Living in Seattle means having an abundance of amazing hikes right at your fingertips. Seriously, you could hike a new trail every single day and still not see them all (which is my goal, eventually)! While I love hikes of all kinds, waterfall hikes near Seattle are my favorite ones to go to when I have time to hit the trails.
As a local who’s practically a hiking pro, I’ve made it my mission to explore as many Seattle waterfall hikes as humanly possible. There’s just something magical about these trails, and I find nothing more inspiring than hiking a few miles to be rewarded by a cascading waterfall. I challenge you to find a better spot to have a snack break!
You’ve probably seen epic waterfall photos when people post Instagrammable spots near Seattle and wondered where it was. That’s why I’m here to spill all the beans and share insider info on these Washington waterfall hikes. Hiking is my jam, and I’m always stoked to encourage others to get out there and experience the wonder for themselves.
My ultimate guide to the best waterfall hikes near Seattle will give you the lowdown on all the must-visit spots, including some hidden gems that will blow your mind. If you’re willing to drive a bit, I encourage you to explore some amazing waterfall hikes in Washington State in case you’re up for an adventure and want to explore even further. You’ll want to add some of these to your Washington State bucket list!
What to Pack for Seattle Waterfall Hikes
What you pack for visiting waterfalls near Seattle will depend on how far you’re going and how long the hike is. You might not need anything besides water and snacks if you’re doing short waterfall hikes near Seattle. However, I do recommend getting a raincoat for Seattle to stay dry from the mist.
The basics for any waterfall hike:
- Hiking boots – waterproof is best since trails near falls are often wet and muddy
- Polarized sunglasses – the glare off water is real, especially on sunny days
- Water bottle – I use a Hydro Flask and always fill it before I leave
- Hiking backpack – something with a hip belt for longer hikes
- Waterproof rain jacket – non-negotiable in the PNW, even in summer
Gear worth adding:
- Trekking poles – especially useful on the descent at Bridal Veil and Teneriffe when your knees are already tired
- Dry bag – you will get misted at Franklin Falls and Bridal Veil, and your phone will thank you
- Headlamp – if you’re starting early to beat the crowds at Wallace Falls or Twin Falls in summer
- Microspikes – essential if you’re visiting Franklin Falls or Teneriffe in winter
- Quick-dry towel – for summer visits to Cherry Creek Falls, where you can wade in the water
- First aid kit – always worth having on longer trails
If you will be hiking Seattle waterfalls in the winter, make sure to check out my comprehensive list of winter hiking clothes. This guide covers what extra clothes you’ll need to stay warm and dry as well as gear that can make your hike easier in the snow, such as microspikes or snowshoes.
When hiking around during a Seattle summer vacation, you’ll need to double the amount of water and sunscreen you have so you don’t get dehydrated or burned.
One of the best resources to look at for in-depth information on trails is the WTA. You can check out your specific hike and read the recent trip reports, which will let you know if there’s snow, the roads are drivable, and more.
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13 Waterfall Hikes Near Seattle to Check Out
These waterfalls near Seattle, Washington are listed in order of proximity to Seattle, as everyone has a different idea of what “near Seattle” means. You can use it to pick easy waterfall hikes near Seattle or make a Seattle day trip out of it and go on some further waterfall hikes in Washington State.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Stevens Pass
Distance from Seattle: 56 miles
Length: 4.0 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Another favorite by many locals, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the top waterfall hikes near Seattle to check out. Unlike some of the others on this list, you can get up right next to the falls during your hike thanks to the set of stairs that run next to them. It’s also not a bad rainy day hike in Seattle, as many parts of the trail are covered.
The water flows from nearby Lake Serene, so the more water the lake has, the stronger its waterfall. This is another hike that you’ll want to start early on due to how popular it is. If you want to extend your hike, head back to the fork on the trail that led you to Bridal Veil and continue on to Lake Serene.
I hiked Bridal Veil Falls a few months after my second baby, and it was one of those hikes where I felt every bit of that. My pace was slower than I was used to, and I had to stop more than I expected. I also brought him, which made it all the more challenging.
But when I came out of the trees and saw that massive waterfall in front of me, it made every slow step completely worth it. It’s one of those moments where you remember why you do this. The trail itself is a steady climb through dense forest, and the payoff at the end is an impressive waterfall that feels much bigger in person than in photos.
When you’re done hiking, you’ll likely need to refuel, so head on over to Zeke’s Drive In, which has been an establishment in the area for as long as I can remember. Nothing is better than a huge burger and some fries after a hike, in my opinion!
