The 27 Best Waterfalls in Washington State

I’m a Washington local and outdoor enthusiast here to share the absolute best waterfalls in Washington state. Washington has the greatest number of waterfalls in the USA — a whopping 3,000 to be precise.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 27 waterfalls worth visiting, several of which are some of the best things to see in the state. There are waterfalls close to cities, in forests, and tucked away in beautiful national parks. Many are easy to access, even for non-hikers, and a few are lesser-known gems you won’t want to miss.

27 Best Waterfalls In Washington State

Snoqualmie Falls

Washington’s most visited waterfall is in Snoqualmie and was featured in a hit TV series.

🥾 Easy (1.4 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Snoqualmie Falls Website | 🚗 45 minutes from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Main Parking area, free in the upper and lower lots

Snoqualmie Falls is arguably the most famous waterfall in Washington. You might recognize it from the opening credits of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks series. 

The 270-foot waterfall is beautiful, especially during the spring when the water is gushing. The hike to the falls is easy, too. It’s less than a mile to get to the main viewing area. Plan a day trip to see this magnificent sight if you’re staying in Seattle! 

You can also book a waterfall and wine tour to see Snoqualmie Falls from both the main and lower viewpoints. On the tour, a local naturalist guide will tell you about the history of the area before you grab lunch and go wine tasting.

Palouse Falls

Washington’s official state waterfall, Palouse Falls, is an Ice Age-era beauty that empties into a gorge.

🥾 Easy (1 mile roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Palouse Falls Website | 🚗 1 hour from Walla Walla | 🅿️ Parking: Discover Pass – $10 day pass, $45 annual pass

Take a trip to Palouse Falls State Park to see Washington’s official state waterfall. Palouse Falls is one of the most incredible waterfalls in the state. It’s been flowing for 13,000 years since it formed during the Ice Age floods. 

You can walk right up to the fence to see this amazing waterfall, but don’t try to climb down to get closer. There have been fatalities from failed attempts to get closer.

While this is a waterfall worth seeing, it’s in a remote location in Eastern Washington, far from city amenities. You’ll probably want to visit from Walla Walla, which is an hour away.

It can get extremely hot or cold at Palouse Falls State Park depending on the season, so plan accordingly.

Sol Duc Falls

Traverse a vibrant green rainforest to reach one of the most iconic waterfalls in Olympic National Park.

🥾 Easy  (1.6 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Sol Duc Falls Website | 🚗 1 hour from Port Angeles | 🅿️ Parking: National Park Pass – Annual Single Park Pass $55, 7-day entrance fee $30/car

Sol Duc Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls in Olympic National Park. You’ll take a trip through the lush, mossy rainforest of the Sol Duc Valley to get to this iconic waterfall. 

The hike to the falls is short and gentle enough that all levels of hikers and kids can manage it. Admire the falls from a bridge, upstream, and downstream as it crashes through a canyon. 

Once you finish the hike, you can explore the area further by going on another hike or staying overnight at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. I highly recommend the latter if you’re visiting in the colder months and want to warm up!

Myrtle Falls

Enjoy a picture-perfect view of the falls and Mount Rainier on this easy waterfall hike.

🥾 Easy (0.8 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Myrtle Falls Website | 🚗 45 minutes from Ashford | 🅿️ Parking: National Park Pass – Annual Single Park Pass $55, 7-day entrance fee $30/car

Go to Myrtle Falls if you’re looking for an easy hike with an incredible view. Myrtle Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Washington. Snap a picture of the falls running beneath a bridge with Mount Rainier in the background for a photo that looks too pretty to be real. 

Because this is a beautiful and well-known hike, expect crowds, especially during peak season. And make sure you make a reservation to visit Mount Rainier if you’re coming during peak hours.

Arrive early on a weekday if you want to avoid the rush of people. The hike to see the falls is gentle, short, and flat, making it perfect for beginners and inexperienced hikers.

Franklin Falls

This waterfall in the Snoqualmie Pass is popular with families.

🥾 Easy (2 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Franklin Falls Website | 🚗 1 hour from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Northwest Forest Pass – $30 annually, $5 day use

Franklin Falls is one of the best day trips from Seattle for families who want to ease their kids into hiking. The trail is well-maintained, has minimal elevation gain, and it’s only a mile to the falls.

The trail leads to a wide-open area with room to spread out and have a snack. You can get fairly close to the waterfall and even dip your toes into the pool if you’re brave enough to test the always-chilly water. 

