If you’re asked to list down the reasons to visit Washington, keep in mind mountains, beaches, whale watching, secret waterfalls, volcanoes, wine and beer, music, and food trucks. If you seek delight in nature, be sure to admire Washington’s top-notch landscapes. Try hiking trails that lead to the most scenic and spectacular waterfalls. Hikers who frequent waterfalls often say that photographs are not enough to capture such beauty, you must preserve them in your memory. Appreciate the surroundings, including forests, landscapes, and even the glistening green moss. Whenever you go waterfall hiking, make sure to carry the appropriate gear. Scroll down to read about the top waterfall hikes in Washington, USA.
Travel Advisory
Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.
1. Palouse Falls
Washington’s state waterfalls, the Palouse Falls, has an elevation of 234 meters (768 feet) and a height of 6 meters (20 feet). Local residents and tourists come to see the view of these falls that were carved more than 13,000 years ago. It is one of the few remaining active waterfalls on the Ice Age path. The park also serves as a tent-only camping site for visitors and birdwatchers. Once at the park, visitors can enjoy three different viewpoints of the falls depending on the trail path you follow. It is advised that visitors and hikers stick to the official trails. Some parts of the trail would require traversing a rock wall so be sure to take precautions. Always go only when it is safe, from the months of May to October.
Palouse Falls
Address: Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, United States
Website: Palouse State Park
2. Lewis River Falls
For those in the area looking for an easy waterfall hike, proceed to the Lewis River Falls. The trailhead is about 14 miles (23 km) from Road 25, located in the Lower Falls Recreation Area. Hikers can take any of the used paths to go down to the trail. If you plan to hike the entire length of the trail, it is advised to begin at the lower trailhead for Curly Creek Falls and hike north, or go to the Quartz Creek Trailhead and hike south. There are many wonders to see along the trail, including fir and cedar trees, wildflowers, and forest trees like pinesap, coralroot and gnome plant. The fall itself has a height of 13 meters (43 feet) and spans 60 meters (200 feet). The best view of the riverbed can be seen from Middle Lewis Falls that is a combination of a waterfall and cascading waters along the bedrock. Hiking upstream will lead to the Upper Lewis River Falls.
Lewis River Falls
Address: Cougar, WA 98616, United States
Website: Lewis River Falls
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3. Myrtle Falls
Myrtle Falls is located just about half a mile from the Mt. Rainier National Park’s Paradise Inn visitor center, if you take the paved trail. It takes about 30 minutes to hike the entire length of the trail which has a slightly steep incline. Still, it’s a nice walk going to the falls that are also kid-friendly. The trail is paved so strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the trail. Tourists and visitors are sure not to miss the opportunity to photograph Myrtle Falls with Washington’s most iconic mountain as the backdrop. Aside from the path to the waterfalls, other trails branching from the Paradise Inn visitors area would lead to other viewpoints of scenic spots like Sluiskin Falls and Nisqually Glacier.
Myrtle Falls
Address: Ashford, WA 98304, United States
Website: Myrtle Falls
4. Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. This scenic wonder of nature is located at one of Tennessee’s busiest state parks. It would take about 4 miles (6.4 km) to traverse back and forth to the falls but don’t fret because the trails to are well maintained. Hikers can take either short or long walks around the lake going to the base of Fall Creek Falls. Adventure-seekers can opt for the long-distance overnight trail. More than 56 miles (90 km) of trails can be explored. Located in the vicinity of the state park are 30 cabins and more than 200 campsites. Backcountry camping is also available with permit.
Fall Creek Falls
Address: NF-3062, Carson, WA 98610, United States
Website: Fall Creek Falls Trailhead
5. Spray Waterfall
Located along Spray Park Trail, this spot is an ideal choice for day trips. The entire distance of the hike to Spray Falls is just a little more than 7 mi (11 km) and the hike is not too strenuous. Spray Creek produces one of the largest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park as it flows over the edge of a lofty cliff and takes a 108 meters (354-feet) fall.
