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One of the best components about dwelling in Seattle is what quantity of hikes there are in the state. You may easily do a new hike every single day and nonetheless not see them all! Some of the most stunning ones are the waterfall hikes near Seattle, as these give you a shocking reward at the end of your trek.
You may have seen a few of these Instagrammable spots near Seattle on social media however not have identified where they’re. I know the frustration, so I’m sharing the information on these waterfall hikes in Washington so you possibly can go to yourself. Hiking is my favourite outdoor activity, so I’m all the time joyful to encourage others to get out as well!
This information will tell you where all the most effective waterfall hikes near Seattle are as nicely as waterfall hikes in Washington State which might be further away in case you wish to spend an extended time exploring. You’ll wish to add a few of these to your Washington State bucket list!
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What to Pack for Seattle Waterfall Hikes
What you pack for visiting waterfalls near Seattle will depend on how far you’re going and the way long the hike is. You might not want something in addition to water and snacks if you’re doing quick waterfall hikes near Seattle.
Here is the naked minimum I recommend bringing for any hike:
If you might be hiking Seattle waterfalls within the winter, ensure to verify out my comprehensive list of winter hiking clothes. This information covers what further garments you’ll want to stay heat and dry as nicely as gear that can make your hike easier within the snow, such as microspikes or snowshoes.
When hiking round Seattle in the summer, you’ll have to double the amount of water and sunscreen you have so that you don’t get dehydrated or burned.
One of the best assets to have a look at for in-depth data on trails is the WTA. You can try your particular hike and read the latest trip reviews, which will let you know if there’s snow, the roads are drivable, and more.
11 Waterfall Hikes Near Seattle to Check Out
These waterfalls near Seattle, Washington are listed in order of proximity to Seattle, as everyone has a unique thought of what “near Seattle” means. You can use it to pick straightforward waterfall hikes near Seattle or make a Seattle day journey out of it and go on some further waterfall hikes in Washington State.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Stevens Pass
Distance from Seattle: fifty six miles
Length: 4.zero miles RT
Elevation achieve: 1,000 toes
Another favorite by many locals, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the top waterfall hikes near Seattle to take a glance at. Unlike a few of the others on this record, you can get up right next to the falls during your hike thanks to the set of stairs that run subsequent to them.
The water flows from close by Lake Serene, so the extra water the lake has, the stronger its waterfall. This is one other hike that you’ll need to start early on due to how well-liked it is.
If you wish to lengthen your hike, head back to the fork on the trail that led you to Bridal Veil and continue on to Lake Serene.
2. Snoqualmie Falls
Location: Snoqualmie
Distance from Seattle: 29 miles
Length: 1.4 miles RT
Elevation achieve: 250 toes
Snoqualmie Falls is certainly not a hidden gem, as it’s on almost everyone’s listing that visits the realm and is doubtless certainly one of the most popular locations to see in the Pacific Northwest. The hike is considered one of the greatest waterfall hikes near Seattle since it’s not only short however wheelchair accessible, so almost anyone can enjoy it. As you can see within the image above, it’s also a beautiful fall hike in Washington when the leaves start to turn.
This hike can be one of the best winter hikes in Washington, as you don’t have to worry about snow being a difficulty when visiting. Some individuals select to park on the top and just view the waterfall from the observation deck, however I recommend going down the trail to get a different vantage point at the backside.
3. Cherry Creek Falls
Image through Flickr by Terri StewartLocation: Duvall
Distance from Seattle: 30 miles
Length: 5.0 miles RT
Elevation acquire: 450 ft
Cherry Creek Falls is a popular summer hike in Washington because of being one of the nearer waterfall hikes near Seattle. You’ll follow the creek for virtually all of the hike till you get to the waterfall. There’s additionally a bridge alongside the means in which if you’re on the lookout for more photo-ops.
You can technically cool off in the water in the summer, but don’t get near the waterfall to remain secure. Most individuals just get pleasure from grabbing a spot by the falls and having their snack or lunch earlier than they head again.
4. Twin Falls
Location: North Bend
Distance from Seattle: 36 miles
Length: 2.6 miles RT
Elevation achieve: 500 ft
One of the most effective waterfalls near Seattle is Twin Falls, as it’s near the town and brief. I like this hike because you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photographs of the water, as there are different spots along the trail that it peeks out.
While you might be tempted to cease the first time you see the waterfall, I encourage you to proceed on the trail to see both the decrease and upper parts. In the end, you’ll cross a large bridge to see what’s technically the third a part of this waterfall.
5. Teneriffe Falls
Image by way of Flickr by TrailspotterLocation: North Bend
Distance from Seattle: 36 miles
Length: 5.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,585 toes
Hikers in search of waterfall hikes near Seattle, Washington that can get their legs burning will love the elevation gained in a brief period of time at Teneriffe Falls. There can be snow on this hike during the winter, so you would possibly want to wait until late spring to have a neater time climbing it. That stated, it’s a wonderful Washington spring hike to go on.
