Washington has countless waterfalls to offer adventurers, so if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, you’re in luck. In fact, a lot of Washington’s the best waterfalls can be found in state and national parks† Washington state is home to numerous waterfalls. Whether it’s waterfalls that you see between a green landscape or more drier areas – there is no shortage. So are you ready to start your Washington state adventures by hunting some waterfalls?
Let’s explore the ten absolute best waterfalls in Washington that you can’t miss!
1. Snoqualmie Falls
| Snoqualmie Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Snoqualmie, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Snoqualmie Point Park |
| Animals to see: | elk deer, coyotes |
Snoqualmie Falls is possibly one of the most famous waterfalls in Washington. You can see Snoqualmie Falls from the road and you don’t have to hike to get there. But if you continue past the highest vantage point, you can walk about 2.5 miles around it on nature trails. Or are you also a fan of the cult television series Twin Peaks? Then you immediately recognize this as the waterfall in the recordings of the credits. Pretty amazing, huh?
2. Palouse Falls
kan_khampanya/Shutterstock.com| Palouse Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | LaCrosse, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Palouse Falls State Park |
| Animals to see: | rattle snakes bats |
Did you know that Palouse Falls is the official waterfall of the state of Washington? In addition, the Palouse waterfall also has a special place in the creation story of the Palus Indians. Near a water crossing where the Snake and Palouse rivers meet, the Palus tribe has a traditional fishing spot. The largest and oldest village of the tribe, Palus, used to be here. It is undoubtedly a sight to behold, as the 198-foot waterfall makes Niagara Falls look small at just 167 feet in height.
3. Splash Waterfalls
Lindsay Snow/Shutterstock.com| Spray Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Pierce County, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Mount Rainier National Park |
| Animals to see: | marmotschipmunks |
Before embarking on the quest to see Spray Falls, it is important to note that it is a difficult hike. This is the hike for you if you like adrenaline. Hikers begin their journey by taking a small portion of the Wonderland Trail, the park’s only hiking trail that surrounds Mount Rainier. The falls are said to be about 300 feet high, and many people love them for their distinctive shape.
4. Panther Creek Falls
Thye-Wee Gn/Shutterstock.com| Panther Creek Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Skamania County, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Panther Creek Falls Trailhead |
| Animals to see: | Mountain Lionssalmon |
Nothing beats the awe-inspiring sight of Panther Creek Falls. This 130-foot waterfall cascading down is undoubtedly a landmark that rewards tourists who make the short journey. It is easily accessible, with a large observation deck overlooking the waterfall. It’s a particularly fun option for families, as a one-mile forest trail leads directly to the base.
Next, we learn about a beautiful waterfall just an hour’s drive outside of Seattle.
5. Franklin Falls
Kevin Cass/Shutterstock.com| Franklin Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | King County, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest |
| Animals to see: | Mountain Goats, Cougars |
Franklin Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls around Seattle and is about an hour from the city. As well as being beautiful, it’s only a short walk away once you’re in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Because of its short hike and easy trail, Franklin Falls is also one of the most popular family waterfall hikes in the state.
6. Myrtle Falls
Stephen Moehle/Shutterstock.com| Myrtle Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Ashford, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Mount Rainier National Park |
| Animals to see: | Cougars, deer |
One of Washington’s most scenic hikes is the Myrtle Falls Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. While it’s definitely one of Washington’s prettiest waterfalls, that’s not the main selling point here. It is the backdrop of Mount Rainier that makes it spectacular. The best part is that this trail is only about a mile round trip.
Now let’s discover another breathtaking waterfall in Washington that is also located in Mount Rainier National Park.
7. Silver Falls
Wise Dog Studio/Shutterstock.com| Silver Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Paradise Inn, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Mount Rainier National Park |
| Animals to see: | red foxes, mountain goats |
Along with Myrtle Falls, Silver Falls is also part of the picturesque area of Mount Rainier National Park. This moderately challenging trail follows the Ohanapecosh River in a 4.7-mile loop up and down on one side. However, those willing to take the hike will be rewarded with one of the most scenic waterfalls in Washington.
8. Spokane Falls
Kasey Schmitt/Shutterstock.com| Spokane Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Spokane, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Huntington Park |
| Animals to see: | Grizzly bears, Lynx |
One of the best urban waterfalls in the country is this series of two waterfalls in Spokane’s Riverfront Park. Despite being right in the center of Spokane, the natural beauty of Spokane Falls has been preserved. A great way to view Lower Falls is from Huntington Park near City Hall.
9. Twin Falls
Stacey Lynn Payne/Shutterstock.com| Twin Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | North Bend, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Olallie . State Park |
| Animals to see: | Raccoons, Rodents |
Another well-known waterfall hike in Seattle is Twin Falls. This 50-foot waterfall is located in Olallie State Park, less than an hour’s drive from town. There are actually three separate waterfalls that make up Twin Falls, which makes the name a bit confusing. The first part consists of two 45-foot drops, the second of two 30-foot drops from the long trail bridge over the river, and the third of a 135-foot ponytail drop over a rock outcrop.
10. Wallace Falls
Roman Khomlyak/Shutterstock.com| Wallace Falls | |
|---|---|
| Located in: | Snohomish County, Washington |
| Nearby attractions: | Wallace Falls State Park |
| Animals to see: | Peregrine Falcons, Cougar |
It’s no secret that Wallace Falls is one of Washington’s most popular tourist destinations. Those who arrive at the trailhead early, however, are rewarded with a calm solitude that will leave you feeling serene and one with nature. A 4.5-mile hiking trail leads to this 265-foot Washington waterfall, surrounded by its own state park. You won’t believe your eyes when you see the beauty of Wallace Falls.