The flow at Franklin Falls is best between April and July. Still, it’s a real treat to visit during the wintertime when the rushing water sometimes freezes. Try this for a fun, snowy adventure!

Bridal Veil Falls

The hike to this waterfall in the central Cascades is challenging but worth it.

🥾 Moderate/Difficult (4 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Bridal Veil Falls Website | 🚗 1.5 hours from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Northwest Forest Pass – $30 annually, $5 day use

The hike to Bridal Veil Falls is moderately difficult, but worth it to get up close to this gorgeous waterfall. Bring shoes with good traction since the trail involves muddy patches and slippery rocks.

This unique-looking waterfall flows steadily over a rocky cliff face, making it resemble its namesake — a bridal veil. You can get up close to the falls and look up as they make their descent from 100 feet above. Use the refreshing mist to cool you off after the tough hike.

Want to extend your hike and put this one solidly in the difficult category? Go on the Lake Serene trail as well. You’re in for a big climb if you do this, so come prepared with enough snacks and water, and other hiking essentials to keep you going.

Marymere Falls

A simple hike in the Olympic National Park leads to a waterfall that’s just as pretty as its surroundings.

🥾 Easy (1.8 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Marymere Falls Website | 🚗 30 minutes from Port Angeles | 🅿️ Parking: National Park Pass – Annual Single Park Pass $55, 7-day entrance fee $30/car

The hike to Marymere Falls in the Olympic National Park is a peaceful trek along a trail teeming with ferns and mossy trees. Since it’s a relatively short and easy trail to tackle, this is a good choice for families.

The Marymere Falls trailhead begins near Lake Crescent and leads to two viewpoints. Take in a view of the falls from above, and another looking up from the base. Just make sure you bring shoes with good traction since the trail can get muddy and slippery from all the rain common to the Olympic Peninsula.

Tumwater Falls

Two rushing waterfalls and thousands of Chinook salmon draw people to this park near Olympia.

🥾 Easy (0.5 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Tumwater Falls Park Website | 🚗 10 minutes from Olympia | 🅿️ Parking: Designated lot, free

Tumwater Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit. It’s located in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, which is one of Olympia’s top attractions.

On your visit, expect a (literal) stroll in the park rather than a strenuous hike. You’ll see the upper falls almost immediately when you enter the park. Follow the path over the bridge and down to the viewing platform to see the lower falls. There are also several teeny tiny waterfalls along the trail. 

I loved seeing the lower falls, which were rushing and super misty, even during a low-flow period. The park is beautiful year-round, but if you visit during the fall, you may also get to see the Chinook salmon climbing the fish ladder.

Comet Falls

A steep hike at Mount Rainier leads to this tall, cascading waterfall.

🥾 Moderate (3.8 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Comet Falls Website | 🚗 20 minutes from Ashford | 🅿️ Parking: National Park Pass – Annual Single Park Pass $55, 7-day entrance fee $30/car

Comet Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes at Mount Rainier. Arrive early to tackle this trail. The parking lot isn’t very big and fills up quickly.

Expect a decent elevation gain of 1250 feet, and a shady trail to keep you cool on a hot day. Keep your eyes open and you may spot marmots and pikas on the way there.  

Once you get there, catch your breath and admire the tall waterfall and its 300-foot drop. Rest for a bit before turning around. Or extend your hike to Van Trump Park for mountain views and a place to have lunch.

🤓 Did you know: One of Mount Rainier’s original names is Mount Tahoma or Tacoma, an Indigenous name that translates to “mother of all waters.” It’s fitting, given all the waterfalls flowing around the mountain! The Puyallup Tribe and others are currently making efforts to restore the mountain’s original name.

Coal Creek Falls

The rainy season is the perfect time to visit this waterfall near Bellevue.

🥾 Easy (2.5 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Coal Creek Falls Website | 🚗 20 minutes from Bellevue | 🅿️ Parking: Designated lot, free

The Coal Creek Falls are in the Cougar Mountain area, 20 minutes from Bellevue. The trail is easy for beginner hikers. Wander through a mossy forest full of ferns, cedar trees, and slugs to get to the scenic falls beyond. 

Make sure you stick to the trail when you visit. The area was once used for mining, and venturing off the path can be dangerous since there may be cave holes with long drops outside of the trails. 

This hike is best during the winter and rainy seasons when the falls are more likely to be flowing. During the summer and drier months, the lack of rain means the falls may dry up. Double-check trip reports before you visit to confirm the waterfall is there.