2. Snoqualmie Falls
Location: Snoqualmie
Distance from Seattle: 29 miles
Length: 1.4 miles RT
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Snoqualmie Falls is by no means a hidden gem, as it’s on almost everyone’s list that visits the area and is one of the most popular places to see in the Pacific Northwest. The hike is one of the best waterfall hikes near Seattle since it’s not only short but wheelchair accessible, so almost anyone can enjoy it. As you can see in the picture above, it’s also a beautiful fall hike in Washington when the leaves start to turn.
This hike is also one of the best winter hikes in Washington, as you don’t have to worry about snow being an issue when visiting. Some people choose to park at the top and just view the waterfall from the observation deck, but I recommend going down the trail to get a different vantage point at the bottom.
If you’re looking for romantic Seattle date ideas, you’ll want to book a stay at Salish Lodge here. I had a chance to stay here overnight last year, and it was one of the most relaxing stays of my life.
3. Cherry Creek Falls
Location: Duvall
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Length: 5.0 miles RT
Elevation gain: 450 feet
Cherry Creek Falls is a popular summer hike in Washington due to being one of the closest waterfall hikes near Seattle. I visited Cherry Creek Falls on a Tuesday while working on a campaign on things to do in Monroe, and it turned out to be the perfect time to go. I barely saw anyone on the trail the entire time, which made it feel really peaceful.
One of my favorite things about this hike is the random abandoned truck on the trail, tagged with spray paint over the years. It’s become its own little landmark and always gets a reaction from people who stumble across it. The falls themselves are tucked into a quiet, forested canyon and are worth the easy walk-in.
You can technically cool off in the water in the summer, but don’t get near the waterfall to stay safe. Most people just enjoy grabbing a spot by the falls and having a snack or lunch before heading back. Halfway through the hike, there’s a loop that will lead you to the waterfalls, and you can either come back the way you came or complete the loop to connect with the main trail again.
Buy your Northwest Forest Pass in advance so you don’t have to buy it at the trailhead.
4. Twin Falls
Location: North Bend
Distance from Seattle: 36 miles
Length: 2.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 500 feet
One of the best waterfalls near Seattle is Twin Falls, as it’s close to the city and short. I like this hike because you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos of the water, as there are different spots along the trail that it peeks out.
I went here with a friend, her dog, and my oldest kid, which made stopping for photos more of a production than usual — between managing a leash, a toddler, and a camera, you have to be strategic about when you pause. But that’s also part of what makes Twin Falls such a good social hike. It’s easygoing enough that you can stop whenever you want without losing momentum, and the multiple viewpoints along the trail give everyone plenty of reasons to take a break.
While you may be tempted to stop the first time you see the waterfall, I encourage you to continue on the trail to see both the lower and upper parts. In the end, you’ll cross a large bridge to see what’s technically the third part of this waterfall.
I love using AllTrails to download maps and stay on the trail during all my hikes.
5. Teneriffe Falls
Location: North Bend
Distance from Seattle: 36 miles
Length: 5.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,585 feet
Hikers looking for waterfall hikes near Seattle, Washington, that will get their legs burning will love the elevation gained in a short period of time at Teneriffe Falls. There can be snow on this hike during the winter, so you might want to wait until late spring to have an easier time climbing it. That said, it’s a beautiful Washington spring hike to go on.
With 22 switchbacks, you’re bound to get in a workout to be proud of. You’ll see parts of the falls as you go up the trail, but keep going until you reach the viewing area for the upper falls.
6. Wallace Falls
Location: Gold Bar
Distance from Seattle: 47 miles
Length: 5.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Wallace Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the area because there are so many different areas to take effortless photos. For this reason, I recommend starting early if possible to beat the crowds (especially in the summer!). It’s also one of the best winter hikes in Washington, as it rarely gets snow.
There are nine different waterfalls in the park, so make sure you keep going to see all of them if you’re up for it. This alone is what makes it one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes near Seattle. Many people go only to the Lower or Middle Falls, but I highly encourage you to visit the Upper Falls as well if you have time.
I took my time at Wallace Falls specifically to practice my photography. I brought my tripod and kept stopping to set up shots, which made the hike much longer than it normally would have been, but I came away with some of my favorite trail photos.
It’s a great hike for that because you’re gaining elevation gradually with multiple viewpoints along the way, so there are natural stopping points that lend themselves to longer exposures of the falls. If you want to shoot the water with that silky smooth effect, come on an overcast day when the light is even.
