Don’t go chasing waterfalls…No wait, do that!
Washington has a great diversity of ecosystems, from rainforests to high desert to alpine mountains, and they all contain waterfalls. Generally, Washington is not short on water, sometimes it is just more concentrated in one spot over another. There are lists upon lists of waterfalls that get published continually, but what happens when you hit the been there, done that wall? It’s time to dive a little deeper into some little-known but spectacular waterfalls in Washington State.
Let’s start first with a waterfall that is not a waterfall; Located just outside Coulee City is the Washington State Park, Dry Falls. Carved by glacial water over 13,000 years ago this former waterfall would have been over four times the size of Niagara Falls with a 400-foot high and 3.5-mile wide cliff. Now it is the home of spring-fed lakes, wildlife, and lovers of the geologic formation that was left behind. . If you are already in Coulee City, you should make a stop at the Grand Coulee Dam as well. Until 2009 it was the largest concrete structure ever built and produced enough energy annually to power two cities the size of Seattle. Tours of the dam are slated to begin in May 2024.
Located between George, Washington and Quincy are two waterfalls located in the Ancient Lakes area on the Judith Pool trailhead. The trail drops down and you can walk along the upper waterfall before descending to the bottom where views of the 160 foot falls at the Ancient Lakes basin. Even though the trail may be more strenuous and steep it is well worth the effort, especially in late spring or early summer. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ancient-lakes
Along the Columbia River Gorge, while everyone seems to talk about the waterfalls on the other side of the river in Oregon; Multnomah, Latourell, and Bridal Veil, to name a few, the Washington side has some beautiful lesser known, but no less beautiful waterfalls.
Beacon Rock State Park features Beacon Rock which is not a waterfall but a definite must not-miss, but the park also features two major waterfalls Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls on a 2.5-mile round trip hike. Hardy Falls is a 20ft drop and a short walk from the picnic area, while Rodney Falls drops 80 feet.
The Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is home to some stunning and lesser-known waterfalls amidst its lush rainforests and rugged terrain. Here are a few worth exploring:
Merriman Falls: Located near the Quinault Rainforest in Olympic National Park, Merriman Falls is a series of cascades dropping about 40 feet in total. It’s accessible via a short trail off the South Shore Road, offering a serene spot within the lush rainforest.
Murhut Falls: Situated near Lake Cushman on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula, Murhut Falls is a hidden gem accessible via a short, moderately easy hike. The waterfall drops approximately 153 feet in total, with the upper tier cascading over a rock face and the lower tier flowing into a mossy basin.
Rocky Brook Falls: The waterfall is situated near the town of Brinnon, Washington, which is on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula, south of Quilcene and northeast of Hoodsport. Rocky Brook Falls plunges approximately 229 feet down a rocky cliff face in a series of cascades. The water flows down through a narrow gorge, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene amidst the dense forest surroundings.
The Puget Sound region in Washington State, encompassing areas around Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding counties, is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. While some waterfalls in this region are more well-known, there are several lesser-known gems worth exploring:
Franklin Falls: Located near Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains, Franklin Falls is a popular but still somewhat lesser-known waterfall. It’s accessed via a short, family-friendly hike of about 2 miles round-trip. The waterfall drops about 135 feet in a broad cascade, making it a beautiful sight, especially in the spring when snowmelt increases its flow.
Twin Falls: Also near Snoqualmie Pass, Twin Falls is accessible via a moderate hike through the forest. The waterfall consists of two main drops, totaling about 150 feet. It’s a scenic spot with viewing platforms and a bridge that crosses the falls.
Wallace Falls: Located in Wallace Falls State Park near Gold Bar, this park features a series of beautiful waterfalls, with the main falls dropping approximately 265 feet in three tiers. While the lower falls are more popular, exploring further up the trail can lead to quieter spots and smaller cascades.
Snoqualmie Falls Lower Viewpoint: While Snoqualmie Falls itself is well-known, the lower viewpoint accessed via a trail off of Southeast Reinig Road offers a different perspective and is less crowded compared to the main viewing area.
The Leavenworth area in Washington State, known for its Bavarian-themed village and proximity to the Cascade Mountains, offers several beautiful waterfalls worth visiting:
Snow Creek Falls: This waterfall is accessed via the Snow Lakes Trail, a popular hiking trail in the area that leads to scenic alpine lakes. Snow Creek Falls is a picturesque cascade dropping over 1,000 feet in several tiers, visible from the trail as you hike toward Snow Lakes.
Bridal Veil Falls: While there are several waterfalls named Bridal Veil Falls in Washington State, the one near Leavenworth is accessed via a hike from the Tumwater Pipeline Trailhead. The waterfall drops approximately 1,328 feet in total and is a stunning sight, especially during spring when snowmelt increases water flow.
This is only a small slice of lesser known waterfalls in Washington, but we hope you found a few that are new to you and give you a reason to visit a WIIN Member at waINNSiders.com as well as a new waterfall or two!
