15 Amazing Waterfalls in Washington

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Washington is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

For those who are not familiar with the area, waterfalls are an essential in the Pacific Northwest.

The beautiful climate year-round makes chasing waterfalls an amazing adventure any time of the year.

With the high rainfall in Washington corresponding with the volcanic peaks in the northwest, those are two main factors contributing to the plethora of waterfalls in Washington.

Let’s take a look at the 15 amazing waterfalls in Washington.

1. Palouse Falls

Palouse Falls, WashingtonSource: Checubus / shutterstock
Palouse Falls

Palouse Falls are located in Palouse Falls State Park.

These waterfalls are one of the last active falls on the Ice Age floods path.

They have been flowing for over 13,000 years and still flow heavily after good rainfall or during the spring and summer months.

Many artists come from all over the world to paint Palouse Falls.

They bring their easel and camera and capture the best photographs during different peak times throughout the day.

The state park itself is a 94-acre park that offers limited camping spots, so plan accordingly when you visit.

Restrooms and picnic areas are located inside the park.

2. Lewis River Falls

Lower Lewis FallsSource: Leksele / shutterstock
Lower Lewis Falls

Lewis River Falls is an 8.8-mile round trip and has an elevation gain of 450 feet.

The falls are located in the southwestern part of Washington, in the Lewis River Region.

When you reach the park, you will be in disbelief with all the moss-covered forest surrounding Lewis River.

You will see large cedar trees, prehistoric stumps and logs, and rivulets of rushing water.

Lewis River Falls are truly one of the most magnificent waterfalls in all of Washington.

Bring your camera and proper hiking gear in order to reach the falls and capture the beauty.

3. Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls, WashingtonSource: Richard A McMillin / shutterstock
Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls are known and appreciated for the views in front of Mt Rainier, which is Washington’s most magnificent mountain.

The views are out of this world and are any photographer’s dream.

The trail to reach Myrtle Falls is 0.3 miles from the entrance to the viewpoint, and the walkway is paved all the way there.

If you have lots of time, plan to spend a full day here.

There are many trails that branch out from Myrtle Falls to other waterfalls, such as Sluiskin Falls and a trail that leads to Nisqually Glacier.

Be prepared to see mountains that enclose the Paradise vicinity.

4. Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls, WashingtonSource: Sveta Imnadze / shutterstock
Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls are located in North Cascades near Methow/Sawtooth.

The round-trip trail to reach Falls Creek Falls is four miles, with scenic views along the way.

This trail is good for every skill level because of the even terrain.

The first waterfall you will come to is within a quarter of a mile from the start of the trail.

Depending on whether these falls quenched your thirst for waterfalls, if you want to continue to the top of the first falls, you can stay on the trail until you come across the view for the upper falls.

5. Spray Waterfall

Spray Falls, WashingtonSource: Lindsay Snow / shutterstock
Spray Falls

Spray Waterfall is a more advanced hike that requires climbing a rough patch of terrain in order to get to the best viewpoint.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, this would be the hike for you.

The falls are said to be around 300 feet high, and many people enjoy these falls because of their unique shape.

The water is flowing the heaviest in spring after the snow is gone from the winter months.

The summer months vary, depending on the rainfall in the area.

This is a great place to hike around for the day and enjoy a picnic.

Bring enough water because some of the hike is not shaded.

6. Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls, WashingtonSource: JPL Designs / shutterstock
Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls is one of the most notable falls in the Gorge region.

It is located in the Glifford Pinchot National Forest and has been kept a secret for many years.

Panther Creek Falls is the place to visit if you want to feel secluded from the rest of Washington.

In order to get to the falls, you will have a short walk to a wooden viewpoint that is situated in a perfect location with outstanding waterfall views.

The moss surrounding the waterfall makes for incredible photos, and you will be in awe just walking in the forest.

7. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls, WashingtonSource: Jason Kvame / shutterstock
Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is located close to Index, Washington.

The trail is 3.7 miles long, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet, and is accessible from the Lake Serene Trail.

This trail is rated as moderate terrain and is primarily used for hiking, backpacking during the summer months, and environmental trips throughout the year.

Bridal Veil Falls was named after the two ‘veils’ it forms during the summer months, and the water from the falls is overflow from Lake Serene.

With the valley being close by, you can see many different views from every angle.

8. Silver Falls and Hot Springs

Silver Falls, WashingtonSource: Art Boardman / shutterstock
Silver Falls

Silver Falls and Hot Springs are located in the Mount Rainier Area of Washington.

You need a National Parking Pass to park and the preferred seasons to visit are spring, summer, and fall.

