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12 Top-Rated Waterfalls in Washington State

The Pacific Northwest is overflowing with waterfalls. (See what we did there?!) From waterfalls near Seattle that can be seen on a day journey to those that need a little bit of a drive and walking to reach, it must come as no surprise that Washington State is a waterfall-lover's paradise.

We have actually rounded up a handful of the best waterfalls in Washington State to add to your PNW bucket list, and we've consisted of expert pointers as well as essential things to understand before visiting.

Whether you're visiting Washington on an U.S.A. road trip, or you are a Washingtonian searching for some concepts for weekend experiences, be sure to conserve this list to assist as you prepare.

Now let's prepare to go after some waterfalls, will we ?!

SNOQUALMIE FALLS

Snoqualmie Falls, located about a half hour east of Seattle, is among Washington's most famous landmarks. It stands an excellent 268 feet high, and depending upon the water level, can vary from 50 to 150 feet wide.

In the summertime, the 2-acre park around the observation deck is host to numerous wedding events and celebrations. It is almost impossible to prevent crowds, however the winter and early spring will be less crowded and when the waterfall is at its most amazing. The thunderous water develops a large drape, and the spray can overwhelm the observation decks and be seen from miles away.

With simple gain access to from Seattle, a modern parking lot and well-equipped facilities, it is no surprise that upwards of 1.5 million individuals go to the waterfall each year. The walk from the car park to the main observation deck is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and just 100 lawns, making Snoqualmie a simple location if you're taking a trip with an infant or kids. There is a longer (but really mild) hike down to the power station and another lookout, however the main observation deck is genuinely the best viewpoint of the waterfall.

Snoqualmie Falls is sacred to the people of the Snoqualmie People, and after decades of ownership by the power company, the Snoqualmie Tribe bought the falls, the lodge that sits at the top, and the surrounding land in 2019, largely with the objective of halting additional development to keep Snoqualmie the beautiful, beautiful destination that it is.

FRANKLIN FALLS

For an easy walking just under an hour outside of Seattle, Franklin Falls is a terrific choice! The hotel walking is just 2 miles round trip and your elevation gain is just 400 ft, making this a moderate walking for anyone to take on.

This is actually a three-tiered waterfall however the last drop, which is the tallest and most incredible, is the one you'll trek to. Just under a mile into your hike, you'll capture your first glance of Franklin Falls from a viewing area on the path. The better views are at the base of the falls though, so you'll have to climb down some rocks to arrive. The rocks will be slick, so view your step while heading down.

At the base of the falls, you'll feel the genuine power from the 70 ft waterfall! Franklin Falls gushes off a cliff and into a little pool of water below which streams down the Snoqualmie River.

The earlier the better. This waterfall is obvious so if you're road-tripping Washington, try to get here before everybody else does!

The waterfall is accessible year-round however you'll need to snowshoe in winter season to reach it and perhaps start from even more back if the trailhead parking is too snowed in.

The much better times to check out are between April-- July given that it's when the waterfall is at its max.

DECEPTIVENESS FALLS

Deception Falls Perspective

The drive on Highway 2 in between Seattle and Leavenworth is a spectacular journey, and there is no lack of locations to pull over and enjoy the view. One such location is the Deception Falls Interpretive path, situated simply outside the small town of Skykomish.

Despite the fact that it's just an hour and a half from Seattle, you'll feel a world far from the city. The.8-mile interpretive path makes for a quick and beautiful walk to stretch your legs.

Stroll along a flat and well kept path, cross wooden bridges, and find yourself at a wood neglect with a view of the falls listed below.

Insider Suggestion: If you're originating from Seattle, or heading there after, stop at Sultan Pastry shop for an extremely yummy treat! We like their buttermilk bars, their coconut chocolate chip cookies, and their sandwiches on homemade bread. Oh, and if you're actually hungry, their breakfast burrito is big enough to split and still have leftovers!

NARADA & CHRISTINE FALLS

Thinking About Mount Rainier has the most glaciers in the country, aside from Alaska, and gets hammered with over 100 inches of rain a year, it's not surprising there are waterfalls all over. Stopping here was a must when roadway tripping from Seattle to San Francisco, and coming across beautiful waterfalls was pretty easy!

Out of all the stunning waterfalls in the location, Narada Falls (pictured left wing) is one of the prettiest and most accessible. The curtain-like waterfall drops 176 ft and continues flowing down the Paradise River.

To get here, you'll have a few options. There's a parking lot with a small viewing location just over the bridge, however you'll wish to get closer. You can take the steps down to get a much better view of the waterfall, keeping in mind it's a bit high and perpetually damp.

If you want to stretch your legs, you can drive to the gorgeous Paradise location and trek 2.4 miles round trip to Narada Falls. This will give you some more path time and some time far from people. The path is frequently not too hectic as the majority of simply gather around the waterfall and have actually originated from the parking area.

Tips for visiting Narada Falls:

Do not pass Christine Falls, which is a lovely waterfall you can see from the roadway (envisioned on the right), it's just 4 miles away from Narada. In truth, you drive over it! From Christine Falls, you can trek a further four miles to Comet Falls.

You'll need a pass to enter Mount Rainier. A single vehicle pass is $30 for seven consecutive days.

This location of Washington gets damp, and Narada Falls will mist you. Bring that rain jacket.

MYRTLE FALLS

Though Myrtle Falls isn't the greatest or most dramatic waterfall in Washington, its setting listed below the towering snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier is definitely amongst the most beautiful.

The idyllic waterfall sits in the Paradise Valley, along Mount Rainier National forest's magnificent Horizon Path. The trail begins as a paved sidewalk. It showcases wildlife-rich slopes, alpine meadows, and incredible 360 degree views of the Waterfall Mountains.

At about the 0.5 mile marker, the Skyline Path crosses Edith Creek at the top of Myrtle Falls. From the south end of the wood footbridge, a brief dirt path veers off the main path and results in head-on views of the 72 foot high waterfall. The perspective completely frames Myrtle Falls as it tumbles below Mount Rainier.

Though Myrtle Falls flows year-round, it is not accessible throughout snowy cold weather. Come June and July, however, the weather condition warms to enjoyable temperatures, wildflowers speckle the nearby meadows, and Mount Rainier's towering mountain peak still lies under a glistening blanket of snow.

Due to its attractive place and easy access from the Paradise Visitor Center, the course around Myrtle Falls can get quite crowded. To get postcard-worthy photographs without stockpiles of other individuals, the location is finest checked out early in the early morning and at dusk.

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