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This wonderful state is known for its breathtaking nature views. Washington loves to show off and it has it all: beaches, mountain views, nature pools, alpine lakes, lush forests and waterfalls. If you are interested in finding out about some amazing waterfalls that Washington has to offer then please keep reading.
1. Falls Creek Falls
Location: Skamania County
Height: 220ft
Miles: 4 round trip
Elevation Gain: 800ft
Wonderful hike with some bridge crossings that lead to a HUGE waterfall. Once parked in the dirt lot you will find the trail that leads you through the forest. Soon you will cross a bridge with a view of a gorge and the river flowing through. It is hard not to leave the bridge without taking in the scenery for a few minutes. The trail continues through the forest on the left side of the river. Just before Falls Creek Falls you will come across another bridge with a cascading waterfall. Once at the main waterfall you will feel sprays from its powerful flow. This waterfall is intense and gorgeous making it hard to leave. We found an area near the waterfall to hang a hammock, a great spot to enjoy lunch and relax.
*Free parking
*Dog friendly
*kid friendly
*There is a bathroom at parking lot but it is awful. Smells really bad
2. Little Mashel Falls
Location: Eatonville
Height: the tallest one is 90ft
Miles: 5 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 500ft
This beautiful hike comes with three gushing waterfalls. We hiked this one in Spring time so there was a lot of mud on the trail and very slipper near the falls. There are two places you can park (maybe even more), each at opposite ends of the hike. We parked at Bud Blancher Trail.
To find the falls: after parking hike down the dusty path and the trail veers right. Soon you will pass a wooden bridge and then a second wooden bridge at 1.5mile. After the second wooden bridge there will be a trail sign on the left, follow that trail through the forest. You will know you are close to the first waterfall when you see two yellow diamond shaped trail markers on a tree. The markers will lead you to a path where you go left down a trail that will lead you to the first waterfall. Continue on the main path and follow the markers to see the next two waterfalls.
*Pass: None
*not stroller friendly *Kid Friendly
*Dog Friendly on leash
3. Silver Falls
Location: Ohanapecosh
Elevation Gain: 600ft
Miles: 3miles Round Trip
This is an impressive waterfall and I highly recommend this hike. There are two ways to get to Silver Falls. Stevens Pass entrance is the short route or you can take the loop route at Ohanapecosh visitor Center, which is what we did. The trail follows along the Ohanapecosh river and has some awesome bridge crossings with cascade views. You can also continue on the trail and hike the Grove of Patriarchs.
This is an impressive waterfall and I highly recommend this hike. There are two ways to get to Silver Falls. Stevens Pass entrance is the short route or you can take the loop route at Ohanapecosh visitor Center, which is what we did. The trail follows along the Ohanapecosh river and has some awesome bridge crossings with cascade views. You can also continue on the trail and hike the Grove of Patriarchs.
Before the trailhead there is a nice visitor center with bathrooms and spots to RV camp or tent camp. At the beginning of the trail there is a tiny hot spring, not big enough to get into but might be worth taking a look. Once you get to the falls there is a bridge with a fantastic view of Silver falls that flows through a gorge. Continue up stream to find beautiful cascading waterfalls along the river.
*Pass: America the Beauty pass or Rainier Pass or pay $30
*Kid Friendly
*Dogs are not allowed
*Pass: America the Beauty pass or Rainier Pass or pay $30
*Kid Friendly
*Dogs are not allowed
4. Tumwater Falls
Location: Olympia
Height: 82ft.
Mile: 0.5 loop
Elevation Gain: 30ft.
This trail is short and easy with bridge crossings and a few waterfalls. This is actually my first hike in Washington. I especially loved the second large waterfall at the end of the trail. People of all age groups can do this hike and is a great trail any time of the year. In May the flowers are blooming very nicely. Near the parking area is a small playground where children can play.
*Pass: None
*Free Parking
*Kid Friendly
*Dog Friendly
5. Wallace Falls
Location: Gold Bar
Height: 240ft, 367ft, 265ft.
