Distance: 8.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 712 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Location: near Toutle Lake, WA
- Parking pass: Northwest Forest Pass and reservations required during the summer, through recreation.gov
- Gear: spikes in winter, if the road is passable; no cell service at this location so download map before arriving.
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Bring your own food.
Lewis River Falls is a series of three different waterfalls connected by a single hike.
You can park at any of them, the Upper, Middle or Lower falls and begin hiking at any point and in either direction.
The Lower Falls are my favorite, but all of them are worth checking out.
What makes this series of waterfalls one of the very best in Washington is the magical combination of old growth forest, lush vegetation and of course all the delightful waterfalls.
There is a side trail at the Middle Lewis Falls that will take you to yet another, Copper Creek Falls, and another side trail from the Upper Falls that will take you to Taitnapum Falls. I’ve spent entire days here, immersed in nature and still didn’t want to leave. Waterfalls everywhere for the win!
⚠️ A warning here about road closures. They are seasonal, significant and can impact not only the time it takes to visit, but also your ability to actually go. Check beforehand!
4. Wallace Falls
- Distance: 4.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 1489 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Location: near Gold Bar
- Parking pass: Discover Pass
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Sultan Bakery
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
The delightful hike to the falls follows the Woody Trail, a well-maintained trail that passes through beautiful forest and along the Wallace River.
The hike is considered moderate in difficulty and there are several viewpoints along the trail that provide excellent views of the falls and the valley.
5. Spirit Falls
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 433 feet
- Difficulty: hard
- Location: Columbia River Gorge
- Parking pass: None
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: The Hammond Kitchen & Craft Bar
Spirit Falls drops approximately 40 feet into a narrow canyon and is surrounded by steep cliffs and boulders.
The fantastic waterfall is best viewed in the spring when the water flow is at its highest.
6. Spray Falls
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation gain: 1950 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Location: near Carbonado, WA
- Parking pass: National Park Pass
- Gear: high clearance vehicle recommended, waterproof boots, towel and hiking poles
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Simple Goodness Soda Shop, 533 Church St., Wilkeson
Spray Falls is an incredible trail and well worth the considerable effort of getting there.
⚠️ It is remote and without signal, so make sure you’ve downloaded the directions before leaving home.
The trail continues on after the Falls to Spray Park for the daring, energetic and highly motivated, with rewarding views of Tahoma (Mt Rainier) and a truly magical Mist Park.
If you like adventure, as I do, this is one of the best hikes not just because the falls are simply stunning, but because it’s filled with one treasure after the next for those venturing beyond the falls themselves.
Easy to Reach Waterfalls
These outdoor waterfall spots in Washington are either viewed right from the road or follow an easy trail for a short distance to reach the waterfall.
7. Snoqualmie Falls
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 290 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Snoqualmie, WA
- Parking pass: none
- Gear: just water
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: The Salish Lodge, located on site, offers fine dining that can’t be beat. For a little less expensive bite, but equally delicious, treat yourself to their Attic Restaurant also on site.
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, it’s near Seattle, and is super easy to see. It’s one of the easiest but also one of the best, by far.
Park across the road and take the sky bridge over or park in the main lot for a fee.
The falls can be viewed from above, without the 1.4 mile hike or you can take the path to the right and walk down to the lower viewing area.
You are also able to park close to the lower viewing area and walk less than half a mile to see it, or walk up the hill to see it from above.
8. Twin Falls
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 575 feet
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Location: North Bend, WA
- Parking pass: Discover Pass
- Gear: microspikes in winter, hiking poles just in case
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: North Bend Bar & Grill for a great meal, North Bend Bakery for a special treat for little ones.
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
This North Bend hike follows the river for a peaceful and very green journey to the top of the falls.
You’ll pass benches, man-made or moss-covered logs, giant boulders and peeks of the falls and river along the way. The turn-around point is the bridge overlooking the falls below.
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
As you’re heading back, be sure to take a detour down the steps on your left for the very best view of the falls. I’ve been to these falls many times and sometimes I only go to this detour because it’s so spectacular.
9. Franklin Falls
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation gain: 380 feet
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Location: North Bend, WA
- Parking pass: Northwest Forest Permit, Sno-Park Pass in winter
- Gear: microspikes and possibly snowshoes in winter, hiking poles just in case
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: North Bend Bar & Grill for a great meal
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
This hike has two routes in the winter and a single common trail in the summer.
In the winter, bring traction devices to get down closer to the falls. Ice climbers watch the weather and this waterfall very closely, as there usually a few weeks in February that are safe for them to climb.
