Waterfalls in Washington

Washington state is home to a wealth of stunning waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible by car or on foot. From the thunderous power of Palouse Falls in Eastern Washington to the dramatic drop at Eagle Creek near Seattle, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Here are our top favorite places to go explore and enjoy Washington’s scenic falls.

List of Top Waterfalls to Visit in Washington

1. Spray Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

Spray Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. Located on the south side of Mount Rainier, Spray Falls cascades from a height of 853 feet down into an alpine basin. The thundering waters can be heard from miles away and provides visitors with spectacular views and photo opportunities.

The falls are easily accessible by car or foot, making them a popular destination for hikers. There are several trails that lead to Spray Falls, ranging from easy to difficult depending on how avid of a hiker you are. Along the way you’ll have plenty of chances to take in breathtaking scenery as well as spot wildlife such as elk and deer.

From Spray Falls’ viewpoint it’s possible to see much of Mount Rainier’s southern face including Tahoma Glacier, which feeds into Paradise River below the falls. On clear days you can also view distant peaks like Adams Peak in Washington State’s North Cascades Range or even Mt St Helens across the Columbia River Gorge.

Address: 46.91561, -121.84183 | Directions from Seattle – Map

2. Whatcom Falls, Bellingham

Whatcom Falls is a picturesque series of waterfalls located in Bellingham, Washington. The falls are part of the Whatcom Creek system, which runs through the city and empties into Bellingham Bay. Whatcom Falls Park spands over 70 acres and is full of hiking trails and campsites if you want to make it a weekend getaway.

Visitors can take in stunning views from atop one of two observation decks or explore around one of four covered bridges near the falls area. There is also an aerial adventure course with zip lines and rope swings suspended above Whatcom Creek that allows people to get up close and personal with mother nature. At night time, Whatcom Falls Park illuminates with colorful LED lights to illuminate its pathways.

Address: 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229 | Directions from Seattle – Map

3. Tumwater Falls, Brewery Park

Tumwater Falls in Brewery Park is a scenic attraction located at the confluence of the Deschutes and Cowlitz rivers in Olympia, Washington. The falls are part of an historic area once used by early settlers to brew beer, hence its name “Brewery Park”. Today, people can experience the beauty and power of Tumwater Falls as they take in views from nearby observation decks.

There is plenty to explore within Brewery Park itself with several historical buildings such as a brewery museum, old-fashioned saloon, and even an original bottling house! The highlight of Tumwater Falls is undoubtedly its namesake waterfall which cascades over a series of ledges before finally plunging into a deep pool below. The falls have been described as one of Washington’s most beautiful waterfalls due to their sheer size and majestic beauty.

Address: 110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501 | Directions from Seattle – Map

4. Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 foot waterfall located in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State, just east of Seattle. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the state and it has been featured in numerous movies and television shows over the years. The falls are part of a hydroelectric power plant that serves as an important source of electricity for Seattle and surrounding areas.

The falls were first discovered by European settlers who arrived to explore what would later become known as Puget Sound in 1851. They named them after Chief Snoqualmoo, leader of the local Native American tribe at that time. The area around Snoqualmie Falls was soon developed into a resort destination for visitors from around the world due to its breathtaking views and easy access from Seattle

People who visit Snoqualmie Falls can take advantage of multiple activities onsite such as hiking trails that offer some of the best views of the falls from various angles. There is also an observation deck at the base which allows people to get up a little closer to view both sides of this majestic waterfall.

Educational tours are offered by park rangers throughout summer months where visitors can learn more about local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems associated with this spectacular site.

Address: 47°32′29″N 121°50′14″W / 47.5415°N 121.8373°W | Directions from Seattle – Map

5. Twin Falls, Olallie State Park

Twin Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Olallie State Park, Washington. The park is about an hour and a half drive from Seattle and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Twin Falls, which cascades over two tiers of rocks into a pool below, can be reached by hiking along the trail that leads up to it.

The upper tier of Twin Falls has a height of around 30 feet while the lower tier drops around 100 feet down into the pool below. This makes it one of the tallest waterfalls in Washington and provides visitors with stunning views as they make their way up or down from its base. Other than its impressive drop, Twin Falls also features many small side streams that add to its beauty. On those hot summer days, visitors can even go for a nice dip since there are several deep swimming holes nearby.

For those daredevils, head up to the top where you can even jump off into one of the pools.

Address: 47600 SE 159th St, North Bend, WA 98045 | Directions from Seattle – Map

6. Wallace Falls, Wallace Falls State Park

Wallace Falls is a beautiful scenic area located in the Western Cascade Mountains of Washington State. It consists of three major waterfalls, with several smaller cascades and rapids throughout the area. The falls are named for Wallace B. Phillips, who homesteaded in the area during the late 19th century.

The most impressive waterfall is the 265-foot Lower Wallace Falls which can be accessed from an easy 1-mile loop trail that begins at Wallace Falls State Park. Along this short hike you will find stunning views of the Snoqualmie River Valley as well as many opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, bald eagles, and even black bears!

For a longer adventure, hikers can continue up to Upper Wallace Falls (a 225 foot tall cascade) via a steep 4 mile out-and-back trail that begins at the same starting point as Lower Wallace Falls Trail. This route offers some challenging terrain but spectacular views all along its length, including a great view from atop Middle Falls near its midpoint.

Address: 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251 | Directions from Seattle – Map

7. Iron Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Iron Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington. The falls are situated on the east side of Mount Adams, one of the highest peaks in the Cascade Range. At an impressive height of 90 feet, Iron Creek Falls plunges into a deep pool below.