Mile: 5.6 Round Trip
Elevation gain: 1300ft
This popular hike is a good one! There are many impressive waterfalls along the trail. The hike is sectioned by lower, middle and upper falls. We hiked all the way up to the upper falls but the upper portion is not as spectacular as the lower and middle falls. The hike to the lower and middle falls was easy and the hike to the upper falls is moderate with switchbacks.
*Pass: Must display Discover pass or pay fee at parking lot
*dog friendly on leash*Pass: Must display Discover pass or pay fee at parking lot
*Kid friendly
*Bathroom on site
*pic nic tables at lower falls
* Benches to sit throughout the hike
*parking is packed on weekends
6. Panther Creek Falls
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Height: 130ft
Mile: 0.3 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 100ft
The hike is very short but fun! This waterfall is impressive as it features many falls and three tiers. The first tier, which is the main waterfall, looks as if it has many waterfalls with all the different flowing paths gushing down. The second tier is spectacular with three waterfalls flowing and the first tier in view as well. The third tier is the smallest but with the view of all three tiers makes this waterfall unreal.
The hike is easy to get to the viewing platform.
Warning: No longer allowed to climb down to the lower tiers of the the waterfall. Recommended to stay on the platform and not venture down.
*Free parking The hike is easy to get to the viewing platform.
Warning: No longer allowed to climb down to the lower tiers of the the waterfall. Recommended to stay on the platform and not venture down.
*Did not see a bathroom
*Kid friendly at the viewing platform
*I saw two dogs so i will say it’s dog friendly
7. Twin Falls
Location: North Bend
Height: 135ft.
Miles: 2.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 500ft.
This awesome trail has not only waterfalls but some hidden nature pools as well (located at the beginning of the hike). Twin falls is a popular hike but we had such a fun time exploring around this trail. Such a wonderful hike. It is only 1.3 mile to the waterfall but we ended up spending a few hours here exploring around and taking pictures. There are two trail heads we hiked the trail that follows along the river. I would say it is a moderate hike but for many washingtonians it is easy.
To get to the bottom off the falls it requires rock hopping but that is the fun part. Just be careful of the river current if it is flowing heavily. To get to the viewing platform above the waterfall just stay on the main trail. After the viewing platform you can keep going to the bridge to view the cascades.
To get to the bottom off the falls it requires rock hopping but that is the fun part. Just be careful of the river current if it is flowing heavily. To get to the viewing platform above the waterfall just stay on the main trail. After the viewing platform you can keep going to the bridge to view the cascades.
If this hike was not enough for you and you want to do another one in the area then head over to Weeks Falls. Only a 10 minute drive to that one.
*Bathroom on site*Pass: must display discover pass or pay fee
*Dog friendly
*Kid friendly
8. Comet Falls
Location: Paradise, Rainier
Height: 380ft.
Height: 380ft.
Elevation Gain: 1250 Ft
Miles: 3.8 Round Trip
Beautiful trail with some views of the gorge/waterfalls that lead to a huge 300ft waterfall. We started the hike at 3pm on a week day and the trail was not crowded at all.
The trail follows along a flowing river upstream with peekaboo's of smaller waterfalls along the way. The hike starts off easy and at the beginning of the trail there is a bridge with an amazing view of a gorge with cascading waterfalls. After the bridge the trail starts to ascend. You can stop and take breaks at the switch backs if you need to. Only 200ft before Comet Falls is a three tiered waterfall called Bloucher Falls which is 124ft. tall. You can rock hop to the base of this waterfall to get a closer look.
The trail follows along a flowing river upstream with peekaboo's of smaller waterfalls along the way. The hike starts off easy and at the beginning of the trail there is a bridge with an amazing view of a gorge with cascading waterfalls. After the bridge the trail starts to ascend. You can stop and take breaks at the switch backs if you need to. Only 200ft before Comet Falls is a three tiered waterfall called Bloucher Falls which is 124ft. tall. You can rock hop to the base of this waterfall to get a closer look.
