Last updated on June 13th, 2026
Love chasing waterfalls? This guide covers our favorite Washington waterfalls, plus tips for visiting and how to prepare for rain or shine.
In our opinion, the waterfalls in Washington are some of the BEST in the country! While the rainier climate can be a bit of a bummer to some, for us, this just means more waterfalls to explore. And throughout our years of living in the state, we’ve been able to experience some of the best of the best!
These trails are perfect for rainy days when mountain views might be fogged in. Plus, if you go in the winter, you may get to see a frozen waterfall, which is such a magical experience!
In this post, we’re sharing some of our favorite Washington waterfalls and our best tips for visiting them. We’ll guide you on what to expect, how to prepare (because Washington weather can be unpredictable), and why these falls deserve a spot on your bucket list. They’re some of the many fun things to do in Washington State! If you’re as obsessed with chasing waterfalls as we are, we hope this guide will help you plan your next adventure!
24 Best Washington waterfalls
Snoqualmie Valley
For Snoqualmie Valley we are lumping together the area from Issaquah to Cle Elum, which are all located along I-90, just east of Seattle.
1. Snoqualmie Falls
Distance (round trip): 1.4 miles
Elevation gain: 331 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: None
Trail conditions & reviews
Snoqualmie Falls is without a doubt one of the best waterfalls in Washington. And it’s easy to see why! The 270-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning, and it’s even made its way into shows like Twin Peaks. Over 1.5 million people visit every year to take in the views and check out the area.
The falls got a lot of attention in the late 1800s when they built a hydroelectric plant to help power the area (one of the first of its kind in the US!). Today, it still provides energy to locals through Puget Sound Energy, and you can still see part of the old powerhouse today, which is pretty cool!
There’s also a two-acre park, a gift shop, and two observation decks that are open year-round. The upper deck is super easy to get to, but if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a steep gravel trail that takes you down to the lower viewpoint!
2. Coal Creek Falls
Distance (round trip): 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: 475 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: None
Trail conditions & review
Coal Creek Falls is a 28-foot waterfall that cascades beautifully over moss-covered rocks into Coal Creek in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park near Issaquah. It’s a perfect spot for a short, family-friendly hike with a touch of history!
Cougar Mountain was a busy coal mining spot back in the late 1800s, and you can still find traces of that history all over the park. As you hike, keep an eye out for old mining artifacts and signs that tell you a bit about the area’s industrial past.
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, especially after a good rain, when the falls are really flowing. If you visit in late summer, the falls might slow to a trickle, but it still makes for a great hike!
3. Twin Falls
Distance (round trip): 2.5
Elevation Gain: 616 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Discover Pass
Trail conditions & reviews
If you’re looking for another awesome waterfall hike, Twin Falls Trail, near North Bend is a must-do! The trail takes you through a lush forest, with great views of the Snoqualmie River, before you reach a series of stunning waterfalls.
The route heads east along the South Fork Snoqualmie River, and after about a mile, you’ll hit a set of stairs that lead down to a viewpoint. Here you can check out the Lower Falls dropping over a 150-foot cliff. Keep going for another quarter mile, and cross a bridge that spans Twin Falls Canyon. From there, you’ll get a killer view of the Upper Falls, with several plunge pools below, and you can even see the edge of the Lower Falls from the bridge. It’s such a fun and scenic hike!
4. Franklin Falls
Distance (round trip): 2 miles (7 miles in the winter)
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Northwest Forest (plus Sno-Park permit in the winter) or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Franklin Falls is a 70-foot waterfall near Snoqualmie Pass, but what’s cool is that the falls are actually made up of three separate tiers, with a total drop of 135 feet! You can only see the last and largest drop from the trail, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a narrow trail carved into the rock to get even closer to the falls. Be careful, the rocks can be slippery from the spray, especially during peak flow! (Rain gear is a good idea if you get close).
The falls are beautiful year-round, but they’re especially magical in the winter. When we went, they weren’t totally frozen, but they were still stunning! And if you’re looking to make the hike a little longer, you can connect with the Wagon Road Trail for a loop.