Spray Falls

These misty falls are a detour on a challenging but beautiful hike at Mount Rainier.

🥾 Moderate (4.6 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Spray Falls Website | 🚗 2 Hours from Tacoma | 🅿️ Parking: National Park Pass – Annual Single Park Pass $55, 7-day entrance fee $30/car

Spray Falls is a detour along the challenging Spray Park hike at Mount Rainier. You’ll find the turn-off to the waterfall a little over two miles in.

Watch the gorgeous Spray Falls cascade over a rocky cliff face. If the name wasn’t warning enough, yes, you will get wet from all the spray the closer you get! 

After seeing the falls, head back to the main trail. If you decide to continue the Spray Park hike, you’ll have another two miles to go, making this an 8-mile round-trip hike. It’s worth it, though, if you want to experience one of the most scenic Mount Rainier hikes there is.

Twin Falls

Hike through an old-growth forest in North Bend to get to these cascading falls.

🥾 Moderate | Twin Falls Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip | 📍 Google Maps | Twin Falls Website | 🚗 40 minutes from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Discover Pass – $11.50 day pass, $50 annual pass

The hike to Twin Falls in North Bend’s Olallie State Park is good for novice and intermediate hikers. You’ll work up a sweat on this well-maintained trail. It winds gradually uphill through an old-growth forest full of birdlife and scurrying chipmunks. 

For the most popular view of the falls, go to the lower falls viewpoint. This is down several flights of stairs, suspended above the river that the waterfall feeds into. Most choose to end the hike here, but you can easily extend it. 

Continue on the path uphill, and you’ll reach a bridge where you can see the falls from above. 

🌊 Waterfall Chaser Tip: You can see Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, and Snoqualmie Falls on the same day! They’re all relatively close to one another and are pretty quick hikes. I recommend seeing them in that order if you want to try this.

Panther Creek Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.

🥾 Easy (0.16 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Panther Creek Falls Website | 🚗 1.5 hours from Vancouver | 🅿️ Parking: Designated lot, free

Panther Creek Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge and is easily one of the prettiest falls on this list. After parking, follow the arrow painted on the road to get to the trailhead. The steep path will lead you down to two viewpoints of the stunning Panther Creek Falls. 

Watch for a while as these intriguing-looking falls cascade over mossy rocks into Panther Creek. This is not a hard hike, and it’s easy to make a quick stop here before exploring the area further.

Cherry Creek Falls

An easy hike in Duvall leads to this wide 25-foot waterfall that empties into a pool perfect for wading.

🥾 Easy (5 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Cherry Creek Falls Website | 🚗 45 minutes from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Free, park along the shoulder of Mountain View Road only

Cherry Creek Falls is an easy waterfall to get to from Seattle. Parking can be tricky since there’s no designated lot, and this is a popular destination. Make sure you come early and avoid parking near signs marked “Private Road” or else risk getting towed.

Hike along a flat trail through a shady forest to get to the falls. This is a great waterfall hike for families who want a longer hike that’s still feasible for younger kids. 

You can visit these falls year-round, with the best flow in the winter and spring. However, this is also a good hike to do in the summertime, particularly when it’s really hot out and you can wade in the pool to cool down.

Narada Falls

This gorgeous waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park is sometimes highlighted with a rainbow.

🥾 Easy (0.2 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Narada Falls Website | 🚗 35 minutes from Ashford | 🅿️ Parking: National Park Pass – Annual Single Park Pass $55, 7-day entrance fee $30/car

It’s a simple walk from the parking lot to get to Narada Falls. However, the trail goes steeply downhill and is usually slippery and wet. Watch your step on the way to this viewpoint!

The falls are typically 50 feet wide and misty – prepared to get wet. If you’re lucky, and the sun is shining on the water just right, you may catch a rainbow curving over this epic waterfall. 

Since this is more of a short stop than a true hike, I recommend planning to check out another waterfall while you’re at the park. Visit Myrtle Falls or Comet Falls on the same day. Both are just ten minutes away.

👉 My Favorite Gear: It’s a great idea to pack a rain jacket when going on waterfall hikes where you may get wet. I recommend a Patagonia Torrentshell, which will keep you dry and pack down small to fit in your backpack until you need it. For more helpful gear to bring on your trip, look through my Seattle packing guide.

Spokane Falls

A waterfall in the heart of Spokane’s iconic Riverfront Park.