Once Comet Falls is in view, keep hiking to get to the base of this huge beauty. After viewing this falls and feeling its cold spray you can continue to hike up to Van Trump Park.
*Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Rainier Pass or Pay $30
*No Dogs Allowed on trail
*Kid friendly depending on if the he or she can handle the elevation gain.
Height: 33ft
Miles: 0.8 Round Trio
Elevation Gain: 469ft.
This waterfall is on Private Land so you might get in trouble hiking to it. I have no info on that but this waterfall is so beautiful. If you are lucky you might see extreme kayakers floating down it. The trail is VERY steep. It is just straight down for 0.3 mile. I would imagine it being extremely slippery on a rainy day. Once at the falls you will see the unique blue saturation of the water. The color is unreal.
To find the trail: park 200 yards before mile marker 2 on Cook-underwood RD. Then the trail starts by the telephone pole.
*Pass: None
*Small parking area
*no bathroom on site
*free parking
*Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Rainier Pass or Pay $30
*No Dogs Allowed on trail
*Kid friendly depending on if the he or she can handle the elevation gain.
9. Spirit Falls
Location: CookHeight: 33ft
Miles: 0.8 Round Trio
Elevation Gain: 469ft.
This waterfall is on Private Land so you might get in trouble hiking to it. I have no info on that but this waterfall is so beautiful. If you are lucky you might see extreme kayakers floating down it. The trail is VERY steep. It is just straight down for 0.3 mile. I would imagine it being extremely slippery on a rainy day. Once at the falls you will see the unique blue saturation of the water. The color is unreal.
To find the trail: park 200 yards before mile marker 2 on Cook-underwood RD. Then the trail starts by the telephone pole.
*Pass: None
*Small parking area
*no bathroom on site
*free parking
10. Myrtle Falls
Location: Paradise, Rainier
Height: 72ft.
Height: 72ft.
Mile: 0.8 Round Trip
13. LAVA CANYON
Location: Mount St. Helens National Monument
Pass: Northwest forest pass or America the Beautiful pass. (The fee machine was out of order when we hiked end of August 2018)
Dog Friendly: I saw a few dogs on the trail and no signs saying dogs are not allowed but WTA says no dogs.
Kid friendly in the first two sections.
Bathroom in parking area
14. Murhut Falls
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Brinnon
Height: 153ft
Miles: 1.5 round trip
Elevation gain: 250ft
On a rainy day this is a wonderful waterfall hike. The trail follows along a gentle path through the lush green forest to a two tiered waterfall. This hike has the least amount of work for the most reward. Once at the waterfall, there is a small viewpoint area near the falls that is easy to get to. This trail is perfect for all ages.
Warning: potholes on the dirt road but we made it in a low clearance vehicle.
*Pass: None
*Dog Friendly
*Kid Friendly
15. Rocky Brook Falls
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Brinnon
Height: About 150ft
Miles: 0.1 Round Trip
Extremely short hike to this beauty but worth making it out for a visit. It is a great stop if you are already hiking in the area. You can add this short visit with Murhut Falls. The waterfall trickles down into a gorgeous nature pool that is popular to swim in in the summer time. In spring, this waterfall is gushing. So, better to go in Spring. The pictures shown are from early Fall.
*Pass: None
*Dog Friendly
*Kid Friendly
*Tiny parking area
16. North Fork Sauk Falls
Location: Bedal off Mountain loop Hwy
Height: 58ft
Miles: not even a mile. 5min walk down to the falls
Elevation Gain: 200ft
This beauty is quite impressive in person. The hike is short but gorgeous as you walk down through mossy trees with branches creating a mossy tunnel effect. Walk down old soggy wood stairs and soon you will be facing the waterfall at a birds eye view. Continue walking down the steep slippery trail to the base of the waterfall. The waterfall is powerful as it plunges down into the large emerald green nature pool.
