Considering there are more than 1,200 known waterfalls in Washington, it’s impossible to keep track of, much less see, them all. However, I plan on living life always chasing waterfalls. Here are 9 Waterfall Hikes in Washington State.
Spirit Falls
- Distance: .8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Pass Required: None
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: No
Although Spirit Falls is less than a mile (you can make it more by going off-trail and exploring around the falls) it’s definitely for more experienced hikers. The trail isn’t well marked and is a slide-down and scramble-up type of situation. However, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful area to enjoy the views of these incredible turquoise waterfalls.
Twin Falls
- Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 967 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Required: Discover Pass
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
As the name suggests, Twin Falls has 2 waterfalls. There seemed to be some confusion around that with some hikers I ran into on the trail. The trail runs along the river, so many side trails take you to the water. Just be mindful to stay on marked trails to limit your impact on the environment. The first waterfall pictured above is less than a mile on the trail. Venture about half a mile further and you’ll find the second falls shown below.
Wallace Falls
- Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass Required: Discover Pass
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wallace Falls is a well-maintained trail and unlike some trails, it offers beauty from start to finish. Throughout the trek to the 3 waterfalls, there is something for everyone. The trail follows Wallace River and just 2 miles in brings you to the first of 3 falls. This first section is beginner and kid-friendly. Just half a mile further will bring you to the middle falls, which is the most stunning waterfall of the three. The trek between the middle and last falls is quite rugged with switchbacks on an extremely steep grade.
Coal Creek Falls
- Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 416 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: None
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park offers a variety of hiking trails that intertwine. This allows for nearly all trails to be as long or short as you choose! Coal Creek Trail provides this beautiful waterfall within .2 miles of the trail. Being that it’s the closest on the list to Seattle, it’s known for being quite muddy. As you can see on my hiking boots in the photo, the mud can and will engulf your foot. It’s not a trail that requires hiking boots but I recommend wearing waterproof shoes or shoes you do not mind getting muddy!
Snoqualmie Falls
- Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 374 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: No
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Start at the Upper Falls viewpoint and make your way along a short trail to the Snoqualmie River. Here you’ll see the iconic falls made famous from the 90’s TV show Twin Peaks.
Palouse Falls
- Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 803 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: Discover Pass
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
This is a popular attraction because it is considered one of the lasting remnants of the ice-age glacial floods. In 2014, the roaring 200ft falls were declared Washington’s state waterfall; the ONLY state to have an official waterfall. I’d highly suggest visiting in the mid-late spring as summer can get quite hot. If you do visit in the summer, aim to go at sunrise or sunset. I was not able to but know the lighting is so much better for photos and a cooler (temperature) experience.
Franklin Falls
- Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 416 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: None
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Bridal Veil Falls
- Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 416 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: None
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Whatcom Falls
- Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 416 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass Required: None
- Are Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
Whatcom Falls Park is located a short 10-minute drive away from Bellingham’s city center. There are over 3 miles of trails within the 200+ acres of Whatcom Falls Park with trails winding around the creek, pools and falls through the forest. The trail provides a great walking, running, and bike path.
Check out more things to do in Bellingham here.
