One of the most prominent, well-known cities in the Northwest, Seattle, Washington, is a stunning place to visit. With so much to do, you can easily spend several days or a week exploring the world-class museums, eclectic culinary scene and historical monuments. However, many people forget that Seattle is full of natural beauty thanks to its rainy climate, which creates a lush, green landscape throughout the entire region. Seattle gets almost 40 inches of rain a year, making it one of the wetter spots in the United States. Seattle is also full of stunning waterfalls, nature trails, iconic mountains and bustling waterfront piers, making it an ideal adventure for those looking to get off the beaten path.
One of the best ways to enjoy Seattle’s natural beauty is through its hidden gem – gorgeous waterfalls. While most are on the city’s outskirts and within an hour’s drive, Seattle also has many notable waterfalls that are a little farther and perfect for all-day adventures and overnight camping. Whether with a partner, a group of friends or traveling with young kids, Seattle’s top waterfalls are one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Bring your hiking shoes, plenty of water and get ready for the quiet tranquility of Washington forests. Here are a few of our favorite top waterfalls in Seattle.
1. Snoqualmie Falls
With a majestic 270-foot tumbling waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls offers picturesque points, scenic overlooks and multiple walking trails. It’s one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions and is also only a 35-minute or so drive from the heart of Seattle. The road trip to Snoqualmie Falls is also beautiful, winding through the mountains and forests of Western Washington. It also deeply connects to the native Snoqualmie tribe, who purchased the 45-acre property for $125 million.
2. Wallace Falls
Named after Henry Wallace, one of the first settlers of the Washington area, Wallace Falls is a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall with a series of stunning drops. Located about an hour outside Seattle and surrounded by diverse hiking trails for varying skill levels, seasoned veterans and beginners alike will enjoy the forest hikes. The hike to the waterfall is considered moderately challenging and is about 4.9 miles out and back.
3. Franklin Falls
Approximately 50 minutes east of Seattle is Franklin Falls. Franklin Falls is about 2 miles round-trip with a 400-foot elevation gain, making it a more leisurely hike for beginners or young families with children. Its breathtaking waterfall is a graceful horsetail with a 70-foot drop that throws powerful mist and cool water into the surrounding pool. Luckily, Franklin Falls is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your on-leash dog. This path is also open during the winter but often covered with snow, so be prepared for a more challenging hike.
4. Bridal Veil Falls (Index)
A farther drive from Seattle, clocking in at 142 miles away and a roughly 3.5-hour drive, Bridal Veil Falls is more of an all-day excursion. Known for its delicate, bridal veil-like cascade, Bridal Veil Falls is moderately challenging with multiple elevation gains and some uneven terrain, yet incredibly rewarding with panoramic vistas of the Skykomish River. Its trail is well-maintained, making it an ideal hike for beginners as well.
5. Twin Falls
Twin Falls is appropriately named for its twin streams that convert into a gorgeous double waterfall. At a 3-mile round-trip hike and 500 feet of elevation gain, the Twin Falls hike takes you through rainforest green terrain and towering, stately trees. Twin Falls is a more leisurely hike, so expect it to be more crowded. Plus, visitors love the opportunities for swimming and hiking for relaxation and rejuvenation before heading back down the trail.
6. Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls is an elegant 90-foot waterfall in Olympic National Park. With an easy mile-long hike on a well-maintained dirt trail, you can get to the cool, misty Marymere Falls in less than an hour. It’s also a popular family-friendly hike via the starting point from Storm King Ranger Station or the Lake Crescent Lodge. Lake Ccrescent’s turquoise waters are nearby, but unfortunately, dogs and pets are not permitted on this hike. To get to the falls, hike through the Hall of Mosses, a lush and mossy section of Olympic National Park.
7. Lower Lewis River Falls
A powerful waterfall with several tiered cascades, Lower Lewis River Falls is 200 feet wide and nestled near Toutle Lake, Washington. You’ll love the cool natural pools for swimming and wading while surrounded by lush, moss-covered backdrops. Take a moment to bask in the breeze on top of velvet, moss-covered rocks. You can also hike, mountain bike and ride horseback on the Lewis River Trail.
8. Palouse Falls (near Seattle)
Close to Seattle but also in the middle of nowhere, Palouse Falls is a dramatic waterfall sculpted by ancient floods. Striking basalt cliffs rise almost 200 feet in the air and the Palouse Falls are also the official state falls of Washington. The falls were created during the last ice age due to repeated glacial floods over east Washington. Palouse Falls is also part of a 105-acre camping park. The official campground only has 11 tent campsites, so get there early for first come, first served.
There is nothing more rewarding than spending a refreshing day outside in nature. No matter your skill level, Seattle’s top waterfalls offer diverse experiences. From a beginner, easy hike to Franklin Falls or a more challenging walk to Wallace Falls, Seattle’s top waterfalls offer a chance to spend time in the gorgeous outdoors. The next time you’re in the area, step outside bustling Seattle for a quiet repose in nature.
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