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10 Wonderful Waterfalls in Washington

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Snoqualmie Falls in Washington thunders over a cliff with houses just up river.

The waterfalls in Washington are breathtaking natural wonders. They’re a must-see and boast some of the most incredible hikes in the state. You’ll be mesmerized by their beauty and mystery.

Please keep reading to find out how many waterfalls are in Washington and which are our top ten. We’ll also include the largest waterfall you can visit. 

Let’s get started! 

How Many Waterfalls Are in Washington State?

There are over 100 waterfalls in Washington. Washington is the state with the most waterfalls, making it an excellent destination for road trips.

We’ve narrowed the waterfalls down to the top ten, so you can include them in your trip planning.

A woman in a blue jacket stands on rocks in front of a wall of falling water.

What Is the Largest Waterfall in Washington?

Colonial Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental U.S. It’s about 2,568’ tall and more than 4,200’ across.

Located in North Cascades National Park, it’s not the most sought-after waterfall. However, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area.

10 Wonderful Waterfalls in Washington

Waterfalls are natural wonders that you can appreciate, no matter their size. We’ve done our research to point you to the most notable in the northwestern state. Let’s take a look at ten of the best waterfalls in Washington. 

#1. Myrtle Falls

About: Myrtle Falls is a 72’ waterfall in Washington’s Mount Rainer National Park. The waterfall is a unique sight, and you get the bonus of a view of Mount Rainer on the way to the falls. Myrtle Falls drops down a gorge by Edith Creek into Paradise Valley. 

Myrtle Falls streams down a rocky bank beyond a wooden bridge on a foggy day.

How to Get There: You can access Myrtle Falls in the spring, summer, and fall via the Skyline or Golden Gate Trail near the Paradise Inn. The falls are 0.4 miles into the easy trail. 

#2. Palouse Falls

About: Palouse Falls drops 200’ from the Palouse River into a gorge. Then it winds through the gorge’s columnar basalt to the Snake River. This waterfall is in Palouse Falls State Park, and Ice Age floods carved it more than 13,000 years ago. It’s an attraction for photographers and artists.

How to Get There: ​​The Palouse Trail will take you to the bottom falls. It’s 0.7 miles out, and the back trek has a hard rating. You can view the falls from the top by driving to them and walking a short distance from a parking lot.

#3. Wallace Falls

About: Located in Wallace Falls State Park, these magnificent falls are a popular attraction. Wallace Falls is 265’ tall. There are forests, rivers, streams, and rock walls within the state park. The best time to visit the falls is between May and October.

Wallace Falls with a big drop down to a rocky base in the woods in Washington.

How to Get There: Wallace Falls can be accessed via Woody Trail, a moderate 5-mile out and back trail. The walk to the falls comprises lush foliage and towering trees.

#4. Snoqualmie Falls

About: Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Washington. It’s 270’ and welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors annually. There is a two-acre park, a gift shop, and an upper and lower observation deck.

How to Get There: You can park next to the Snoqualmie Falls’ viewing area. The viewing platform is wheelchair accessible, and pets must be on a leash.

Traveler’s Tip: While you’re in the area, check out the spooky Snoqualmie Tunnel.

#5. Silver Falls

About: Silver Falls is in Mount Rainier National Park. The falls form a 95’ drop from the Ohanapecosh River into a narrow canyon. It flows down a series of ledges into a blue pool at the canyon’s bottom. 

The clear river at the base of Silver Falls in Washington rushes over rocks.

How to Get There: The Silver Falls Trail is a moderate 4-mile loop that takes you to the falls with a 350’ elevation gain. You’ll have views of forests, wildlife, and various foliage. 

#6. Twin Falls

About: Twin Falls is in the Snoqualmie region. One of the waterfalls’ sections has a 45’ drop. Another section has a two-stepped 30’ fall upstream, and a 20’ fall under the river’s bridge. There is also a giant 135’ horsetail drop over the rocks.

How to Get There: You can get to Twin Falls via a moderate 2.5-mile out and back hiking trail. The trail has a 636’ elevation gain. It’s also dog-friendly. 

#7. Marymere Falls

About: Marymere Falls is in Olympic National Park. The falls are 90’ tall. They cascade down the beautiful mossy rock. You’ll feel the magnitude of the waterfall when you get up close and personal.

Through the trees along the trail, Marymere waterfall in Washington crashes from high above

How to Get There: Marymere Falls is accessible on an easy 2.1-mile out and back trail from Lake Crescent. It’s typically a high-traffic trail. 

#8. Panther Creek Falls

About: Panther Creek Falls is a short distance north of Mt Hood. It’s a gorgeous 130’ waterfall in the Wind River Valley, engulfed by forest. The best time to visit is May through October. 

How to Get There: You can view the falls from above on an observation deck. Hiking to Panther Creek Falls is pleasant on an easy 0.3-mile out and back trail. You can access the trail near Carson, Washington.

#9. Tumwater Falls

About: Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a 15-acre park along the falls of the Deschutes River. It’s in a small historic town with footbridges and walking paths. There are one and a half miles of walking trails by the waterfalls, reflective pools, and rocks.

There are several sections of Tumwater Falls in Washington with bridges over the river.

How to Get There: You can drive to Tumwater Falls, located in Tumwater, Washington. From there you can park and walk to see the waterfalls.

#10. Green Lake Falls

About: Green Lake Falls is vast at 979’ high and approximately 150’ wide. It flows year-round below the remote Green Lake in North Cascades National Park. However, the best time to visit is between May and October.

How to Get There: Green Lake Falls is rather difficult to access. You can hike to it on the moderate 9.1-mile out and back Green Lake Trail.

Don’t Miss These Wonderful Waterfalls in Washington

Are you ready to visit these waterfalls in Washington state? One of the best parts of experiencing the falls is immersing yourself in forests and lush foliage. The state has a beautiful ground covering its water systems. Finding a waterfall is like gaining access to miles of beauty.

Where will you go on your trip to Washington? 

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