The 9 Best Waterfalls in Washington State
Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant waterfalls. If you're a fan of hiking and waterfalls, you're in luck because the state is home to some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the country. In this blog post, we'll explore the 9 best waterfall hikes in Washington state.
1. Murhut Falls
Duration: Est. 49m
Length: 1.5 mi
Elevation: 390 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Description: Located in the Olympic National Forest, Murhut Falls is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through old-growth forests to a stunning 153-foot waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Pro Tip: 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Murhut Falls Trail
2. Snoqualmie Falls
Duration: Est. 46m
Length: 1.4 mi
Elevation: 334 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: None
Description: One of the most popular waterfalls in Washington state, Snoqualmie Falls is located just 30 miles east of Seattle. The 1.4-mile round trip hike takes you through a forested trail to a breathtaking 270-foot waterfall. Lots of stair climbing if you take the longer route.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Snoqualmie Falls Trail
3. Lower Lewis Falls
Duration: Est. 16m
Length: 0.7 mi
Elevation: 62 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: None
Description: Lower Lewis Falls is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and is known for its stunning turquoise blue waters. The 3-mile round trip hike takes you through old-growth forests and ends at a 43-foot waterfall.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Lower Lewis Trail
4. Sol Duc Falls
Duration: Est. 42m
Length: 1.6 mi
Elevation: 226 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: Olympic National Park charges a fee to enter.
Description: Sol Duc Falls is located in Olympic National Park and is known for its three-tiered waterfall. The 1.6-mile round trip hike takes you through a lush forest to the waterfall, which is surrounded by moss-covered rocks. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Sol Duc Falls Trail
5. Silver Falls
Duration: Est. 1h 22m
Length: 2.9 mi
Elevation: 518 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Loop
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park charges a fee to enter.
Description: Silver Falls is located in Mount Rainier National Park and is known for its stunning 75-foot waterfall. The 3-mile round trip hike takes you through a forested trail to the waterfall, which is surrounded by towering trees. The best times to visit this trail are May through September.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Silver Falls Trail
6. Palouse Falls
Duration: Est. 8m
Length: 0.2 mi
Elevation: 72 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: Discover Pass is required.
Description: Located in eastern Washington, Palouse Falls is a 0.2-mile round trip hike that takes you to a 198-foot waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by towering basalt cliffs and is one of the most scenic spots in the area. The best times to visit this trail are February through October.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Palouse Falls Overlook Trail
7. Myrtle Falls
Duration: Est. 23m
Length: 0.8 mi
Elevation: 150 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park charges a fee to enter.
Description: Myrtle Falls is located in Mount Rainier National Park and is known for its stunning views of Mount Rainier. The 0.8-mile round trip hike takes you through a wildflower-filled meadow to the waterfall, which drops 72 feet. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Or snowshoe to the falls in the winter months.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Myrtle Falls Viewpoint via Skyline Trail
8. Rocky Brook Falls
Duration: Est. 7m
Length: 0.3 mi
Elevation: 32 ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: None
Description: Located in Olympic Peninsula, Rocky Brook Falls is a short and easy 0.3-mile round trip hike that takes you to a stunning 229-foot horsetail-style waterfall. The trail is wheelchair accessible and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. But the best times to visit this trail are March through October.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Rocky Brook Falls Trail
9. Union Creek Falls
Duration: Est. 3h
Length: 4.5 mi
Elevation: 600ish ft
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Type: Out & back
Permit: None
Description: Union Creek Falls is located in Naches, Washington and is known for its stunning scenery. The 4.5-mile round trip hike takes you through a lush forest to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
Pro Tip: Take Union Creek Trail for about 2.25 miles and get to the Union Creek Falls.
Get Directions to the Trailhead HERE!
More info about the Union Creek Trail
In conclusion, Washington state is home to some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the country. From the towering Snoqualmie Falls to the turquoise waters of Lower Lewis Falls, these hikes offer stunning views of nature's beauty. So grab your hiking boots and explore these stunning waterfalls for yourself!