If you’re looking for a good Seattle hike and brewery combination, you can check out Timber Monster Brewing Company on the way back. They have a variety of beer and food to fuel up after your hike.
7. Franklin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Distance from Seattle: 51 miles
Length: 2.0 miles RT (or 8 miles RT in the winter)
Elevation gain: 400 feet
You can visit Twin Falls all throughout the year, and in the summer or spring in Washington, it’s only a short two-mile hike. This makes it great for beginner hikers or families, and you’ll love the reward at the end.
However, I personally think visiting in the winter is the most magical time to visit. As you can see in the photo above, part of the waterfall becomes frozen and gives it a fun look. You should note that the main road is closed during this season, so you’ll have to park outside of it and account for an extra three miles each way.
While you don’t have too much elevation gain, you’ll want to make sure you bring your winter gear, such as winter hiking boots or snowshoes, if the snow is deep. This gear will help you have traction on the inclines.
8. Coal Creek Falls
Location: Bellevue
Distance from Seattle: 13 miles
Length: 2.5 miles RT
Elevation gain: 416 feet
When you’re looking for waterfalls near Seattle that won’t take up much of your time, you’ll want to check out Coal Creek Falls. This hike is the closest one to the city on this list, so you can easily do it in the morning or even after work. Many people also love that this is one of the shorter Seattle waterfall hikes and an easy Washington hike with kids.
You’ll be in the beautiful Cougar Mountain area but feel like you’re far away from the city. This area used to be full of coal miners, so look around during your trip to these waterfalls in the Seattle area. If you look closely along the trail, you can see large holes from the old days when miners got coal out underneath.
9. Comet and Christine Falls
Location: Mount Rainier
Distance from Seattle: 100 miles
Length: 4.4 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,361 feet
These are some of the most impressive waterfalls in Washington, and you can walk from one to the other. You will need to pay the $30 entrance fee to get into the park, or you can use your America the Beautiful pass.
I visited Comet Falls early in the morning on the way to hike the Skyline Trail at Paradise, which turned out to be the perfect way to do both in one day. The trail was quiet at that hour, and the light through the trees was worth the early start. If you’re already planning a day at Paradise, it’s an easy add-on that takes less than 2 hours round-trip and makes the drive feel even more worthwhile.
If you want to make a weekend out of it and explore more hikes in the area, you can check out some of the cute Mount Rainier cabins in the area. Mount Rainier has plenty to do and see, so you’ll want to spend some time here if you can.
Before visiting a national park, I always recommend checking out the U.S. National Park Service website to see any important updates or closures regarding the park. This is especially true in winter, as some of the entrances are completely closed for the season.
10. Marymere Falls
Location: Olympic National Park
Distance from Seattle: 102 miles
Length: 1.8 miles RT
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Marymere Falls is an easy hike to get to if you’re already on the Olympic Peninsula spending one day in Olympic National Park. Due to its short distance, it’s also one of the most suitable family-friendly waterfall hikes near Seattle. Many people also consider it one of the best hikes in Olympic National Park due to how accessible it is.
While going during the summer means the trail won’t be as muddy, don’t rule out visiting in the wintertime. The waterfall is usually at its strongest then with an increase in water, making it one of the best waterfall hikes in Washington when looking for winter activities near Seattle. It’s also an ideal thing to do in the fall in Seattle when you’re looking to get out for the day.
If you want to check out more waterfalls while you’re in the area, plan an Olympic National Park road trip to see some beautiful hikes! You can also look at places to stay in Olympic National Park if you want to make it a multi-day trip.
11. Myrtle Falls
Location: Mount Rainier
Distance from Seattle: 108 miles
Length: 0.8 miles RT
Elevation gain: none
Myrtle Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Washington, so going here is a must when you spend one day at Mount Rainier. One of my favorite waterfall hikes in Washington, this has a completely flat trail that’s also paved, so wheelchairs and strollers can even go on it.
It’s one of the few places in Rainier where you have to put in little effort to see a stunning sight. You’ll park at the Paradise parking lot and walk to the right of the mountain to get here. It’s even doable to see during winter in Mount Rainier as long as you have snowshoes to get there.
If you want to extend your Washington hike, I recommend continuing to the 5-mile Skyline Trail, which is by far my favorite in the park. You’ll go through meadows, see wildflowers if you’re there mid-summer, and get up close and personal with the mountain before looping back down to the parking lot.