It’s an enchanting hike, starting from the bottom, summer trailhead. Pass adorable and photograph-worthy cabins situated along the creek and peek-a-boo views of the creek all the way up.
10. Narada Falls
- Distance: 0.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 85 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Paradise, WA
- Parking pass: National Park Pass
- Gear: microspikes in winter
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Paradise Inn Dining Room
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
An absolutely beautiful, and short, hike for families with children. One of many at Mt Rainier. It can be slippery in winter.
Note that the uphill part of this hike is on your return trip.
Please note that winter openings at Mount Rainier National Park vary considerably depending on weather and change from year to year. As of 2025, they are open from Friday to Monday during the winter.
11. Myrtle Falls
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 150 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: near Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park
- Parking pass: National Park Pass
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Paradise Inn Dining Room
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
Add this one to your list of Must-see Washington falls! Myrtle Falls is another popular waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park.
The waterfall is situated in a beautiful alpine meadow and drops approximately 72 feet into a small pool below.
There is a short, well-maintained trail that leads from the parking lot at Paradise to the viewpoint for Myrtle Falls. The trail is only about a quarter of a mile long and is considered easy, making it accessible for nearly all ages and skill levels.
The best time to see Myrtle Falls is in the summer months when the wildflowers are in bloom and the waterfall is at its fullest.
However, the falls can be viewed year-round and are also beautiful in the winter when they’re surrounded by snow and ice.
12. Christine & Comet Falls
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 1279 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Location: near Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park
- Parking pass: National Park Pass
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Paradise Inn Dining Room
Comet Falls is a stunning waterfall that drops approximately 462 feet and is located on the Van Trump Trail, which is accessed from the Comet Falls Trailhead.
Christine Falls is a smaller but equally beautiful waterfall on the way to Comet falls.
13. Ludlow Falls
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 98 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: near Port Ludlow
- Parking pass: none
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Geoduck Restaurant and Lounge
The Ludlow Falls Trail offers a charming trail and beautiful views of the Ludlow Falls. It’s a great stop if you’re near the Hood Canal Bridge.
14. Madison Falls
- Distance: 0.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 26 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: near Port Angeles
- Parking pass: none
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Nourish Sequim
Madison Falls Trail is another popular hiking trail in Olympic National Park. It’s a short, easy, paved trail, making it a great option for hikers of all levels and abilities.
15. Marymere Falls
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Parking pass: none
- Gear: none
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Lake Crescent Lodge or Turn Up the Beet in Port Angeles
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
Very near Lake Crescent, which is also a worthy stop, the trail to Marymere Falls is a walk through an old growth wonderland with moss-covered everything.
Peaceful, charming and always beautiful.
16. Sol duc Falls
- Distance: 1.6
- Elevation gain: 210 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Olympic National Forest
- Parking pass: National Park Pass
- Gear: Raingear and boots are a good bet.
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Lake Crescent Lodge or Turn Up the Beet in Port Angeles
Old growth forest overflowing with every shade of green imaginable, the hike to Sol duc Falls is one of the best, for your entire family.
⚠️ Print out directions before you go, as there is hardly any cell service in this area.
17. Palouse Falls
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation gain: 0 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Palouse Falls State Park, eastern WA
- Parking pass: Discover Pass
- Gear: fill up with fuel before leaving
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Bring your own food, as there are no amenities near this waterfall.
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
Washington’s official waterfall, Palouse Falls, is far from any major towns and has no amenities on site except for restrooms, but still this waterfall always delivers.
Winter may be more beautiful, but sunsets are gorgeous regardless of the season.
Secret Waterfalls in Washington State
These are hidden waterfalls that seem to be relatively unknown, even though some of them are listed on the trail apps. They’re less crowded for certain. All incredible.
18. Snoqualmie Mountain Halfway
- Distance: 1.4 mile
- Elevation gain: 1350 feet
- Difficulty: difficult
- Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA
- Parking pass: Northwest Forest Pass
- Gear: Hiking poles, can be extremely muddy.
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: The Commonwealth, Snoqualmie Pass, WA
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
The mileage and elevation listed here is to reach the waterfall, not the top of Snoqualmie Mountain.
Even though this is only halfway up the mountain, it’s still extremely steep. This waterfall may be one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Washington State.
Partly because it’s hard to reach. Extreme might not be an exaggeration. This hike is often used for people training for bigger things, but it’s rare to see more than a few other people on the trail at the same time as you.
This is one of my all-time favorite waterfalls, mostly because it was such a delightful surprise when I first came across it. The trail goes right over a flat part of the waterfall, which then drops sharply off in the direction of Mt Rainier.