With 22 switchbacks, you’re sure to get in a workout to be proud of. You’ll see parts of the falls as you go up the trail, however hold going till you reach the viewing space for the higher falls.
6. Wallace Falls
Location: Gold Bar
Distance from Seattle: forty seven miles
Length: 5.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,300 toes
Wallace Falls is certainly one of the most popular hikes within the area as a outcome of there are so much of totally different areas to take effortless photographs. For this cause, I suggest starting early if possible to beat the crowds (especially in the summer!).
There are 9 totally different waterfalls in the park, so be positive to keep going to see all of them if you’re up for it. This alone is what makes it one of the stunning waterfall hikes near Seattle.
If you’re in search of an excellent Seattle hike and brewery mixture, you’ll have the ability to try Timber Monster Brewing Company on the way in which again. They have quite lots of beer and food to gasoline up with after your hike.
7. Franklin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Distance from Seattle: fifty one miles
Length: 2.0 miles RT (or eight miles RT in the winter)
Elevation gain: four hundred feet
You can visit Twin Falls all all yr long, and in the summertime it’s solely a brief two-mile hike. This makes it nice for beginner hikers or households, and you’ll love the reward on the finish.
However, I personally suppose visiting within the winter is the most magical time to go to. As you possibly can see within the picture above, a part of the waterfall becomes frozen and offers it a enjoyable look. You should notice that the primary highway is closed throughout this season, so you’ll should park outdoors of it and account for an extra three miles each way.
While you don’t have an extreme amount of elevation achieve, you’ll need to be positive to convey winter hiking boots or snowshoes if the snow is deep. This gear will assist you could have traction on the inclines.
8. Coal Creek Falls
Image through Flickr by Orion KahzaLocation: Bellevue
Distance from Seattle: thirteen miles
Length: 2.5 miles RT
Elevation gain: 416 ft
When you’re in search of waterfalls near Seattle that won’t take up much of your time, you’ll want to take a look at Coal Creek Falls. This hike is the closest one to town on this record so you’ll be able to easily do it in the morning or even after work. Many folks also love that this is certainly one of the shorter Seattle waterfall hikes and a simple Washington hike with children.
You’ll be in the stunning Cougar Mountain space however feel like you’re distant from the town. This area was filled with coal miners, so go searching throughout your trip to these waterfalls within the Seattle area. If you look closely alongside the trail, you can see large holes from the old days when miners received coal out underneath.
9. Comet and Christine Falls
Location: Mount Rainier
Distance from Seattle: a hundred miles
Length: 4.4 miles RT
Elevation achieve: 1,361 toes
These are a few of the most spectacular waterfalls in Washington, and you’ll stroll from one to the opposite. You will want to pay the $30 entrance charge to get into the park, or you can use your America the Beautiful pass.
If you wish to make a weekend out of it and discover more hikes within the space, you probably can try some of the cute Airbnbs in Washington in the space. Mount Rainier has lots to do and see, so you’ll wish to spend some time right here should you can.
Before visiting a national park, I always recommend trying out the us National Park Service web site to see any important updates or closures relating to the park. This is especially true in winter, as a variety 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 acquire: 500 feet
Marymere Falls is an easy hike to get to if you’re already on the Olympic Peninsula spending in the future in Olympic National Park. Due to its brief distance, it’s also one of the appropriate family-friendly waterfall hikes near Seattle. Many folks also think about it top-of-the-line hikes in Olympic National Park because of how accessible it’s.
While going during the summer time means the trail won’t be as muddy, I like visiting in the course of the winter. The waterfall is often at its strongest then with a rise in water, making it top-of-the-line waterfall hikes in Washington. It’s additionally a perfect factor to do in the fall in Seattle when you’re trying to get out for the day.
If you want to take a look at more waterfalls while you’re within the space, plan an Olympic National Park road journey to see some lovely hikes! You can even look at places to remain in Olympic National Park if you want to make it a multi-day journey.
eleven. Myrtle Falls
Location: Mount Rainier
Distance from Seattle: 108 miles
Length: 0.eight miles RT
Elevation acquire: none
Myrtle Falls is probably one of the most photographed waterfalls in Washington, so going here is a must if you spend one day at Mount Rainier. One of my favorite waterfall hikes in Washington has a completely flat trail that’s also paved so wheelchairs and strollers may even go on it. You’ll park at the Paradise parking zone and stroll to the right of the mountain to get right here.
If you wish to extend your Washington hike, I advocate continuing to the 5-mile Skyline Trail, which is by far my favorite within the park. You’ll undergo meadows, see wildflowers if you’re there mid-summer, and stand up shut and personal with the mountain earlier than looping back right down to the car parking zone.
Whether you choose certainly one of these waterfall hikes near Seattle or decide to explore all of them, you’ll end up with some stunning photographs to share. Enjoy!