🥾 Easy | 📍 Google Maps | Spokane Falls Website | 🚗 5 minutes from Spokane | 🅿️ Parking: Riverfront Park lots (~$3+), River Park Square parking lot ($1+), Street Parking (costs vary)

Spokane Falls is another easy-to-visit waterfall, especially if you’re in eastern Washington. It’s located right in Spokane’s Riverfront Park.

You’ll hear the thundering of the rushing water as you approach the falls. There are tons of trails in the park, and you can wander along them to find different vantage points to admire the falls. One of the best ways to see this waterfall, however, is from above. 

The Numerica SkyRide is a gondola that will take you right over the mighty Spokane Falls. However you choose to view it, this is a city waterfall you don’t want to miss.

Wallace Falls

There are multiple places to view this 3-tiered waterfall in Wallace Falls State Park.

🥾 Easy/Moderate (5.6 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Wallace Falls Website | 🚗 1 hour from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Discover Pass – $11.50 day pass, $50 annual pass

The waterfall at Wallace Falls State Park is incredible. Take advantage of the three different ways to enjoy the 256-foot waterfall. 

There are routes to the lower, middle, and upper portions of the waterfall. The trail gets slightly harder as you ascend further, so you can choose your difficulty on the hike. Whether you stick to the lower falls or make your way to the upper falls, you’ll get a good view.

The hike to the falls is pretty, and so is the rest of the park. You’ll be surrounded by old-growth forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers when you visit. There are plenty of other hiking trails, camping spots, and outdoor recreation opportunities in this state park.

Whatcom Falls

A scenic waterfall in a city park near Bellingham.

🥾 Easy (4 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Whatcom Falls Website | 🚗 10 minutes from Bellingham | 🅿️ Parking: Designated lot, free

Go to Whatcom Falls if you’re craving an adventure that won’t take you far from the city. It’s one of Bellingham’s top attractions and an easy-to-visit city park waterfall. 

Watch the incredibly loud Whatcom Waterfall cascade over mossy rocks beneath a beautiful canopy of trees. The waterfall is easy to reach from the parking lot. 

I recommend spending some time hiking through the park, too. There is a network of nearly five miles of trails within the park to explore. In addition, you can visit the park’s fish hatchery, playground, and sports field.

Teneriffe Falls

Escape the crowds on a trip to this waterfall in North Bend.

🥾 Moderate (5.6 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Teneriffe Falls Website | 🚗 40 minutes from Seattle | 🅿️ Parking: Discover Pass – $11.50 day pass, $50 annual pass

Teneriffe Falls may not be the most popular hike on this list, but that also means it’s less crowded than others. The trailhead is in North Bend, close to the popular Mount Si trail. 

You’ll climb uphill through a beautiful forest of sky-high firs and pines and tread over some rocky patches to get to this waterfall. The waterfall flows over the side of a rocky cliff face, and you’ll view it from below. The flow is most impressive during late spring when you also won’t have to worry about navigating snowy patches. 

Keep in mind that there’s not much space at the top once you get to the waterfall. This isn’t the best waterfall to visit if you want to spread out and stay long.

Iron Creek Falls

You can swim up to this pretty waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

🥾 Easy (0.1 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Iron Creek Falls Website | 🚗 30 minutes from Randle | 🅿️ Parking: Designated lot, free

Iron Creek Falls is less traveled than other falls on this list. It’s still completely worth a visit if you’re exploring the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The trail is very short, barely a “true” hike, but the payoff is amazing. 

You’ll head down a short path with steps to prevent slipping to get to the viewpoint. When you reach the falls, you can climb over a few logs to get closer and go for a swim toward the waterfall.

Nooksack Falls

This spectacular and easy-to-visit waterfall is just off the Mount Baker Highway. 

🥾 Easy (0.1 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Nooksack Falls Website | 🚗 15 minutes from Glacier | 🅿️ Parking: Designated lot, free

Make a quick detour to Nooksack Falls if you’re driving along the Mount Baker Highway. This is another waterfall you can see without a long hike, and it’s worth the stop. 

Pull into the lot and take a quick walk down to the viewing area. You’ll be up high, looking down at the waterfall. Secure fencing helps prevent dangerous falls and makes this okay for kids, too.

Listen to the rushing sounds of the water, take some pictures, and relax before continuing to another hike in the area. Since this is such an easy waterfall to visit, expect to share the view with other people.