Silver Falls and Hot Springs is a great area to hike, but unfortunately, you cannot swim in the hot springs, as it is only a small creek.

The trail for Silver Falls and Hot springs is 1.4 miles total; you can start the trailhead at Eastside Trail from Stevens Canyon Road.

There is a campground close by for those who want to explore the area for a few days.

9. Rocky Brook Falls

Rocky Brook Falls, WashingtonSource: ViaWelt / shutterstock
Rocky Brook Falls

Rocky Brook Falls is not really a hike but more a walk of 200 yards.

You will then reach a beautiful waterfall.

If you are in the area, you will not want to miss this place.

The trailhead is located in Olympic Peninsula, which is on Hood Canal or in Olympic National Forest.

This waterfall is a year-round favorite and is a segment of a hydroelectric generation facility.

10. Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls, WashingtonSource: Marisa Estivill / shutterstock
Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls is located near Lake Crescent, off the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

This hike is a 1.8-mile round trip and has an elevation gain of 500 feet.

Parking and admission is free.

There are a few different trails and routes you can take, but I would recommend taking the Barnes Creek trail down the stream in order to reach Lake Crescent Lodge.

There are so many beautiful views along the way, with moss covering a lot of the forest.

You will come to Barnes Point and see stunning views of the lagoon and Pyramid Peak.

11. Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls, WashingtonSource: Galyna Andrushko / shutterstock
Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is another cascade that is located on the Northern Coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

This hike is a 1.6-mile round trip, with an elevation gain of 200 feet.

This park requires a National Parking Pass in order to park.

Camping is close by but dogs are not permitted in the park.

Many people compare Sol Duc Falls to the rainforest because of the old trees and the luscious landscape.

This is a beautiful place to visit in winter, because of the snowcapped summits and the wildlife that frequents the area.

In order to reach the trail for Sol Duc Falls, you need to follow the road past the Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort.

This is a great, family-friendly hike that everyone will enjoy.

12. Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls, WashingtonSource: neelsky / shutterstock
Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls are located in the Central Cascades on the west part of Stevens Pass.

The hike is a 5.6 mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1300 feet.

You are not permitted to park along Ley Road, and parking is limited in the park itself.

Make sure you arrive early during the weekends, as this is a touristy area during the summer months.

Wallace Falls is one of the more popular waterfalls in Washington and people come from all over.

If you arrive early enough in the morning, you can enjoy tranquility and peace while listening to the sounds of the wildlife.

The trail to Wallace Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls themselves.

Woody Trail follows the Wallace River the whole way to the falls.

13. Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie FallsSource: Richard A McMillin / shutterstock
Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most visited falls, with more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

Since these falls are so popular, you will find a gift shop, lodge, observation deck and, of course, the renowned waterfall that stands at 270 feet.

You can follow a trail to the lower observation deck, which is quite interesting and provides incredible views from all angles.

Snoqualmie Falls are pet-friendly, as long as the dogs are kept on a leash at all times.

Bring your camera and tripod because this is the spot for family photos.

14. Comet Falls

Comet Falls, WashingtonSource: James Parascandola / shutterstock
Comet Falls

You can reach Comet Falls with a 3.8-mile round trip and an elevation gain of 1250 feet.

Comet Falls are located in the southwest part of Mount Rainier.

This waterfall drops 301 feet and flows through a gorge of glacier-cultured rock.

Before you reach Comet Falls, you will be amazed by all the small waterfalls and cascades before you witness the two big falls.

In order to see the small waterfalls, you will need to follow Comet Falls Trail.

15. Spirit Falls

Spirit Falls, WashingtonSource: Jon Bilous / shutterstock
Spirit Falls

The Spirit Falls trailhead is located in Cook, Washington and is a very scenic waterfall with turquoise blue water.

This is a common place to watch kayakers running the waterfalls.

Although this is not a common hike, many photographers come here to capture the beauty and enjoy the reclusiveness.

Although Spirit Falls is a short hike – only a 1.5 mile round trip – it is very steep and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

You can visit the falls year-round but you should come prepared with the appropriate gear.



15 Amazing Waterfalls in Washington:

  • Palouse Falls
  • Lewis River Falls
  • Myrtle Falls
  • Falls Creek Falls
  • Spray Waterfall
  • Panther Creek Falls
  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Silver Falls and Hot Springs
  • Rocky Brook Falls
  • Marymere Falls
  • Sol Duc Falls
  • Wallace Falls
  • Snoqualmie Falls
  • Comet Falls
  • Spirit Falls