Washington state has many beautiful waterfalls, some easily accessible and others that you’ll have to work harder to see. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or something closer to home, we’ve plenty of options.
Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls is a waterfall in the U.S. state of Washington on the Palouse River, which drains into Snake Lake, a lake formed by damming up the river at its outlet from Pullman Lake to form Pullman Reservoir.
The falls are located in Palouse, Washington, between Pullman and Moscow, and are approximately 10 feet high.
The falls are located approximately 5 miles from the Snake River and are fed by runoff from Palouse Falls State Park. The falls are at the end of High Street in Palouse, Washington.
Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is located about 20 miles north of Seattle in the Snoqualmie River Valley. It’s one of the most famous waterfalls in Washington, partly because it’s just a short walk from the road, and you can see it from your car. The waterfall cascades 60 feet over a cliff and flows into a pool that can be viewed from above or below via stairs.
The falls are most spectacular after spring snowmelt when they’re widest (more than 300 feet). When there isn’t enough snow in winter, you might be disappointed with Franklin Falls’ appearance—but this is still an impressive sight! Franklin Falls is part of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie National Recreation Trail network; pick up interpretive brochures at nearby visitor centers for more information about this trail system if you’re interested in hiking on your next trip out westward through Washington State toward Mount Rainier National Park
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a waterfall in Washington state, located east of Seattle, near North Bend. It’s the second-largest waterfall in Washington and a top-rated tourist destination.
The falls are 200 feet high, making them one of the tallest waterfalls in the US—though they are dwarfed by Niagara Falls (approximately 188 feet). They’re also known for their beauty; you can see them from many vantage points along the Valley Trail & Railroad Grade Road Loop within Snoqualmie River State Park.
Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge, south of Hood River and east of Troutdale. The falls are also part of a state park, so it’s free to visit! There are several parking lots around the area, so you’ll have plenty of options for where to park your car if you decide to head out there.
The trail is about a mile long and paved the entire way. It’s pretty flat for most of the hike, but some steep parts near the end will make you work for it! You’ll pass through several switchbacks as you make your way up to the top of the falls.
Murhut Falls
Murhut Falls is a small waterfall located near the Snoqualmie Pass. It’s about two miles south of the highway (SR-202) on a forest road that branches off from the main road. The best way to get there is by following a trail through deep woods and valleys.
Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, this is one of those places where you can enjoy both nature and solitude. The trail is only 0.7 miles long, but it’s not an easy walk as it climbs steeply up before descending again while passing by Murhut Falls. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, so bring your camera!
If you want to visit this beautiful waterfall, then here are some essential details:
- Location: Near Snoqualmie Pass; Exit I-90 at Easton exit #51; Drive east on state route 902 (Denny Creek Road) for about one mile, then turn left onto Forest Road 5910, which leads directly to Murhut Falls
- Hiking trails: From the parking lot, follow trail markers as they lead through dense forest with occasional views of surrounding mountains before reaching falls at the end of the path
Whatcom Falls
Whatcom Falls is a waterfall on the Nooksack River in Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham, Washington. This popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities has campsites, picnic areas, restrooms, and water access for fishing. Whatcom Falls Park is open year-round.
Whatcom Falls offers several hiking trails, including an easy loop trail that is great for families with children.
Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Washington state. Located in Mount Rainier National Park, this waterfall has a height of 250 feet and is located near the Carbon River entrance to the park. It’s accessible by car, making it an easy spot to visit if you’re spending time in Mount Rainier National Park.
The Nisqually Glacier is one of the most popular attractions in Mount Rainier National Park. This glacier is located in the park’s southwest corner, near Paradise. It’s easily accessible by car and is a great place to visit if you have time while visiting Mount Rainier National Park.
Spray Falls, Mount Rainier National Park
- Spray Falls is located on the west side of Mount Rainier National Park.
- Follow the road to Sunrise Point and turn left at the visitors’ center parking lot to get there. Drive a few hundred yards farther until you see signs pointing left for Spray Park and Ipsut Creek. Turn left onto this road, which winds through pine forests before reaching a picnic area near the falls.
- The best views of Spray Falls are from below, so you’ll want to make your way down steep paths or stairs (with handrails). If it’s warm out and you’re feeling energetic, it’s also possible—but not too easy—to climb up to the top of these falls via this same path; watch out for falling rocks! While at Mount Rainier National Park, check out nearby attractions like Reflection Lake or Panorama Point for even more gorgeous views of nature’s beauty.
Spokane Falls
Spokane Falls is the largest waterfall in Washington state and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. It’s located in Spokane, Washington, where it flows from Little Spokane Valley over a cliff measuring about 130 feet to create an impressive waterfall.
No wonder this one-and-a-half-mile-long river, which runs through downtown Spokane and past many of its historic buildings, is a popular tourist attraction. For those who want to take photos but don’t want to brave the crowds of tourists or hike up a trail to see them up close, several viewing platforms along Riverside Avenue allow you to get excellent views without getting wet!
Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is a waterfall on the Sol Duc River in the Olympic Mountains, located in Washington State. The falls are accessible by a trail that starts at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort within Olympic National Park.
The falls are located within a temperate rainforest with frequent rainfall and abundant vegetation.
Washington has many beautiful waterfalls.
Washington State has many beautiful waterfalls, including some of the most famous in the world. The following are a few of the best.
- Hoh River Falls: Located near Olympic National Park, this waterfall is accessible by car or hiking trail and features a fantastic view at its base.
- Snoqualmie Falls: This is one of Seattle’s most popular attractions and is located just east of downtown Seattle near I-90 on Snoqualmie Pass. There are plenty of hiking trails that lead to the base of this 400ft high waterfall that you can take advantage of during your visit!
- Grand Coulee Dam: While not exactly a waterfall per se, this dam holds both man-made lakes with plenty of recreational activities available for visitors – including boating and fishing!
Conclusion
Washington state is known for its beautiful scenery and the abundance of waterfalls in this part of the country. Some of the most scenic and beautiful waterfalls you can visit are the North Cascades Mountains, Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and other areas around Washington State. These are just some examples of what you can find here in WA. If you love nature, then this is a place worth visiting!