To get to the trailhead: Heading from Silverton, drive towards Bedal on Mountain loop HWY. Turn right at road NF-49. Once you hit the 1 mile mark it is a few feet after the mile marker.
warning: The road to the falls is full of potholes so drive slow, we made it in a low clearance vehicle.
*Pass: Northwest forest or America the Beautiful
*Dog and Kid Friendly but be careful when you are near the waterfall as there are steep drops.
17. SOL DUC FALLS
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Port Angeles
Height: 37ft
Miles: 1.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 200ft
Three waterfalls plunging into a gorge creating a magical scene. The trail is very easy and meanders through a mossy green forest that leads you to a wooden bridge with views of Sol Duc Falls down below and a river flowing through a gorge. A perfect picturesque view.
There are several trails in the area if you want to keep hiking like: Lovers Lane and 7 Lakes Basin. Camping is available in the area. You can also visit Sol Duc Hot Springs to soak your muscles after your hike.
Pass: America the Beautiful
Dogs are not allowed
Kid friendly
18. ANGEL FALLS
Location: Randle, Washington
Height: 75ft
Miles: 3.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 300ft
Located in the South Cascades near Randle is an easy trail that passes many waterfalls. You can walk behind one of the larger falls! The trail passes through a gorgeous mossy forest.⚠️ Some of the foot bridges are out but it was still easy to walk over the creeks since they were dry or had minimal water. In the spring or after several days of heavy rain the creeks and rivers will be flowing making it harder to cross.
Dog and Kid Friendly
Pass: None
19. SNOQUERA FALLS
Location: Hwy 410 in Snoquera
Height: 400ft
Miles: 3.9 Loop
Elevation Gain: 975ft
Beautiful lush forest with a blanket of moss and ferns. Hike up gentle switchbacks to view an impressive 400ft waterfall. The trail is easy enough for kids and is dog friendly. Be sure to hike this trail in Spring, other seasons this waterfall is a trickle.
Kid and Dog Friendly
Pass: Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful
20. LOWER DALLES CREEK WATERFALL
Location: Snoquera off Hwy 410
Height: 280ft
Miles: 2.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 1040ft
Located along the Palisades trail is a huge gushing waterfall that is best viewed in the Spring season. Feel the cool sprays of this waterfall on a warm Spring day. The trail isn't difficult but definitely continue up to the viewpoints which does have a series of switchbacks. The views at the ledges above this waterfall are worth a visit. There are three of them which would make the trail 9 miles round trip from the third viewpoint.
Small parking area right off the main road.
Pass: None
Dog and Kid Friendly
21. SNOQUALMIE FALLS
Location: Snoqualmie
Height: 269ft
Miles: 0.2 from parking lot to upper view. 1.4 miles roundtrip from upper view to lower view.
A popular tourist location to view a huge waterfall that plunges into an emerald green pool below. It is a short walk to the upper viewpoint to view the waterfall down below. You can either hike down to the lower viewpoint or just drive down and park at the lower lot. From the lower lot you walk on a boardwalk path along Snoqualmie River. Both views are a must. There is a gift shop perfect for purchasing PNW themed souvenirs right next to the upper falls viewpoint.
Pass: None. Free parking areas at the upper and lower lots. There is a parking fee at the lot closest to the waterfall.
22. POOL OF THE WINDS
Location: Skamania at Columbia River Gorge
Miles: 2.1 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 643ft
Amazing waterfall inside a grotto that also features more waterfalls along the trail. Pass by Rodney and Hardy Falls as you make your way to the Pool of the Winds. Once in front of Pool of the Winds you will feel the sprays and cool winds that feel wonderful on a warm day. The trail is easy to moderate depending on your ability.
If you want to extend your hike then make your way up to Hamilton mountain for awesome views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Adams, Mount Hood and Beacon Rock. The trail to Hamilton Mountain is 6 round trip or 7.5 loop.