19. Rocky Brook
- Distance: 0.2 mile
- Elevation gain: 15 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Brinnon, Olympic Peninsula, WA
- Parking pass: none
- Gear: map, no cell service
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Nourish Sequim, Sequim WA
This is a short walk to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for just passing through and adding a little bit of brilliance to your day. It’s part of a hydroelectric company and private property, so you must stay on the trail at all times.
20. Otter Falls
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation gain: 775 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Location: North Bend, WA
- Parking pass: Northwest Forest Pass
- Gear: map, as there is no cell service in this area
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Little Si Restaurant & Lounge, North Bend
photo credit: Tammi Kaeberlein
This waterfall is at the end of the Taylor River Trail. A peaceful if long walk along an old logging road that is much more of a trail now.
The water is rather cold however, so go on a hot day if you want to swim.
While it is not advised, you will likely also see people sliding down the rock face with the water.
21. Sunbeam Falls
- Distance: 0 miles
- Elevation gain: 0 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Mount Rainier National Park, WA
- Parking pass: none
- Gear: none
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Paradise Inn Dining
This gorgeous waterfall is right off the road, no hiking involved.
Take Steven’s Canyon Road past Lake Louise to the Bench Lake Trailhead. You will see a sign for Sunbeam Creek and that’s where you’ll find the waterfall.
It does dry out towards mid-summer.
22. Carter Falls
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 610 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Paradise, WA
- Parking pass: National Park Pass
- Gear: rocky in places
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Paradise Inn Dining
This is part of the Wonderland trail.
The views along this family friendly part of the trail, and the wildlife and wildflowers, make it seem like a very short hike.
If you go along the Wonderland trail even further, you can see Tatoosh Falls in the spring or early summer.
23. Panther Creek
- Distance: 0.25 mile
- Elevation gain: 110 feet
- Difficulty: easy
- Location: Carson, Columbia River Gorge, WA
- Parking pass: none
- Gear: map, as the signs are not ideal
- Best bet for a good bite to eat: Big River Grill, Stevenson, WA
Two beautiful tiers of segmented waterfalls after a very short hike on a nicely maintained trail.
What to Bring for Your Day Trip
Most importantly, be aware of any parking permits you will need.
Also consider the the Ten Essentials:
- Navigation – A map and compass (and the knowledge to use them) are essential for hiking in unfamiliar terrain.
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against sunburn and UV damage.
- Insulation – Appropriate clothing for the weather, including layers that can be added or removed as needed.
- Illumination – A headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries and bulb.
- First Aid – A basic first aid kit, including items like bandages, pain relievers, and blister treatments.
- Fire – Waterproof matches or a lighter
- Multi-tool and repair kit – A knife or multi-tool, duct tape, and other supplies for repairing gear or improvising in emergencies.
- Nutrition – Enough food and water for the length of the trip, plus a little extra in case of delays or emergencies.
- Hydration – Plenty of water
- Emergency Shelter – A lightweight, waterproof shelter such as an emergency blanket.
Waterfalls in Washington State FAQs
Washington state is a waterfall-lovers paradise. There are waterfalls nearby nearly everywhere you are in this state, though some might be dry depending on the season.
What is the iconic Washington waterfall?
Snoqualmie Falls is the most popular waterfall in Washington state.
What is the biggest waterfall in Washington state?
Colonial Creek Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Washington state.
How many waterfalls are in Washington?
There are well over 3000 waterfalls in Washington state.
What are three major waterfalls in Washington?
Snoqualmie Falls, Palouse Falls and Christine Falls.
What is the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest?
The largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, located in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon. Multnomah Falls has a total height of 620 feet (189 meters), with a main drop of 542 feet (165 meters).
Final Thoughts: Washington’s Waterfalls
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the waterfalls in Washington state, as there are more than 3000 of them. Some are close to Seattle while others are not so much, but all worthy of your time and gas money.
🌲 Washington Travel Planning Guide 🌲
🚨 Should I buy Washington travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in Washington?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive in Washington. And unless you are planning to just stay in Seattle, renting a car is pretty much a necessity! Beware of tolls whether crossing bridges or driving in HOV lanes. I recommend Discover Cars as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work in Washington?
YES — All major cell providers work in Washington. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts like in the middle of the cascades.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Washington accommodations?
For Washington hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking at Airbnbs for a more home-like stay, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Washington flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Everett is cheaper than flying into Seattle.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Washington?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Washington is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to Washington?
Layers! Layers! Layers! Weather can get finnicky, so prepare for both rain and sunny warm days. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can go from city strolls to mountain hiking.
