top of page

Top Ten Waterfalls in Washington State

This is my list of the top ten waterfalls in Washington State (in no particular order).

There are a huge amount of amazing waterfalls to choose from, many of which are not on this list.

  • Snoqualmie Falls: One of the largest and most well-known waterfalls in North America. Water in the Snoqualmie River plunges 268 feet and can be viewed from several vantage points. Best viewed during peak snowmelt or during storms when the falls are a true sight to behold.

  • Falls Creek Falls: This three-tiered waterfall is a gem of Southern WA. Over 335 feet in total height, with the largest drop being 135 feet, all in a brilliantly green valley, makes it a worthy destination. Accessed via the Falls Creek Falls trail which reaches the base of the falls in about 2 miles.


  • Feature Show Falls: Located on an unnamed tributary of the Boulder River between on Arlington and Darrington. The falls are impressive, especially in winter and spring when runoff is highest, as they cascade down the canyon walls above the main river. Accessed on the Boulder River Trail after about 1.25 miles on the trail.


  • Spray Falls: One of the largest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, this 354 foot tall falls is jaw-dropping. Located in the Mowich Lake area on the trail to Spray Park, which makes for a great day-outing combo with the falls.


  • Wallace Falls: A very popular falls, and for good reason, Wallace Falls is the main attraction of its name-sake State Park near the town of Gold Bar. Excellent trails in verdant green forest lead you past the various falls on the Wallace River, the tallest of which is 265 feet.


  • Panther Creek Falls: Although relatively small in stature, Panther Creek Falls more than makes up for it in its complexity and beauty. Water courses through lush greenery in a variety of sheets and channels, fed by a large spring. Take in this beautiful waterfall from the various nature trails that lead you down to it, making sure to heed the signs and stay behind the fence.

  • Comet Falls: Comet Falls is perhaps the most impressive falls in Mount Rainier National Park. Van Trump Creek plummets downward in four distinct drops, taking the shape of a comet when flow is high. The total height is 462 feet with the tallest drop being around 300’. Accessed via the Van Trump Park trailhead.


  • Bridal Veil Falls: Visible from Highway 2 near the town of Index, water plunges out of Lake Serene and into the Skykomish River valley below over the course of 1,291 feet. The most impressive of the falls can be accessed via the Lake Serene Trail.

  • Tin Cup Joe Falls: Tin Cup Joe Falls is an under the radar contender for best falls in Washington. It is relatively little known, and the trail is unmaintained and a bit rough to get there, but it is worth it, especially during peak snowmelt. A huge amount of water flows over the Cripple Creek headwall in 5 drops over a total of 463 feet.

  • Little Mashel Falls: Another criminally underrated waterfall in Washington State, Little Mashel Falls, is located very close to the town of Eatonville. There are a lower, middle, and upper falls for viewing and there is nothing "little" about it. The middle falls plunges over 90 feet and in the winter and spring can be quite dramatic.

Waterfall Stats: Northwest Waterfall Survery


Comments


bottom of page