Pass: Discover
Kid and Dog Friendly
23. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Location: Index near Hwy 2
Height: 1,328ft but only 2 tiers are visible
Miles: 4 round trip
Elevation Gain: 1000ft
The first half of this trail is mostly flat and easy. At half a mile to the falls is where most of the elevation gain ensues. Requires climbing a lot of stairs and rocks. Once you are just a few yards from the falls there is a fork in the trail. Going left you will be greeted with stunning views of the main tier, lower tiers and mountain views. Going right you will be closer to the tallest tier first.
If you want to extend your hike then head up to Lake Serene, a difficult hike with 23 switchbacks and many stairs. The hike to Lake Serene, including the falls, is 8.2 miles round trip. This trail is heavily trafficked with day hikers. Going on a weekday is better.
Pass: NW Forest or America the Beautiful
Dog Friendly
Kid Friendly depending on kids ability
24. GREEN RIVER GORGE
Location: Franklin
Miles: Less than a mile
A waterfall that plummets into a stunning emerald green river. You can view this river across the way and from a cave behind it. This one is fun to explore around and an epic swim location in the summer.
kid friendlyFor more recommended hikes around Washington please head here: facebook.com/groups/HikeWashington
This hike is so easy but my favorite in Rainier NP. Go at sunset and you will think you walked into a fairytale. The beauty is unreal. This trail offers: waterfalls, mountain views, wild flowers and wild animals. We enjoyed this trail on a week day around 7-8pm and there were more Marmots than humans.
If you want to hike further there are two trails to choose from. 1. The skyline loop trail which is 5.5 miles round trip with 1450ft elevation gain. 2. Golden Gate Traill which is 4 miles round trip with 1160ft elevation gain.
*Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Rainier Pass or Pay $30
*Kid Friendly
*No dogs on trail
11. Franklin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie
Height: 135ft
Miles: 2 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 400ft
This impressive waterfall is extremely popular in all seasons. The trail follows along the South Fork Snoqualmie River and is perfect for a family hike. The hike continues through the forest passing by cascades with crystal clear water. Before hitting the waterfall there are some rocky steps you climb down which can be wet and slippery. Once at the waterfall, you can feel its immense sprays soaking you the closer you get. This powerful waterfall is a must see.
*Pass:America the Beautiful pass or northwest
*Dog friendly
*Kid friendly
*Dog friendly
*Kid friendly
12. Ranger Falls
Location: Carbon River Trail in Rainier
Height: 172ft
Miles: 8 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 1150ft up to Green Lake
First 3 miles is super easy on the Carbon River Rainforest Trail with views of the river and snow capped mountains in the distance. The first 3 miles is flat and some people enjoy riding their bikes on this path. Then you will notice on the right of the trail the trailhead for Green Lake. It is another mile to ranger falls up some switch backs. The falls is a multitiered waterfall that splits into two segments. It is an impressive waterfall with greenery surrounding the falls. After viewing the waterfall it is only .8 mile to Green Lake up more switchbacks. The hike is about 9.6 miles round trip including Green Lake.
*Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Rainier Pass or pay fee
*Kid Friendly
*No dogs on trail
*Parking lot is small
13. LAVA CANYON
Location: Mount St. Helens National Monument
Miles: 1-5 round trip depending on if you do the third section
Elevation Gain: 800ft-1300ft
This hike is perfect for waterfall lovers. The entire trail is loaded with waterfalls from start to finish. The hike is a fun adventure not only because of all the waterfalls but for the volcanic formations. A trail with volcanic geography passing by waterfalls and cascades. Located in Mount St. Helens is a fun trail with a 125ft swinging bridge and ladders. The hike is sectioned off in three parts.
First part, is simple and short on a paved path down small switchbacks (0.4 mile).
