No offense to TLC, but here in Washington, we happen to love chasing waterfalls. Not only are they beautiful and serene, but many of them come at the end of some fantastic hiking trails. This list doesn’t include every single waterfall hike in Washington, but it makes an amazing bucket list for the Washingtonians who love them. Here are some of the very best hikes in Washington for anyone who’s down to go chasing waterfalls:
- Twin Falls Trail, North Bend
Elmer Baird / alltrails.com
Dan Brown / alltrails.com This easy 3.6 mile trail takes you through the Cascade foothills to a beautiful set of waterfalls. The hike offers stunning views of both waterfalls and is considered a good trail for any skill level. Twin Falls Trail, Washington 98045, USA
- Franklin Falls Trail, Snoqualmie Pass
Amanda Blake / alltrails.com
Danielle Jude / alltrails.com This 4.9 mile trail takes you down old logging roads to a stunning 25-foot waterfall. Franklin Falls Trail #1036, Washington 98045, USA
- Marymere Falls Trail, Olympic National Park
an Phetsomphou / alltrails.com
Dave Fredrickson / alltrails.com This gorgeous trail (near Port Angeles) is only 1.7 miles in length, but you’ll want to stay as long as possible to take everything in. Once you reach the falls, the view is fantastic, with water cascading 90 feet to the ground. Marymere Falls Trail, 227693-227769 Olympic Hwy, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
- Wallace Falls Trail, Gold Bar
James Taylor / alltrails.com
Craig Almon / alltrails.com This is truly one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington. The 5-mile trail is a bit challenging at times, but not too difficult for the average hiker to attempt. The waterfall is a three-tiered masterpiece, and you’ll want to take plenty of pictures. Wallace Falls Loop Road, Wallace Falls Loop Rd, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA
- Lewis River Falls Trail, Cougar
Josh Kekahuna / alltrails.com
Alltrails The Lewis River is fed by glacial melt from Mount Adams, and this beautiful trail takes you right to it. There are actually several marked paths you can take to the waterfall, so the hike length ranges from 5-7 miles. Lower Lewis River Falls, Cougar, WA 98616, USA
- Panther Creek Falls Trail, Carson
Dragonfly.soul / alltrails.com
Cheryl Yazzie / alltrails.com This is definitely the shortest trail on the list - it’s only half a mile long. But the Panther Creek Falls Trail (Number 137) takes you straight to a unique tiered waterfall that empties into a shallow basin. Panther Creek Falls Trailhead, NF-65, Carson, WA 98610, USA
- Deception Falls Interpretive Trail, Skykomish
Robert Arora / alltrails.com
Jwala Mohith Girisha / alltrails.com This short, kid-friendly hike is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs when you’re driving over Stevens Pass. The water is most powerful in the early summer, so plan accordingly. Deception Falls, Washington 98288, USA
- Covel Creek Falls and Angel Falls Trail, Randle
James Corwin / alltrails.com Covel Creek Falls and Angel Falls Trailhead, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Deanna Powell-Doerk / alltrails.com This gorgeous 3-mile trail is a nature lover’s dream come true. You’ll see caves, cliffs, lush forests, and of course, several unique waterfalls.
We’re so lucky to live in a state with so many beautiful waterfalls. And some, like Palouse Falls, require no hike at all! Which waterfall hike would you say is one of the best hikes in Washington? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Elmer Baird / alltrails.com
Dan Brown / alltrails.com
This easy 3.6 mile trail takes you through the Cascade foothills to a beautiful set of waterfalls. The hike offers stunning views of both waterfalls and is considered a good trail for any skill level.
Twin Falls Trail, Washington 98045, USA
Amanda Blake / alltrails.com
Danielle Jude / alltrails.com
This 4.9 mile trail takes you down old logging roads to a stunning 25-foot waterfall.
Franklin Falls Trail #1036, Washington 98045, USA
an Phetsomphou / alltrails.com
Dave Fredrickson / alltrails.com
This gorgeous trail (near Port Angeles) is only 1.7 miles in length, but you’ll want to stay as long as possible to take everything in. Once you reach the falls, the view is fantastic, with water cascading 90 feet to the ground.
Marymere Falls Trail, 227693-227769 Olympic Hwy, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
James Taylor / alltrails.com
Craig Almon / alltrails.com
This is truly one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington. The 5-mile trail is a bit challenging at times, but not too difficult for the average hiker to attempt. The waterfall is a three-tiered masterpiece, and you’ll want to take plenty of pictures.
Wallace Falls Loop Road, Wallace Falls Loop Rd, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA
Josh Kekahuna / alltrails.com
Alltrails
The Lewis River is fed by glacial melt from Mount Adams, and this beautiful trail takes you right to it. There are actually several marked paths you can take to the waterfall, so the hike length ranges from 5-7 miles.
Lower Lewis River Falls, Cougar, WA 98616, USA
Dragonfly.soul / alltrails.com
Cheryl Yazzie / alltrails.com
This is definitely the shortest trail on the list - it’s only half a mile long. But the Panther Creek Falls Trail (Number 137) takes you straight to a unique tiered waterfall that empties into a shallow basin.
Panther Creek Falls Trailhead, NF-65, Carson, WA 98610, USA
Robert Arora / alltrails.com
Jwala Mohith Girisha / alltrails.com
This short, kid-friendly hike is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs when you’re driving over Stevens Pass. The water is most powerful in the early summer, so plan accordingly.