The drive to this waterfall is quite bumpy. It is a long and slow drive, but the destination is definitely worth it. Water from the falls shoots out of a narrow outlet and sprays out into a mist, hence its name, Spray Creek. The hiking trail begins at Mowich Lake Campground and leads to two destinations; Spray Falls and the more elevated Spray Park. This nice trail, with just a few tricky spots, is perfect for visitors as young as 6 years old and as old as 70. You can even spot bears near the base of the mountain.
Spray Waterfall
Address: Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, United States
Website: Spray Waterfall
6. Panther Creek Falls
It will only take a short hike to reach the Panther Creek Falls that’s inside the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the Gorge region. The out and back trail to the fall is less than half a mile round trip. Only a few seem to know about this location because it is a hiker-only spot. This 40-meter (130 ft.) unique waterfall is considered a hidden gem of the forest. The hike itself can be overwhelming as it offers a great view of different combinations of waterfalls, a hanging garden and rich colors of moss. The hike to the base of the waterfalls is very steep and slippery even for more advanced hikers. A hike to Panther Creek can be coupled with a hike to the nearby Fall Creek Falls.
Panther Creek Falls
Address: NF-65, Carson, WA 98610, United States
Website: Panther Creek Falls
7. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is located in the Central Cascades and it is described as a beautiful waterfall that flows out of Lake Serene and cascades down the 30-meter (100-foot) rock formation in the wall of Mount Index. The out and back hike will take you through the woods and a few streams and creek crossings, so be sure to use appropriate gear and shoes. The trail starts off easy as it follows a clear road through the forest. Some parts of the trail are uneven and rocky while in some parts, there are steps to help in the elevation gain. The trail gets pretty busy during summer weekends.
Bridal Veil Falls
Address: Central Cascades – Stevens Pass - West
Website: Bridal Veil Falls
8. Silver Falls and Hot Springs
The tallest cascade in the southeast side of Mt. Rainier is the Silver Falls, a 27-meter (90-feet) series of drops ending in a 12-meter (40-feet) plunge. The hike ends at a destination where you have a clear view of the fall. Along the way, hikers can pass through the dense conifer forest, making the hike along the river seem magical.
What’s more to like about hiking Silver Falls is that it isn’t as crowded as the other trails. You might witness few hot springs at Silver Falls, but they are only small bubbling mud puddles that are not suitable for a dip.
Silver Falls and Hot Springs
Address: Mt. Rainer National Park, Washington, USA
Website: Silver Falls Loop
9. Rocky Brook Falls
It would take a very short walk to see the amazing Rocky Brook Falls in Brinnon. The out and back trail along the creek is suitable for all skill levels. Families and even kids will enjoy the scenic view leading to the falls. Visitors are advised to go from March until October when the weather is good. Dogs are allowed on the trail but they must be kept on a leash.
Rocky Brook Falls
Address: 2405 Dosewallips Rd, Brinnon, WA 98320, United States
Website: Rocky Brook Falls
10. Marymere Falls (from USD 70.0)
Marymere Falls is a two-hour drive from Port Townsend. It is a part of the Olympic National Park. Water from the falls cascade from the source Aurora ridge down to the creek at a drop of 27 meters (90 feet). Marymere has a well-maintained trail that cuts through a forest of old-growth trees, sword ferns and carpets of moss. The trail crosses Barnes Creek and Falls Creek before ascending into a mossy, fern-laden path. The trail offers two views of the falls; one on the hillside and another on the lower platform. Walking sticks and handrails can aid during the hike.
Olympic National Park Guided Hike: Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls
Duration 4 hours
Bask in the beauty of nature
Take your time to bask in the beauty of nature. After enjoying the awesome view and natural attractions, be sure to leave with gratitude and don’t ever leave any trash along the trail. Always be mindful of the leave-no-trace law when visiting or planning to visit these waterfalls. Always maintain your outdoor ethics to help promote and conserve these spots.