Waterfalls are pretty awesome. They’re beautiful, powerful, and perfect for hiking, photography, or just enjoying nature.
If you live in or are visiting Seattle, you’re in luck! The city is close to tons of incredible waterfalls, from easy-to-reach cascades to more challenging hikes in the backcountry. Plenty of these natural wonders are only a short drive away.
Ready to start exploring? This article will guide you through some of the best waterfalls near Seattle, providing you with the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip. But, as with all outdoor activities, be sure to check local conditions and safety guidelines before heading out. There are many opportunities for falls in Seattle, Washington if you aren’t prepared!
Essential Gear and Planning for Waterfall Hikes
Hiking to see waterfalls can be great fun, but it’s important to be prepared. Here’s a list of what to wear and pack, along with a few safety tips.
What to Wear and Pack
- Waterproof hiking boots. Trails around waterfalls can be slippery, muddy, rocky, and uneven, so your boots should have good grip and give your feet plenty of support.
- A light rain jacket. It rains a lot in Seattle, and the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have a rain jacket or other waterproof outer layer with you.
- Hiking poles. If you think you’ll need extra stability on steep trails, hiking poles can help with balance and take some of the strain off your joints.
Permits and Passes
If you’re planning to visit waterfalls in Washington State Parks, you’ll need a Washington Discover Pass. You can buy one online, but remember to display it in your vehicle when you arrive. Otherwise, you could be fined.
Some waterfalls are in Mount Rainier National Park, so you’ll need a National Park Pass.
Safety Considerations
- Download an offline map of the trail before you go, since cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
- Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Iconic Waterfalls Near Seattle: Must-See Destinations
Seattle’s location in the Pacific Northwest means that some truly spectacular waterfalls are just a short drive away. Here are a few of the most popular:
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s best-known and most accessible waterfalls. Plummeting 268 feet into a pool below, the falls attract around 1.5 million visitors each year.
You can reach the viewpoints via a short, paved trail that’s only about 1.4 miles long. It’s an easy drive from Seattle, typically taking less than an hour. Snoqualmie Falls also has cultural significance, having been featured prominently in the TV show “Twin Peaks.” If you’re a fan, it’s a must-see!
Wallace Falls
Wallace Falls isn’t just one waterfall but a series of three impressive falls along the Wallace River. The hike to see all three is a 5.6-mile round trip, with a total elevation gain of 1,300 feet. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the views from the various viewpoints are well worth the effort.
The drive from Seattle takes a little longer, about an hour and 15 minutes or so, but it’s a beautiful drive.
Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is another beautiful waterfall that’s easily accessible, making it perfect for families. Although it’s only a 70-foot waterfall, it’s still a sight to behold.
The trail to the falls is short and relatively flat, about 4.5 miles round trip, and driving time from Seattle is about an hour. However, be aware that the trail can become icy in the winter, changing the difficulty level from easy to moderate.
Hidden Gems: Less Crowded Waterfall Hikes
Want to get out into nature but avoid the worst of the crowds? Here are a few less-trafficked waterfall hikes near Seattle.
Twin Falls
Located near North Bend, Twin Falls is a scenic spot with a relatively easy hike through a beautiful, lush forest. The hike is just over 4 miles round trip, but the trail itself is only 2.6 miles long, with an elevation gain of a little over 600 feet. Driving time from Seattle is about an hour.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning waterfall cascading down a rock face. The hike is moderately challenging, with beautiful forest scenery all around. The hike is about 4 miles round trip. The trail itself is 4.2 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,043 feet.
Coal Creek Falls
Coal Creek Falls is a smaller, but charming waterfall located in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. This park has over 3,000 acres to explore! The hike to the falls is easy to moderate and the falls are relatively close to Seattle — driving time is only about 35 minutes.
The hike to the falls is about 2.5 miles round trip, making this a great option for a shorter outing.
Waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park
If you’re willing to drive a bit, some of the most majestic waterfalls near Seattle are located inside Mount Rainier National Park. Here are a couple of favorites:
Narada Falls
Narada Falls is a picturesque, 168-foot waterfall inside Mount Rainier National Park. The hike to see this beauty is short — just .75 miles round trip — and the views are stunning. From Seattle, you can expect the drive to take about 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Myrtle Falls
Myrtle Falls is another gorgeous waterfall, especially on clear days when you can see Mount Rainier in the background. The hike to Myrtle Falls is an easy, paved trail that’s just a half-mile long, making it accessible for most people. The trail itself is about .9 miles long. This is a popular spot to take photos, and it’s easy to see why. The drive from Seattle is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, maybe a bit longer depending on traffic.
Important considerations when visiting Mount Rainier
Before you head out to Mount Rainier, it’s a good idea to check the park’s website for any road closures, weather updates, and whether you need any permits. Also, be aware of potential hazards like wildlife — give them plenty of space — and rapidly changing weather conditions. Mountain weather can change quickly, so be prepared for anything.
When’s the best time to see Seattle’s waterfalls?
If you want to see waterfalls at their fullest, plan your trip for spring or early summer. The snowmelt will be at its peak then, so you can expect to see impressive water flow.
Keep in mind that some trails might be closed due to snow or ice during the winter months. Always check trail conditions before you go.
Fall is also a beautiful time to go, as the leaves change color. However, the water flow might be lower than in the spring.
Also, consider how much rain there’s been. Heavy rain can make trails more dangerous. So, check the weather forecast and recent rainfall amounts before you choose a trail. Some trails may be more difficult after a rainstorm.
In Summary
The Seattle area offers a surprising number of waterfalls, each with its own distinct beauty. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an easy stroll to a picturesque cascade, you’re sure to find a waterfall near Seattle that will delight you.
When you explore these natural wonders, please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out everything you pack in, staying on marked trails, and minimizing your impact on the surrounding environment. It also means respecting the wildlife and other hikers you encounter along the way.
Discovering Seattle’s waterfalls is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest. So, get out there and explore!