In the winter, they close the road to the trailhead, so you’ll need to park on Denny Creek Road and walk about 2 miles to the trailhead. It adds 4 extra miles round trip, but it’s still an easy and pretty flat hike. Make sure you bring microspikes or snowshoes if it’s snowy!
5. Keekwulee Falls
Distance (round trip): 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,102 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Located right by Franklin Falls, Keekwulee Falls makes for a great addition if you’re looking for a longer and more difficult waterfall experience. This hike takes you past Denny Creek to an overlook of a multi-level waterfall, which totals 125 feet. When we hiked this trail in the fall one year, we were also treated to some beautiful foliage!
One important thing to know before visiting Keekwulee Falls is that the flow can depend heavily on the season. In the summer, the falls often turn into a trickle, but in the late fall through early summer, when rainfall and snowmelt is highest, you have a good chance of seeing them roar!
6. Teneriffe Falls
Distance (round trip): 5.7 miles
Elevation gain: 1,620 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: None
Trail conditions & reviews
Teneriffe Falls, also called Kamikaze Falls, is a tough but totally rewarding hike near North Bend. The 22 switchbacks will get your heart pumping as you climb through the trees, but the views of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding peaks along the way make it all worth it!
When you get closer to the falls, you’ll catch a glimpse of the lower part of Teneriffe Falls (definitely snap a pic here!) But the real payoff is at the top. A few more switchbacks, and you’ll reach a small flat spot with an epic view of the upper falls.
Stevens Pass
7. Bridal Veil Falls
Miles (round trip): 4.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,043 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail conditions & reviews (Bridal Veil Falls Trail)
Trail conditions & reviews (Bridal Veil Falls + Lake Serene Trail)
Bridal Veil Falls, near Gold Bar, is a stunning waterfall that plunges 100 feet down a rock face. The water slides off granite slabs before crashing onto the rocks and Bridal Veil Creek below.
The trail to the falls features some switchbacks, a few steep spots, and a series of stairs to reach the top, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.
If you’re up for more, continue on to Lake Serene (which we definitely recommend!). The lake is an insane shade of blue, and it’s surrounded by towering peaks. The hike to Lake Serene alone is about 7.2 miles round trip, but adding Bridal Veil Falls is the perfect way to make the most of this trail.
A heads up: this trail can get packed, especially in summer. If you want to beat the crowds, try to get there early for a better chance at parking and a quieter trail!
8. Wallace Falls
Miles (round trip): 4.9
Elevation Gain: 1,469 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Discovery Pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Wallace Falls is a classic Washington waterfall hike, especially ideal for a rainy PNW day. The trail winds through lush, moss-covered trees alongside the Wallace River, with three different viewpoints to check out!
If you can, hit all three viewpoints for the full experience. After about two miles, you’ll reach the Lower Falls, and then the Middle and Upper Falls as you keep climbing. If you’re feeling a bit tired or have little ones with you, the Middle Falls is a great spot to turn around.
It’s also a solid winter hike because it doesn’t usually get too icy or snowy. Plus, the falls look even more magical when they’re frozen!
Olympic Peninsula
9. Madison Falls
Distance (round trip): 0.2 miles
Elevation gain: 49 ft
Difficulty: Very easy
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Olympic National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Madison Falls is a gorgeous 60-foot waterfall near Port Angeles in Olympic National Park that’s super easy to get to! The paved trail starts right by the Elwha River and is less than a quarter mile, making it a perfect stop if you’re looking for a beautiful view without a big hike. And if your dog is joining you for your Olympic Peninsula adventure!
The falls tumble down a mossy rock face, and there’s even a nice little overlook area where you can sit, take in the view, and snap some photos!
While here, make sure to take a look at the beautiful Elwha River, which has clear blue water and a beautiful mountain backdrop. Plus some interesting history! This river used to have two dams, the Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam. When they were built, were actually illegal, as they blocked the passage for fish, but they got it approved anyway. However, between 2011-2014 the dams were dismantled. It was the largest dam removal in US history and has helped restore the river ecosystem!