Second part, is the steep loop (0.6 mile) which is family friendly and features bridges, volcanic geography and waterfalls. (Not toddler friendly). This section is very beautiful. The last section is more difficult (3.6miles round trip) but has more waterfall views. The trail follows along a cliff side with the river flowing down below showing off impressive waterfalls. The trail descends down to meet the river and soon you will find a ladder to climb down. Keep going on the trail and you will see a fork, go right at the fork. The trail leads you to another ladder and you continue to climb up the trail to get an amazing view of waterfalls down below.
First part, is simple and short on a paved path down small switchbacks (0.4 mile).
Second part, is the steep loop (0.6 mile) which is family friendly and features bridges, volcanic geography and waterfalls. (Not toddler friendly). This section is very beautiful. The last section is more difficult (3.6miles round trip) but has more waterfall views. The trail follows along a cliff side with the river flowing down below showing off impressive waterfalls. The trail descends down to meet the river and soon you will find a ladder to climb down. Keep going on the trail and you will see a fork, go right at the fork. The trail leads you to another ladder and you continue to climb up the trail to get an amazing view of waterfalls down below.
Dog Friendly: I saw a few dogs on the trail and no signs saying dogs are not allowed but WTA says no dogs.
Kid friendly in the first two sections.
Bathroom in parking area
14. Murhut Falls
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Brinnon
Height: 153ft
Miles: 1.5 round trip
Elevation gain: 250ft
On a rainy day this is a wonderful waterfall hike. The trail follows along a gentle path through the lush green forest to a two tiered waterfall. This hike has the least amount of work for the most reward. Once at the waterfall, there is a small viewpoint area near the falls that is easy to get to. This trail is perfect for all ages.
Warning: potholes on the dirt road but we made it in a low clearance vehicle.
*Pass: None
*Dog Friendly
*Kid Friendly
15. Rocky Brook Falls
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Brinnon
Height: About 150ft
Miles: 0.1 Round Trip
Extremely short hike to this beauty but worth making it out for a visit. It is a great stop if you are already hiking in the area. You can add this short visit with Murhut Falls. The waterfall trickles down into a gorgeous nature pool that is popular to swim in in the summer time. In spring, this waterfall is gushing. So, better to go in Spring. The pictures shown are from early Fall.
*Pass: None
*Dog Friendly
*Kid Friendly
*Tiny parking area
16. North Fork Sauk Falls
Location: Bedal off Mountain loop Hwy
Height: 58ft
Miles: not even a mile. 5min walk down to the falls
Elevation Gain: 200ft
This beauty is quite impressive in person. The hike is short but gorgeous as you walk down through mossy trees with branches creating a mossy tunnel effect. Walk down old soggy wood stairs and soon you will be facing the waterfall at a birds eye view. Continue walking down the steep slippery trail to the base of the waterfall. The waterfall is powerful as it plunges down into the large emerald green nature pool.
To get to the trailhead: Heading from Silverton, drive towards Bedal on Mountain loop HWY. Turn right at road NF-49. Once you hit the 1 mile mark it is a few feet after the mile marker.
warning: The road to the falls is full of potholes so drive slow, we made it in a low clearance vehicle.
*Pass: Northwest forest or America the Beautiful
*Dog and Kid Friendly but be careful when you are near the waterfall as there are steep drops.
17. SOL DUC FALLS
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Port Angeles
Height: 37ft
Miles: 1.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 200ft
Three waterfalls plunging into a gorge creating a magical scene. The trail is very easy and meanders through a mossy green forest that leads you to a wooden bridge with views of Sol Duc Falls down below and a river flowing through a gorge. A perfect picturesque view.
There are several trails in the area if you want to keep hiking like: Lovers Lane and 7 Lakes Basin. Camping is available in the area. You can also visit Sol Duc Hot Springs to soak your muscles after your hike.
Pass: America the Beautiful
Dogs are not allowed
Kid friendly
18. ANGEL FALLS
Location: Randle, Washington
Height: 75ft
Miles: 3.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 300ft
Located in the South Cascades near Randle is an easy trail that passes many waterfalls. You can walk behind one of the larger falls! The trail passes through a gorgeous mossy forest.⚠️ Some of the foot bridges are out but it was still easy to walk over the creeks since they were dry or had minimal water. In the spring or after several days of heavy rain the creeks and rivers will be flowing making it harder to cross.