Falls Creek Falls

An epic waterfall with a 335-foot plunge in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

🥾 Moderate (3.4 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Falls Creek Falls Website | 🚗 25 minutes from Carson | 🅿️ Parking: Northwest Forest Pass – $30 annually, $5 day use

Equal parts epic and enchanting, Falls Creek Falls is a hidden gem in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Wander through a pretty forest at a gentle incline and cross over a suspension bridge to get to the waterfall’s main viewpoint. 

Once there, you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax, and gaze in wonder at one of the most beautiful waterfalls on this list. I recommend you see Falls Creek Falls on the same day as Panther Creek Falls to see two of southern Washington’s best waterfalls.

Rocky Brook Falls

This waterfall in Brinnon is perfect for swimming and picnicking on a sunny day.

🥾 Easy (0.1 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Rocky Brook Falls Website | 🚗 10 minutes from Brinnon | 🅿️ Parking: Free, small lot

You don’t have to hike to get to Rocky Brook Falls! The waterfall is near Brinnon in the Hood Canal area. The waterfall is only a short walk away, and there is plenty of room to spread out with a picnic and swim. This makes it a popular place for people and families who do just that on sunny days. 

Just know that it does dry up at times – be sure to check recent trip reports before going to make sure it’s got a good flow. You can get really close to the waterfall, but I recommend wearing water shoes to help navigate around slippery rocks.

Buck Creek Falls

A charming “punchbowl” waterfall on a loop trail in the Mount Adams area.

🥾 Easy (3 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Buck Creek Falls Website | 🚗 20 minutes from White Salmon | 🅿️ Parking: Discover Pass – $11.50 day pass, $50 annual pass

Buck Creek Falls is a bit off the beaten path. It’s located in the Mount Adams area, and the trail to this waterfall is a loop through a forested path. There may be cougars in the area, so stay safe and be on the lookout.

Make sure you turn left after crossing the bridge to stay on the shorter path to the waterfall. The right side of the loop isn’t always well-maintained. This is a cute, punchbowl waterfall with room for a picnic and space to rest.

Snoquera Falls

This 449-foot waterfall plunges over a stark rock face.

🥾 Moderate (3.9 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Snoquera Falls Website | 🚗 1 hour and 15 minutes from Enumclaw | 🅿️ Parking: Northwest Forest Pass – $30 annually, $5 day use

The hike to Snoquera Falls is a rewarding one. It’s moderately challenging with a decent elevation gain. 

After hiking through a forest, you’ll reach Snoquera Waterfall. Watch the fall as it cascades over an impressive and stark rock face. The flow is at its heaviest in the springtime and can dry up by late summer if there’s little rain. 

Want to get closer to get the best view? There’s a bit of scrambling involved, so this may not be for the faint of heart. Watch your footing on the loose rocks if you try this.

Merriman Falls

This Olympic Peninsula waterfall is a great option for non-hikers.

🥾 Easy (0.1 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Merriman Falls Website | 🚗 10 minutes from Quinault | 🅿️ Parking: Roadside parking, limited, free

Merriman Falls is not much of a hike at all. You only need to pull up and park on the side of the road to get to this gorgeous waterfall in the Olympic National Forest. 

You can see Merriman Falls from your parking spot, but if you want to get closer, walk down a short and somewhat slippery path for a better view. The waterfall is pretty, framed by all the lush greenery that this part of the state is known for.

Racehorse Falls

This tiered waterfall in the North Cascades National Park is in an area popular for fossil hunting.

🥾 Easy/Moderate (0.6 miles roundtrip) | 📍 Google Maps | Racehorse Falls Website | 🚗 20 minutes from Deming | 🅿️ Parking: Discover Pass – $11.50 day pass, $50 annual pass

Racehorse Falls in North Cascades National Park is a crowd-pleaser. The hike isn’t long, and the waterfall is one of Washington’s coolest. Racehorse Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, and you’ll have a view of it from above. It’s a sheer cliff looking down into a gorge, so be careful! 

You have the option to get a little closer, but you’ll have to go down an extremely steep path that isn’t always well-maintained. Gauge your comfort level and make your choice accordingly.

In addition to the waterfall, this is also a popular place for fossil hunting. You just might spot some plant fossils along the nearby Racehorse Creek area.

***

Now you know the waterfalls you have to see on your visit to Washington.  Want to explore even more of the beautiful Pacific Northwest? Up next, check out my guide to the best places to visit in Washington.