10. Murhut Falls
Distance (round trip): 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 390 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: None
Trail conditions & reviews
Murhut Falls is a gorgeous two-tiered 130-foot waterfall that’s short, sweet, and totally stunning! It’s one of our favorite quick stops on the Olympic Peninsula.
The trail to the falls is a mellow stroll along what used to be an old logging road. If you’re up for a little extra adventure, you can make your way down to the pool beneath the falls. But watch your step! The rocks around the base can be super slick, so take it slow.
11. Marymere Falls
Distance (round trip): 1.7 miles
Elevation gain: 314 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Olympic National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Marymere Falls, located near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, is a beautiful 90-foot waterfall! The trail starts at Lake Crescent near the Storm King Ranger Station and takes you through a classic Pacific Northwest mossy forest.
The trail is short and very mellow with a gradual climb up to the falls and an easy descent back down. Plus, it’s a loop trail, which is awesome because you get two different viewpoints of the falls.
The first viewpoint is on the hillside, giving you a great look down on the falls as Falls Creek plunges through a notch in the cliff. The second viewpoint is at the base of the falls, offering a close-up look at the rushing water.
Heads up: This trail might be crowded since it’s one of the most popular trails in Olympic National Park!
12. Sol Duc Falls
Distance (round trip): 1.8 miles
Elevation gain: 259 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Olympic National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Sol Duc Falls is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Washington! This three prong waterfall is located down a 14 mile side road on the Olympic Peninsula and is fed by the Sol Duc River, with Sol Duc being a Quileute word for “sparkling water.”
To get to the falls it’s a fun, easy hike through mossy old-growth forest, ending at a wooden bridge that goes over the falls themselves and overlooks a narrow gorge that the falls plunge into. There’s also a little platform to sit and enjoy the views, but be warned, you’ll likely get sprayed from the mist!
Important note: Sol Duc Falls closes during the winter season, typically reopening sometime in March. Check the road status before you go!
Orcas Island
13. Cascade Falls
Distance (round trip): 0.8 miles
Elevation gain: 187 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Discover Pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Orcas Island is one of our favorite getaways in Washington! And located in Moran State Park is Cascade Falls, the tallest waterfall on the San Juan Islands. Along this short, but sweet 0.8 mile loop, you will not only get to see Cascade Falls, but Rustic and Cavern falls as well. They may not be the tallest waterfalls in Washington, but they make for the perfect addition during your Orcas Island adventures!
Mount Rainier National Park
14. Christine Falls
Distance (round trip): Visible from the road
Elevation gain: N/A
Difficulty: N/A
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Christine Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to check out in Mount Rainier National Park! This 60-foot waterfall plunges into a narrow canyon, framed perfectly by a historic arched stone bridge that spans Van Trump Creek sitting between Rampart Ridge and Cushman Crest.
There’s a parking area right off Paradise Road, and it’s a super short walk to the main viewpoint. If you’ve got a bit more time, there’s a lower viewpoint trail that offers a different angle of the falls and the creek below!
15. Narada Falls
Miles (round trip): 0.2 miles from the parking lot, 2.4 from Paradise Inn, and 3.6 from Reflection Lake
Elevation: 100 feet from the parking lot, 862 ft from Paradise Inn, and 931 ft from Reflection Lake
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Narada Falls, near the Paradise area in Mount Rainier National Park, is one of the park’s most iconic and accessible waterfalls. At 150 feet tall, it’s the largest waterfall viewable by car in the park. You can admire it from the upper pullout, but the short trail to the lower viewpoint is absolutely worth it for a closer look at the cascading water.
You can start the hike from the Paradise Inn for a 2.4-mile round trip or from Reflection Lake for a longer 3.6-mile round trip. The trail passes under a historic bridge, built in the early 1900s, which makes for a cool photo spot. Just be careful because sections of the trail can be slick, especially on the walk down, and you’ll likely catch some mist near the falls!
16. Myrtle Falls
Distance (round trip): 0.9 miles
Elevation gain: 160 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
For a gorgeous view of Myrtle Falls in Mount Rainier National Park, take the Skyline Trail from the Paradise visitor center area. It’s a pretty straightforward hike. Starting at the Paradise parking lot, you’ll follow either the Skyline or Golden Gate Trail.
