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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 require a little a drive and hike to reach, it ought to come as no surprise that Washington State is a waterfall-lover's paradise.

We have actually rounded up a handful of the very best waterfalls in Washington State to contribute to your PNW container list, and we've included expert ideas in addition to important things to understand prior to visiting.

Whether you're checking out Washington on an USA journey, or you are a Washingtonian searching for some ideas for weekend experiences, make certain to save this list to assist as you prepare.

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

SNOQUALMIE FALLS

Snoqualmie Falls, located about a half hour east of Seattle, is among Washington's most well-known landmarks. It stands a remarkable 268 feet tall, and depending on the water level, can range from 50 to 150 feet large.

In the summer, the 2-acre park around the observation deck is host to numerous weddings and celebrations. It is almost difficult to avoid crowds, but the winter season and early spring will be less crowded and when the waterfall is at its most amazing. The thunderous water produces a wide curtain, and the spray can overwhelm the observation decks and be seen from miles away.

With easy gain access to from Seattle, a modern parking lot and fully equipped facilities, it is no wonder that upwards of 1.5 million people check out the waterfall each year. The walk from the parking lot to the primary observation deck is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and only 100 yards, making Snoqualmie an easy location if you're traveling with an infant or kids. There is a longer (but very mild) trek down to the power station and another lookout, but the main observation deck is really the very best viewpoint of the waterfall.

Snoqualmie Falls is sacred to the people of the Snoqualmie People, and after years of ownership by the power company, the Snoqualmie People acquired the falls, the lodge that sits at the top, and the surrounding land in 2019, largely with the objective of stopping more development to keep Snoqualmie the pristine, picturesque location that it is.

FRANKLIN FALLS

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

This is actually a three-tiered waterfall however the last drop, which is the highest and most incredible, is the one you'll trek to. Simply under a mile into your hike, you'll catch your first peek of Franklin Falls from a seeing area on the path. The much better views are at the base of the falls though, so you'll have to climb down some rocks to get there. The rocks will be slick, so view your action while heading down.

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

The earlier the much better. This waterfall is obvious so if you're road-tripping Washington, attempt to get here prior to everyone else does!

The waterfall is available year-round but you'll need to snowshoe in winter to reach it and potentially begin with further back if the trailhead parking is too snowed in.

The much better times to visit are in between April-- July given that it's when the waterfall is at its fullest.

DECEPTION FALLS

Deception Falls Perspective

The drive on Highway 2 in between Seattle and Leavenworth is an awesome journey, and there is no scarcity of places to pull over and take pleasure in the view. One such place is the Deception Falls Interpretive trail, located just outside the small town of Skykomish.

Despite the fact that it's simply an hour and a half from Seattle, you'll feel a world far from the city. The.8-mile interpretive path produces a fast and picturesque walk to stretch your legs.

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

Insider Suggestion: If you're originating from Seattle, or heading there after, stop at Sultan Bakery for an incredibly yummy treat! We love their buttermilk bars, their coconut chocolate chip cookies, and their sandwiches on homemade bread. Oh, and if you're actually starving, their breakfast burrito is huge enough to divide and still have leftovers!

NARADA & CHRISTINE FALLS

Considering 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 unexpected there are waterfalls everywhere. Stopping here was a must when road tripping from Seattle to San Francisco, and stumbling upon stunning waterfalls was pretty easy!

Out of all the gorgeous waterfalls in the area, Narada Falls (imagined left wing) is among the most beautiful and most accessible. The curtain-like waterfall drops 176 feet and continues flowing down the Paradise River.

To get here, you'll have a few alternatives. There's a parking lot with a little seeing location simply over the bridge, however you'll wish to get closer. You can take the actions down to get a much better view of the waterfall, keeping in mind it's a bit steep and constantly wet.

If you want to stretch your legs, you can drive to the stunning Paradise location and trek 2.4 miles round trip to Narada Falls too. This will provide you some more path time and a long time far from people. The path is often not too hectic as most simply gather around the waterfall and have actually come vacation destinations from the parking lot.

Tips for going to Narada Falls:

Don't pass Christine Falls, which is a lovely waterfall you can see from the roadway (visualized on the right), it's simply 4 miles away from Narada. In fact, you drive over it! From Christine Falls, you can trek a further 4 miles to Comet Falls.

You'll require a pass to enter into Mount Rainier. A single automobile pass is $30 for seven successive days.

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

MYRTLE FALLS

Though Myrtle Falls isn't the biggest or most significant waterfall in Washington, its setting below the towering snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier is certainly amongst the most scenic.

The picturesque waterfall beings in the Paradise Valley, along Mount Rainier National Park's incredible Horizon Path. The trail starts as a paved walkway. It showcases wildlife-rich slopes, alpine meadows, and spectacular 360 degree views of the Cascade Mountains.

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

Myrtle Falls flows year-round, it is not accessible during snowy winter season months. Come June and July, nevertheless, the weather warms to enjoyable temperature levels, wildflowers speckle the close-by meadows, and Mount Rainier's imposing mountain peak still lies under a glowing blanket of snow.

Due to its attractive place and simple gain access to from the Paradise Visitor Center, the path around Myrtle Falls can get quite crowded. To get postcard-worthy photographs without hoards of other people, the location is best visited early in the early morning and at dusk.

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