11 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Seattle, Washington - Updated 2024

waterfall hikes in seattle
Nadine
Nadine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Explore the natural wonders near the peaceful city of Seattle, Washington by going for a hike. Experience the best of the seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter – as the surroundings effectively represent the colors of those seasons. In Myrtle Falls, you will witness the wondrous vistas of snow-capped mountains displaying winter while the Comet Falls show the beautiful colors of autumn. These hikes will get you in close contact with the lush, lively foliage and the refreshing flow of water, leaving you reconnected with the welcoming embrace of Mother Nature. So, let’s get on with it and find out the best waterfall hikes near Seattle, Washington.

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. Myrtle Falls

Mt. Rainier Paradise Park Myrtle Falls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Javban used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated in the rugged gorge in Mount Rainier National Park, this 1 mile (1.6 km) hike is suitable even for the inexperienced hikers. Even if you are a beginner, the place wouldn’t disappoint if you are looking for a refreshing and memorable hike. Admire the falls as water rushes 72 feet (22 meters) with the dramatic backdrop of a snow-capped mountain, Mount Rainier! Just one tip: Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the scenic view.

Myrtle Falls

Address: Ashford, WA 98304, USA

Website: Myrtle Falls

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

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2. Comet Falls

Comet Falls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Steven Pavlov used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With a lovely display showcasing the colors of autumn, this hiking trail is a gorgeous gem near the city of Seattle. Reviews indicate how beautiful the place is. The path itself, to get to the waterfalls, has incredible Instagram worthy backgrounds! Being fairly difficult for a hike (yet still recommendable even for beginners), the level of expertise needed for the walk depends on the weather. It has been said that hiking even during rainy days, is a wonderful experience here, but hikers need to be careful as the trail gets slippery. We recommend a leisurely hike on this 3.8 miles (6,115 meters) trail! Don’t forget to take those pictures for your Instagram handle.

Comet Falls

Address: Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Website: Comet Falls

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

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3. Victor Falls

Waterfalls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Victor Dam used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Appreciate the glory of the lush and lively greenery while hiking the gorgeous Victor Falls! You’ll be surprised at how much foliage surrounds the area from all around. Listen to the sound of the gurgling streams and the native animals in the bushes as you walk along the trails. Choose the trail going up to the very top and along the way, you will find plants with edible fruits such as the wild blackberries. Take note that it may not be recommended for kids, especially the younger ones to hike here, due to the difficulty of the hike.

Victor Falls

Address: 18212 Rhodes Lake Rd E Bonney Lake, WA 98391

Website: Victor Falls

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4. Franklin Falls

Franklin Falls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kgrr used under CC BY 2.5

Another hidden gem near Seattle is the Franklin Falls. A unique feature of the area is the usual heavy rush of the waters on the rocks, leading to a natural pool. With three waterfalls, the area provides scenic views and lush vegetation. This trail is suitable for families given how easy it is to trek in the area. The trekking time is notably just right – not too short, not too long and thanks to the fair distance, it takes only two to three hours of hiking.

Franklin Falls

Address: Denny Creek Campground, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98045

Website: Franklin Falls

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5. Weeks Falls

Waterfalls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Satyesh.naik used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Weeks Falls is located at the south of the interstate 90 at exit 38. This trail is suitable for all skill levels, so there is no need to worry in terms of the difficulty of the hike. In addition, the Weeks Falls is accessible at any day and all year-round. If you are to bring your dog, make sure to keep him/her in a leash for safety purposes. No need for hefty preparations since the trail is only 0.8 miles (1.29 km) long!

Weeks Falls

Address: 51350 SE Homestead Valley Rd, North Bend, WA 98045, USA

Website: Weeks Falls

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6. Twin Falls

Twin Falls
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Steven Pavlov used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Just look at how amazing the area of Twin Falls is! Be pleased with the surrounding green foliage and breathe in the rejuvenating smell of nature. Located at the south fork of the Snoqualmie River, Twin Falls has an underground hydroelectric power station. The place had been noted to be suitable for everyone, including pets. The trek is not challenging with a 2.6 mile (4.18 km) round trip distance. Since the path is situated parallel to the river, hikers can admire the beauty of the river as they walk by it.

Twin Falls

Address: 47600 SE 159th Street, North Bend, WA 98045

Website: Twin Falls

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7. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls WA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Heptazane used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The numerous crevices in the craggy mountain facade of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, have given rise to many waterfalls. Some of these look as gorgeous as a bridal veil, thus the name! The terrain to face is not so challenging, even for beginners and this is due to the availability of a paved trail. Nonetheless, the sight will leave you amazed, so make sure to bring our cameras along! After a relaxing 10 to 15-minute walk, you will arrive at the base of the falls. Take exhilarating photos as you hike and don’t forget to make a cinematic pose with that dramatic background of the gorgeous falls!

Bridal Veil Falls

Address: Bridal Veil Falls Washington 98251, USA

Website: Bridal Veil Falls

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8. Teneriffe Falls

Teneriffe Falls
Source: Pixabay

Springtime or early summer is a wonderful time to go hiking. This summer why not plan a hiking trip to Teneriffe Falls. With a rather long trail distance of 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers), it will take a couple of hours to hike this terrain. Since it is heavily surrounded by forests, the environment is cool even on a hot day. There may be loose rocks in the area, so be sure to pack sturdy boots and the right equipment. Go here and bask in the scenic view of the waterfalls.

Teneriffe Falls

Address: SE Mt Si Road, North Bend, WA 98045

Website: Teneriffe Falls

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9. Snoqualmie Falls

The Snoqualmie Falls is a top-rated waterfall according to reviews. Just take a look at the pictures and you can judge for yourself! Witness majestic nature as you hike on this wonderful terrain. The picturesque views are so popular, that the area attracts a huge number of tourists every year. Plan your trip ahead to know the best time to avoid huge crowds. The hike takes a couple of hours, but it is recommended to spend a couple of extra hours in the area due to the presence of a 2 acre (8,000 square feet) park containing boutique shops and a lodge!

Snoqualmie Falls

Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9687

Website: Snoqualmie Falls

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10. Coal Creek falls

Coal Creek Falls 04067
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Walter Siegmund used under CC BY 2.5

Hikers will adore the rustic and nostalgic feel as they walk along the Coal Creek Falls trail. The trek is suitable for all and the place invites friendly hikers! A perfect family outing, you will witness gorgeous views so make sure to bring your camera along. It takes 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) for a round trip here, so allocate a couple of hours to thoroughly explore the region.

Coal Creek Falls

Address: 7501 Newcastle Golf Club Rd Newcastle, WA 98059

Website: Coal Creek Falls

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Enjoy the scenic waterfalls of Washington

The hidden gems of Washington are surely the various waterfalls that can be found in the area. There are so many of them that there are still some that remain unnamed! It is very convenient that most of the waterfalls can be easily accessed by walking trails. You don’t even need to be an experienced hiker. So this summer plan a hiking trip to one of these beautiful waterfalls near Seattle, Washington.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nadine has a passion for film photography, entrepreneurship, and the performing arts. She loves meeting friendly people, trying exotic cuisines, and exploring new places authentically. Her life...Read more

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