Deception Falls, Washington 98288, USA
James Corwin / alltrails.com
Covel Creek Falls and Angel Falls Trailhead, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Deanna Powell-Doerk / alltrails.com
This gorgeous 3-mile trail is a nature lover’s dream come true. You’ll see caves, cliffs, lush forests, and of course, several unique waterfalls.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Washington April 21, 2022 Tori Jane What are some great scenic hikes in Washington? Let’s be real here: isn’t EVERY hike in Washington a scenic one? We think so, but we also have some truly awe-inspiring gems we’d love to share, too. With more than 3,800 incredible hiking trails to choose from, it might be kind of tough to decide where to start – but that’s where we come in! Check out the amazing Enchantments Trail within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which is 18 miles long and makes for a perfect multi-day epic hike. You’ll be treated to truly incredible views and ridiculously beautiful landscapes. A permit is required for that one, so plan ahead! No time to get a permit? Head up to Mount Rainier National Park and so the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail, which is one of the state’s most popular hikes surrounding our most iconic mountain ranger. The Hoh River Trail can be found at Olympic National Park; if you’re a fan of rainforests, you’ll love it. Finally, do the Wallace Falls Trail if you like waterfalls. It’s 5.6 miles round-trip and one of the most popular hikes in Washington. It’ll be easy to see why once you’re on it! What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington? As we mentioned above, there are nearly 4,000 hiking trails in Washington to choose from, and a decent percentage of those hikes are easy enough that we’d consider them “kid-friendly”. Some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington include trails like the Hidden Lake Trail at Lake Wenatchee State Park. It’s just one mile long and features some breathtaking Ponderosa pine forest and a pristine mountain lake. Trail of the Cedars is another excellent choice for bringing the small ones along; it’s nestled inside North Cascades National Park, is super easy, and features a really cool suspension bridge that’s sure to capture the kids’ imaginations. Should you find yourself at Mt. Rainier National Park, be sure to do the Grove of the Patriarchs hike; it features enormous old-growth cedar trees and Douglas Firs. Finally, try the Cape Flattery Trail on the Olympic Peninsula; it’s just 1.2 miles long and is a truly amazing coastal adventure. What are your favorite kid-friendly hikes around Washington?
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Washington
April 21, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some great scenic hikes in Washington? Let’s be real here: isn’t EVERY hike in Washington a scenic one? We think so, but we also have some truly awe-inspiring gems we’d love to share, too. With more than 3,800 incredible hiking trails to choose from, it might be kind of tough to decide where to start – but that’s where we come in! Check out the amazing Enchantments Trail within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which is 18 miles long and makes for a perfect multi-day epic hike. You’ll be treated to truly incredible views and ridiculously beautiful landscapes. A permit is required for that one, so plan ahead! No time to get a permit? Head up to Mount Rainier National Park and so the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail, which is one of the state’s most popular hikes surrounding our most iconic mountain ranger. The Hoh River Trail can be found at Olympic National Park; if you’re a fan of rainforests, you’ll love it. Finally, do the Wallace Falls Trail if you like waterfalls. It’s 5.6 miles round-trip and one of the most popular hikes in Washington. It’ll be easy to see why once you’re on it! What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington? As we mentioned above, there are nearly 4,000 hiking trails in Washington to choose from, and a decent percentage of those hikes are easy enough that we’d consider them “kid-friendly”. Some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington include trails like the Hidden Lake Trail at Lake Wenatchee State Park. It’s just one mile long and features some breathtaking Ponderosa pine forest and a pristine mountain lake. Trail of the Cedars is another excellent choice for bringing the small ones along; it’s nestled inside North Cascades National Park, is super easy, and features a really cool suspension bridge that’s sure to capture the kids’ imaginations. Should you find yourself at Mt. Rainier National Park, be sure to do the Grove of the Patriarchs hike; it features enormous old-growth cedar trees and Douglas Firs. Finally, try the Cape Flattery Trail on the Olympic Peninsula; it’s just 1.2 miles long and is a truly amazing coastal adventure. What are your favorite kid-friendly hikes around Washington?
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Let’s be real here: isn’t EVERY hike in Washington a scenic one? We think so, but we also have some truly awe-inspiring gems we’d love to share, too. With more than 3,800 incredible hiking trails to choose from, it might be kind of tough to decide where to start – but that’s where we come in! Check out the amazing Enchantments Trail within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which is 18 miles long and makes for a perfect multi-day epic hike. You’ll be treated to truly incredible views and ridiculously beautiful landscapes. A permit is required for that one, so plan ahead! No time to get a permit? Head up to Mount Rainier National Park and so the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail, which is one of the state’s most popular hikes surrounding our most iconic mountain ranger. The Hoh River Trail can be found at Olympic National Park; if you’re a fan of rainforests, you’ll love it. Finally, do the Wallace Falls Trail if you like waterfalls. It’s 5.6 miles round-trip and one of the most popular hikes in Washington. It’ll be easy to see why once you’re on it!
What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington?
As we mentioned above, there are nearly 4,000 hiking trails in Washington to choose from, and a decent percentage of those hikes are easy enough that we’d consider them “kid-friendly”. Some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington include trails like the Hidden Lake Trail at Lake Wenatchee State Park. It’s just one mile long and features some breathtaking Ponderosa pine forest and a pristine mountain lake. Trail of the Cedars is another excellent choice for bringing the small ones along; it’s nestled inside North Cascades National Park, is super easy, and features a really cool suspension bridge that’s sure to capture the kids’ imaginations. Should you find yourself at Mt. Rainier National Park, be sure to do the Grove of the Patriarchs hike; it features enormous old-growth cedar trees and Douglas Firs. Finally, try the Cape Flattery Trail on the Olympic Peninsula; it’s just 1.2 miles long and is a truly amazing coastal adventure. What are your favorite kid-friendly hikes around Washington?