Dog and Kid Friendly
Pass: None
19. SNOQUERA FALLS
Location: Hwy 410 in Snoquera
Height: 400ft
Miles: 3.9 Loop
Elevation Gain: 975ft
Beautiful lush forest with a blanket of moss and ferns. Hike up gentle switchbacks to view an impressive 400ft waterfall. The trail is easy enough for kids and is dog friendly. Be sure to hike this trail in Spring, other seasons this waterfall is a trickle.
Kid and Dog Friendly
Pass: Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful
20. LOWER DALLES CREEK WATERFALL
Location: Snoquera off Hwy 410
Height: 280ft
Miles: 2.6 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 1040ft
Located along the Palisades trail is a huge gushing waterfall that is best viewed in the Spring season. Feel the cool sprays of this waterfall on a warm Spring day. The trail isn't difficult but definitely continue up to the viewpoints which does have a series of switchbacks. The views at the ledges above this waterfall are worth a visit. There are three of them which would make the trail 9 miles round trip from the third viewpoint.
Small parking area right off the main road.
Pass: None
Dog and Kid Friendly
21. SNOQUALMIE FALLS
Location: Snoqualmie
Height: 269ft
Miles: 0.2 from parking lot to upper view. 1.4 miles roundtrip from upper view to lower view.
A popular tourist location to view a huge waterfall that plunges into an emerald green pool below. It is a short walk to the upper viewpoint to view the waterfall down below. You can either hike down to the lower viewpoint or just drive down and park at the lower lot. From the lower lot you walk on a boardwalk path along Snoqualmie River. Both views are a must. There is a gift shop perfect for purchasing PNW themed souvenirs right next to the upper falls viewpoint.
Pass: None. Free parking areas at the upper and lower lots. There is a parking fee at the lot closest to the waterfall.
22. POOL OF THE WINDS
Location: Skamania at Columbia River Gorge
Miles: 2.1 Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 643ft
Amazing waterfall inside a grotto that also features more waterfalls along the trail. Pass by Rodney and Hardy Falls as you make your way to the Pool of the Winds. Once in front of Pool of the Winds you will feel the sprays and cool winds that feel wonderful on a warm day. The trail is easy to moderate depending on your ability.
If you want to extend your hike then make your way up to Hamilton mountain for awesome views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Adams, Mount Hood and Beacon Rock. The trail to Hamilton Mountain is 6 round trip or 7.5 loop.
Pass: Discover
Kid and Dog Friendly
23. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Location: Index near Hwy 2
Height: 1,328ft but only 2 tiers are visible
Miles: 4 round trip
Elevation Gain: 1000ft
The first half of this trail is mostly flat and easy. At half a mile to the falls is where most of the elevation gain ensues. Requires climbing a lot of stairs and rocks. Once you are just a few yards from the falls there is a fork in the trail. Going left you will be greeted with stunning views of the main tier, lower tiers and mountain views. Going right you will be closer to the tallest tier first.
If you want to extend your hike then head up to Lake Serene, a difficult hike with 23 switchbacks and many stairs. The hike to Lake Serene, including the falls, is 8.2 miles round trip. This trail is heavily trafficked with day hikers. Going on a weekday is better.
Pass: NW Forest or America the Beautiful
Dog Friendly
Kid Friendly depending on kids ability
24. GREEN RIVER GORGE
Location: Franklin
Miles: Less than a mile
A waterfall that plummets into a stunning emerald green river. You can view this river across the way and from a cave behind it. This one is fun to explore around and an epic swim location in the summer.