The path is paved with a short uphill section, then a set of stairs that takes you to the viewpoint. From there, you get an amazing view of the 60-foot waterfall, with Mount Rainier in the background!
Definitely check the conditions before you go, though. When we visited in July, the trail was still covered in snow!
17. Silver Falls
Distance (round trip): 2.9 miles
Elevation gain: 521 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
The Silver Falls Loop is one of our favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. Starting at the Ohanapecosh Campground, the trail takes you through a gorgeous old-growth forest with something cool to see around every corner!
You’ll follow the river upstream, crossing a bridge with amazing views of Silver Falls. The water is an unreal blue, thanks to runoff from the Ohanapecosh Glacier, and as it rushes through narrow sections of the canyon, it gets loud and powerful (it’s epic!)
After you reach the falls, the trail loops back on the other side of the river, giving you even more beautiful views along the way. This hike is perfect for the whole family, but be sure to stay out of the water near the falls because slippery rocks and strong currents make it dangerous.
18. Comet Falls
Distance (round trip): 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,286 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly: No
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park pass or America the Beautiful pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Comet Falls is one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, plunging over 300 feet in an epic cascade. The waterfall definitely lives up to its name, with water streaming down like a comet’s tail against the rugged cliffs.
The hike follows Van Trump Creek, with smaller cascades and scenic views along the way. It’s a bit steep in sections, with some switchbacks and rocky terrain, so sturdy shoes are definitely a must!
Columbia River Gorge
19. Panther Creek Falls
Distance (round trip): 0.3 miles
Elevation gain: 114 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: None
Trail conditions & reviews
Panther Creek Falls is definitely one of the most unique waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge! What makes this waterfall stand out isn’t its height or power, but how intricate it is. Instead of a single drop, the water fans out across the cliff face, weaving through grooves of moss and into the basin below.
Right after you start the trail, you’ll hit a junction. We’d recommend checking out both forks since each one gives you a different view of Panther Creek Falls. If you just go to the first viewpoint, it’s a short 0.3-mile roundtrip, but if you do both, it’s still only about 0.7 miles total (not bad for double the views!).
Panther Creek Falls is super close to Falls Creek Falls, another must-see in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. If you’re up for it, you can totally hit both in one day for twice the waterfall fun!
20. Falls Creek Falls
Miles (round trip): 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail conditions & reviews
This is hands down our favorite waterfall hike in Washington! Falls Creek Falls, located near Skamania, is absolutely stunning, with a powerful, tiered cascade that’s way bigger than we expected!
This short hike follows Falls Creek, with mossy rocks and fallen trees along the way. You’ll pass through a young forest, cross the creek, and then cross a cable suspension bridge over a rocky gorge.
Heads up: the road to the trailhead can get pretty rough, so drive carefully. Also, be mindful of a tricky creek crossing near the falls during early season melts!
Northwest Washington
21. Whatcom Falls
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Bellingham (one of our favorite places in Washington!) is Whatcom Falls Park. This FREE forested park boasts a handful of waterfalls, all located along Whatcom Creek. The most famous (pictured above) is just steps from the parking area and is viewable from a mossy stone bridge. It feels straight out of a fairytale!
But we highly recommend walking the Whatcom Creek Trail to see the others as well! Our second favorite is Whirlpool Falls, which flows out of a gorge and plunges into a swimming hole that is popular in the summertime.
Eastern Washington
22. Palouse Falls
Distance (round trip): 0.2 miles
Elevation gain: 72 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: Discover Pass
Trail conditions & reviews
Palouse Falls is an absolute must-see in eastern Washington! This 198-foot beauty, located in Palouse Falls State Park, was carved by Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago and is one of the last active waterfalls from that time. The Palouse Indians called it “Aput Aput,” meaning “Falling Water,” and it was named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014!
To check out the falls, you’ve got three viewpoints to choose from. The lower viewpoint, just off the main day-use area, is an easy walk down some steps for a front-and-center view. The second viewpoint, at the end of a paved interpretive trail, gives you a peek into the canyon’s history. If you want sweeping views of the falls and Palouse River Canyon, make your way to Fryxell Overlook which is accessible via the trail or a gravel parking area.