The area around Iron Creek Falls is home to numerous old-growth forests and vegetation. Hiking trails lead up to several viewpoints where visitors can take in scenic views of this majestic waterfall as well as the surrounding mountain ranges and rivers. There are also many opportunities for fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities near Iron Creek Falls such as rock climbing and backpacking trips.

Due to its remote location within a protected national forest, Iron Creek Falls remains relatively untouched by human interference or development making it an ideal spot for nature lovers looking for some peace and tranquility away from civilization.

Address: 45° 55′ 23.1600″ N 121° 54′ 35.2800″ W | Directions from Seattle – Map

8. Franklin Falls, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Franklin Falls is a popular destination located in the Snoqualmie National Forest near North Bend, Washington. The falls are part of the South Fork Snoqualmie River and drop 82 feet over two tiers into a rocky pool below. Franklin Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in the state due to its easy accessibility from Seattle and proximity to Interstate 90.

The trailhead for Franklin Falls can be found at Denny Creek off Exit 47 on I-90. From there it’s a short but steep 0.8 mile hike through forest before arriving at the base of Franklin Falls. On clear days, visitors may even catch glimpses of Mount Rainier towering above them as they make their way up the trail.

Once at the top, visitors can admire spectacular views of both tiers of Franklin Falls cascading down into a large pool below.

Address: 47.4131, -121.4428 | Directions from Seattle – Map

9. Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park

Palouse Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the middle of Washington State, located on the Palouse River. It is considered to be one of the most spectacular waterfalls in North America and it has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The falls are 198 feet (60 meters) tall and plunge into a deep canyon below.

There are also several small islands scattered throughout the river that provide habitat for wildlife such as deer, elk, raptors, songbirds and many other species of birds. Visitors can access Palouse Falls from nearby Lyons Ferry State Park or via an easy hike from US Highway 12 near Kahlotus. From either location there are scenic views of the falls as well as plenty of opportunities for photography and sightseeing.

Viewing platforms at Lyons Ferry State Park offer an even closer look at this amazing natural wonder while providing safe access to its banks.

Address: Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143 | Directions from Seattle – Map

10. Panther Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Panther Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest of Washington State. It is situated on Panther Creek, a tributary of the Lewis River. The falls are easily accessible from both sides of US Highway 12 and can be reached by hiking less than half a mile from either side.

The falls have an impressive drop of about 80 feet over several tiers, making them one of the most visited waterfalls in the region. A large swimming hole at the base offers people a great place to take in the beauty of the surroundings before taking a refreshing dip during summer months.

Address: 46°10′N 121°49′W | Directions from Seattle – Map

11. Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park

Marymere Falls is a waterfall located in the Olympic National Park in Washington. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park due to its beauty and accessibility. The falls are 90 feet tall and cascade down over moss-covered rocks into a large swimming hole below, creating an idyllic setting for visitors to enjoy.

The trail leading up to Marymere Falls starts at Storm King Ranger Station or Lake Crescent Lodge parking lot, with both options offering places to stop and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. The hike itself takes around 45 minutes and features several gorgeous viewpoints of Lake Crescent before ending at a bridge that crosses over Marymere Creek.

It’s important for hikers to note that wildlife such as bears have been spotted near Marymere Falls so it’s always best to keep noise levels low when exploring this area or traveling with a partner on any hiking trail within Olympic National Park. There are also no restrooms available along this route so plan accordingly!

Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362 | Directions from Seattle – Map

12. Spokane Falls, Spokane

Spokane Falls is a considered a landmark located in Spokane, Washington. The falls are part of the Spokane River and are situated between Downtown Spokane and the historic district of Browne’s Addition. The cascading waters form a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy while exploring the city.

The river flows over two sets of falls: an upper level with three main drops totaling 12 feet and a lower set with twelve smaller drops totaling 25 feet. Both areas offer great views of the rushing water as it plunges down into the gorge below.

Spokane Falls has been used as an important source of hydroelectric power since 1890 when it was first developed by local entrepreneur James Glover who founded what would become known as Avista Energy Corporation (formerly Washington Water Power). Although modern technology has replaced much of the original equipment, some remnants remain on display at nearby Riverfront Park which hosts annual festivals such as Bloomsday and Hoopfest each spring/summer season.

Address: Downtown Spokane | Directions from Seattle – Map

Different Types of Waterfalls in Washington

Washington is home to a wide variety of gorgeous waterfalls that range from cascading falls to plunging drops.

Cascading Falls: These are the most common type of waterfall in Washington. Cascading waterfalls occur when the river or stream flows over several rocks and ledges before eventually reaching a pool below. Examples include Palouse Falls, Snoqualmie Falls, and Franklin Falls.

Plunge Waterfall: Plunges form when the water reaches an abrupt drop-off point, causing it to shoot down at high speeds into the pool below. Examples include Sol Duc Falls and Myrtle Creek Waterfall near Mount Rainier National Park.

Horsetail Waterfall: This type of waterfall is characterized by its smooth flow as it cascades over multiple tiers before reaching its final destination at a lower elevation than where it began. Examples include Lewis River Falls near Mt St Helens National Monument and Silver Star Mountain Horsetail Waterfall near Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Segmented Waterfall: Segmented waterfalls have one large drop followed by several smaller drops along their path before they reach the bottom level of the river or stream bed below them. Examples include Diablo Lake’s Thunder Knob Cascade in North Cascades National Park and Deer Creek Falls in Olympic National Park.

12 Best Waterfalls in Washington

1. Spray Falls
2. Whatcom Falls
3. Tumwater Falls
4. Snoqualmie Falls
5. Twin Falls
6. Wallace Falls
7. Iron Creek Falls
8. Franklin Falls
9. Palouse Falls
10. Panther Creek Falls
11. Marymere Falls
12. Spokane Falls