The green river gorge is separated in two parts to get down to the river. For the first part, park at the main lot for Franklin ghost town and there is a yellow sign “river trail”. The trail is right next to a yellow $5 Box to the left of the parking lot. The first part is a short hike but still a must because you have a good view of the waterfall from across the way. After hiking to the waterfall (less than 1 mile) walk back up the trail and you will find a clear path down to the river. Be careful, to get down close to the river it is steep and slippery.
To get to the second part, which is located across the river, you can walk over or drive. It is just a five minute walk. Walk out of the parking lot and go right and cross the bridge. At the bridge you will see the waterfall from above. Once you cross the bridge there is a green building on the left. Walk to the building and enter the gate and go down the stairs. Once you walk down the stone and wooden steps you will soon hit the river where you will find short tunnels made from boulders. You will also find the waterfall where you can walk right under it.
This swim location is privately owned so please practice "leave no trace" so that it does not get shut down again. Sign posted says you will need $5 cash per person but website says you only need $5 for parking.
You can also hike Franklin Ghost town since you are parked next to the trailhead.
Pass: None. Just a parking fee
Dog and Kid Friendly
25. PALOUSE FALLS
Location: Near Washtucna, SE Washington
Height: 198ft
25. PALOUSE FALLS
Location: Near Washtucna, SE Washington
Height: 198ft
Visit Washington State's state waterfall, a massive 200ft waterfall that plunges into a huge canyon. There are a few different viewpoints that are not too far from the parking lot. One of the viewpoints, Fryxell Overlook, offers panoramic views of the waterfall and canyon.
Warning: There have been multiple deaths from people falling over the cliffs. It is wise to stay behind the fences. There are safe trails that you can explore by not hopping the fences.
•CAMPING
-First come first serve, no reservation
-$12 per tent
-Discover Pass to park
-there are about 10 tent spots and each come with a picnic table and grill. (Picture in comments)
-The tent spots are right next to the parking area and bathrooms so they are not secluded but are shaded by trees.
-Bathrooms are disgusting
•SWIMMING
-if you don’t want to hike all the way to the base of the falls then hike passed the bathrooms on the main trail, heading upstream. After 10mins if walking you should see that the trail leads down by the train tracks (tracks are blocked by fence) follow the fence till you can’t anymore as a cliff blocks you. Take the rocky trail down to the water. It’s a little steep. The hike all together should take about 20mins from the parking area. So it’s not that far.
⚠️ Don’t plan to swim here in spring as the water levels and currents are too crazy.
•DOG AND KID FRIENDLY
-important to keep dogs leashed because of all the wild life and cliffs.
•WILD LIFE
-plenty of marmots were out running around. They are so cute.
-Coyotes. We saw one. You will definitely hear them talking/howling at night
-Rattlesnakes, we didn’t see any but they are definitely out there.
Warning: There have been multiple deaths from people falling over the cliffs. It is wise to stay behind the fences. There are safe trails that you can explore by not hopping the fences.
•CAMPING
-First come first serve, no reservation
-$12 per tent
-Discover Pass to park
-there are about 10 tent spots and each come with a picnic table and grill. (Picture in comments)
-The tent spots are right next to the parking area and bathrooms so they are not secluded but are shaded by trees.
-Bathrooms are disgusting
•SWIMMING
-if you don’t want to hike all the way to the base of the falls then hike passed the bathrooms on the main trail, heading upstream. After 10mins if walking you should see that the trail leads down by the train tracks (tracks are blocked by fence) follow the fence till you can’t anymore as a cliff blocks you. Take the rocky trail down to the water. It’s a little steep. The hike all together should take about 20mins from the parking area. So it’s not that far.
⚠️ Don’t plan to swim here in spring as the water levels and currents are too crazy.
•DOG AND KID FRIENDLY
-important to keep dogs leashed because of all the wild life and cliffs.
•WILD LIFE
-plenty of marmots were out running around. They are so cute.
-Coyotes. We saw one. You will definitely hear them talking/howling at night
-Rattlesnakes, we didn’t see any but they are definitely out there.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bittanywanderlust/
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