23. Spokane Falls
Distance (round trip): 1 mile
Elevation gain: 68 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes (leashed)
Permit: None
Trail conditions & reviews
Spokane Falls is the largest urban waterfall in the US, right in the heart of Spokane, Washington! The falls are split into two sections: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, both stunning and super easy to check out.
The Spokane Tribe calls these falls “Stluputqu,” which means “swift water.” For generations, they gathered here to fish for Chinook salmon, smoking and preserving them for the winter. As Spokane grew, the falls were impacted by development, but they still hold a ton of history and are considered a sacred site.
To check out the falls, take a stroll around Riverfront Park, where you’ll find a bunch of great viewpoints. Crossing the Lou Barbieri Bridge gives you an awesome bird’s-eye view, and you’ll also pass the iconic Riverfront Park Clock Tower. For a fun adventure, hop on the Spokane Skyride gondola for an aerial view of the falls (it’s pretty epic!)
24. peewee Falls
Peewee Falls is the most unique Washington waterfall on this list, as the best way to get to it is by kayak! Located near Metaline Falls along the International Selkirk Loop, this 233 foot tall waterfall plummets over the side of a cliff into the Pend Oreille River. And to get to it, you have two options!
The first option (and best experience) is to paddle to the waterfall from the Boundary Dam Campground. This is about a 15 minute paddle on calm water and will take you right to the base of the falls! There is also a cave you can paddle into around here, which only adds to the experience. To do this, you will need your own watercraft, as there are no rentals nearby. We attempted to do this in our inflatable kayak, but unfortunately overfilled it, causing it to pop. So instead, we had to do the second option.
If you don’t have any watercraft to visit the falls, you can see the falls from the Peewee Falls Overlook. This is on the opposite side of the river from the waterfall and requires a little bit of a windy drive, plus a short walk from a parking area. But the view from the observation platform is fantastic! We ended up coming here after our failed kayak attempt and think that even if you can kayak, it’s worth it to see the falls from this perspective as well.
What to Bring to Explore Washington’s Waterfalls
To see everything we take hiking, check out our hiking gear as well as our guide about how to make a 10 essentials kit. But here are a handful of items we want to emphasize bringing as you explore the best waterfalls in Washington.
Sturdy hiking shoes
No matter if you’re taking a quick paved stroll or tackling a longer, rugged trail, a good pair of sturdy shoes will keep you comfy and safe on all types of terrain. Some trails can get pretty muddy or slippery, so make sure your shoes have solid grip! Adam loves wearing Altra Lone Peak 8s and Kathryn wears Lowa Renegades.
Rain jacket (because Washington!)
If you’re hiking in Washington, you’re probably going to run into rain at some point. A good rain jacket is an absolute must! It’ll keep you dry and comfortable, even when the weather decides to do its thing. Adam wears a Columbia Watertight II and Kathryn wears a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L.
Microspikes for winter adventures
If you’re hiking in the winter months (or even early spring), microspikes are a game changer. These little guys slip onto your boots and give you way more grip on icy, snowy trails. They’re perfect for those slippery spots you’ll encounter in the Cascades or any mountain hike where the temps dip below freezing.
Water and snacks
Water is a no-brainer, but don’t forget a snack (or two!) to keep your energy levels up. We love hiking with our Camelbak 3L bladder which makes it super easy to drink while on the move. For snacks we love having something like trail mix, salty snacks, or an energy bar on hand for a quick boost. See all of our favorite hiking snacks!
Camera
Washington is full of jaw-dropping scenery, and you don’t want to miss a chance to snap some pics. If you’re curious what gear we use, check out our camera gear here.
Map or GPS (especially for less-trafficked trails)
For hikes that don’t have a lot of signage, having a map or GPS is a solid idea. We love using apps like AllTrails, but a physical map is great too, just in case your phone dies (it happens!).
Want to get 30% off an AllTrails Plus membership? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!
We use AllTrails Plus on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.
Save this guide with the best Washington waterfalls
About the Author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.