12. Silver Falls Loop
Location: Mount Rainier
Distance from Seattle: 139 miles
Length: 3.0 miles RT
Elevation gain: 600 feet
One of the most scenic Mount Rainier hikes is Silver Falls Loop, which has multiple entrances in the southeast part of the park. I love going on this trail because you can either make it a short hike and just visit the falls or do the whole loop, which I’ve also found kid-friendly.
There are several viewpoints to see the waterfall from, and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera and tripod to get some amazing shots. I spent at least an hour last time when I was here on a weekday and had most of it to myself. As it’s not one of the more popular parts of the park, you’ll likely be able to enjoy parts of it to yourself as well.
13. Sol Duc Falls
Location: Olympic National Park
Distance from Seattle: 180 miles
Length: 1.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 200 feet
This waterfall hike by Seattle is a bit of a drive to get to, but very much worth it. I went here a few years ago when we were staying in Port Angeles for my birthday weekend, and we decided to wake up one morning and make the drive over to Sol Duc. I had this on my list forever, but always hesitated because it’s a good 40-minute drive once you get off 101.
However, it’s absolutely worth it – there’s very little elevation gain, and you don’t have to walk far to see the falls. I recommend taking your time to walk over the bridge that goes over the fall as well as past that for different viewpoints. My young kids were able to easily do it, so it’s great for all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest waterfall to Seattle?
Bridal Veil Falls in the Olallie State Park area is one of the closest, sitting about 35 miles east of Seattle near Lake Serene. For something even closer to the city, Coal Creek Falls in Bellevue is technically the nearest and reachable without getting on a highway at all.
What is the best waterfall hike near Seattle for beginners?
Franklin Falls is the most beginner-friendly on this list. It’s under a mile round trip on a flat, well-maintained gravel path and ends at a stunning 70-foot waterfall. It’s great for families with young kids and doesn’t require any special gear or fitness level.
Are waterfall hikes near Seattle dog-friendly?
Most are, but not all. Wallace Falls, Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, and Cherry Creek Falls all allow leashed dogs on the trail. Marymere Falls, Myrtle Falls, and Sol Duc Falls are inside Olympic National Park, where dogs are restricted to paved roads and campgrounds and are not allowed on hiking trails.
What time of year are the waterfalls best near Seattle?
Late spring, roughly April through June, is peak waterfall season. Snowmelt combined with spring rain pushes water volume to its highest, making falls like Wallace and Twin Falls especially dramatic. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but flows are lower. Winter visits can be beautiful, but some trailheads may be inaccessible due to snow.
Do you need a pass for waterfall hikes near Seattle?
It depends on where you’re hiking. Here’s a breakdown of the passes you might need:
Discover Pass ($30/year or $11 day use) — required for Washington State Parks and DNR land. You’ll need this for Wallace Falls State Park and many DNR trailheads.
Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year or $5 day use) — required for most USDA Forest Service trailheads. You’ll need this for Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Teneriffe Falls, and others in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) — covers Olympic National Park entry. You’ll need this for Marymere Falls, Myrtle Falls, and Sol Duc Falls.
No pass required — Snoqualmie Falls is on private land and free to visit. Cherry Creek Falls currently has no fee.
The easiest approach if you’re planning to hike regularly is to grab both a Discover Pass and a Northwest Forest Pass at the start of the season. If you’re visiting Olympic National Park anyway, the America the Beautiful Pass pays for itself quickly.
Whether you pick one of these waterfall hikes near Seattle or decide to explore them all, you’ll end up with some beautiful photos to share. Enjoy!
Thanks, Marissa. This is a great article and very much appreciated.
You’re very welcome, Julie! I hope you found a great hike to do.
I am headed to Seattle to visit my daughter for a weekend. This article has really helped me find something interesting and outdoorsy to do! Thanks!
I’m so glad to hear that, Sherri! Let me know if I can be of further help.
Thanks for your lists! I’m putting together hikes for the winter months so your ideas were a great help!
This is such a helpful and inspiring guide for anyone looking to explore waterfall hikes near Seattle! I love how you included a mix of easy and more challenging trails, making it perfect for all skill levels. The details about each hike, like distance and scenery, really help with planning. Snoqualmie Falls and Franklin Falls sound especially beautiful and easy to reach. The photos add an extra touch that makes me want to pack my hiking shoes right away! Thank you for sharing these amazing nature spots—it’s a great reminder of how much beauty is just a short drive away.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the helpful content! Your blog has become a go-to resource for me. Please continue sharing your great ideas and tips.
Thank you!