Aptly named the “Evergreen State,” Washington state is home to vast, beautiful natural land. From Mount Rainier to scenic waterways, there’s so much to explore in this Pacific-Northwest state, including awe-inspiring waterfalls.
From mountainside falls gushing from the snowmelt to gallons of water falling over cliffsides, these are the 10 most beautiful Waterfalls in Washington State.
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If you're visiting Washington for a short time, you can't leave without a visit to Snoqualmie Falls. As the most famous waterfall in the state and one of the best attractions near Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a must-see. It’s also one of the tallest waterfalls in Washington.
You may have noticed the falls appear in the opening credits of Twin Peaks, the cult classic set in Washington. Today, the 270-foot waterfall features a walking trail and lodge overlooking the area.
For the ultimate experience, stay at the Salish Lodge and Spa, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the falls and the opportunity for a four-star dining and spa experience.
For a shorter visit, the interpretive trail takes you on a short walk around the bottom of the falls. The path is less than a mile long and easy to traverse. While Snoqualmie Falls' most significant flow is in the spring, tourists crowd the region in the summer when the weather is warm.
Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Seattle
About 40 miles north of the city of Walla Walla is a beautiful ancient waterfall nestled in the heart of Palouse Falls State Park.
The falls date back to Ice Age and have been flowing for more than 13,000 years. Their stunning beauty – and the fact that it’s one of the largest waterfalls in Washington – is what designated them as Washington’s state waterfall.
There are three observation areas to get the best look at this stunning waterfall. The lower viewing area is the most accessible. It’s also a popular spot for painters and photographers looking to capture Palouse Falls’ natural beauty.
The Washington wilderness is alive and well in Palouse Falls State Park. Spend a night camping in one of the state park’s popular camping spots or take some time to explore the 94-acre park. A weekend in this natural splendor will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Address: Palouse Falls Rd, Washtucna, WA 99143
Marymere Falls is one of the most accessible and beautiful spots in the Olympic National Park. Located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington, the falls is home to one of the park's best hiking trails and incredible natural scenery.
The hike itself, located about 30 minutes west of Port Angeles, is less than two miles to Marymere Falls. The flat trail makes it easy to traverse, and the old, overgrown greenery makes for a shady, scenic stroll. Lake Crescent and the Lake Crescent Lodge are also nearby.
Though the 90-foot Marymere Falls is a stunning must-see Washington waterfall, take some time to walk the trail. There are many scenic views, from high vantage points overlooking the lagoon to an unforgettable sight of Pyramid Peak.
Address: Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Just about an hour from Seattle in the heart of the Cascade Mountains is Wallace Falls, a 265-foot waterfall reached by a strenuous trail, not for the faint of heart.
If you're an avid hiker and want a good challenge with an excellent reward, this 5.6- mile round trip trail is for you.
Access the upper part of these impressive falls (surrounded by a state park named after them) by a series of steep switchbacks and a gain of more than 1,300 feet in elevation.
If you're not looking for a significant challenge, the middle falls are an excellent resting point before the steepest part of the trail begins.
As you make your way to Wallace Falls, stop and admire the evergreen beauty of the area. Despite its rugged nature, the hike to Wallace Falls is very popular in the summer. Hikers looking for fewer crowds should head out in the early morning.
Address: 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251
The very accessible Myrtle Falls comes with an unforgettable view: an outrageously gorgeous backdrop of Mount Rainier.
The paved walkway to the falls is just 0.3 miles, but you could spend an entire day overlooking the cascading water and the magnificent mountain in the distance.
The falls are located in Mount Rainier National Park, and it's one of the most famous falls in Washington state. As you walk toward Myrtle Falls, take in the glacial, snowy peaks that make up the Cascade Mountains. With such breathtaking vistas, it's no wonder Myrtle Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Washington.
The 72-foot waterfall is located in the Paradise area of the park. From Paradise Inn, follow the signs toward Golden Gate Trail. A short branch off the trail leads to the falls. While at the park, consider staying in one of its historic lodges or exploring one of the many scenic trails.
Address: Mt Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304
Sol Duc Falls, situated on the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula, features a 1.6-mile round trip hike through Olympic National Park.
Visitors need a parking pass to park and hike to the falls. There are also opportunities to stay the night at a campsite.
As you make your way there, you'll feel like you've stepped into a different ecosphere. The surrounding ancient trees and crystal blue waters liken the falls to a luscious rainforest.
The vibrant greenery complements the gray Washington weather. In the winter, the snowcapped peaks and wildlife make for an unforgettable adventure.
To reach the falls, drive past Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. While visiting, consider exploring the resort to add to a magical trip to Olympic National Park.
Address: Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Mount Rainier National Park is home to numerous amazing hikes to scenic places, including Spray Falls. Located in the northwest region of the park near Mowich Lake, Spray Falls is found at the end of a 2.25-mile hike. The 350-foot waterfall will catch your breath as it tumbles down the rocky, mossy cliff.
The hike itself is a scenic and popular one as well. It begins on the part of the Wonderland Trail (the only trail that goes around Mount Rainier). Hikers also pass by Eagle's Cliff, which provides a beautiful overlook at the surrounding landscape. If you want a more challenging hike, extend your time along the trail and head to Spray Park, a sprawling alpine meadow.
The hike is easily traversed in a day but features rough terrain along the way. At Spray Falls, visitors feel the mist spraying off the rocks. There are viewing areas from afar, but adventurers wanting a closer look can climb onto big boulders nearby.
Address: Mount Rainier National Park, WA 98304
A secluded section of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is home to one of the Columbia River Gorge region's hidden gems: Panther Creek Falls. The entire area is well-known for its secret waterfalls.
The falls plummet 70 feet into a clear blue pool of water. Just a short walk to a wooden observation area, you’ll find yourself enamored by the falls cascading over large, moss-covered rocks. The hike to the falls is less than a half-mile, making it easy for the whole family to take in the beautiful sights.
A trail to the lower falls gives you access to see the three tiers of Panther Creek Falls. During the rainy season, the path becomes more complicated from mud and rocky areas. Use caution if you want to venture this way.
Address: NF-65, Carson, WA 98610
Located near Panther Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the North Cascades, Falls Creek Falls is a must-see if you're looking for a simple hike with beautiful waterfall views. The four-mile round trip takes you on a scenic walk through an overgrown forest.
You can end your hike at the first waterfall or continue to the top to take a view of the upper falls. The 250-foot falls is worth the trek. The two-tiered magnificence of this natural phenomenon will leave you in awe.
Falls Creek Falls requires more walking to access them, unlike many waterfalls in the region. So, there aren't as many crowds. You'll be able to take in natural beauty and surrounding nature in peace.
Address: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Located in the southwest region of Mount Rainier National Park, Comet Falls is known as one of Washington's largest waterfalls and magical scenery.
The 3.8-mile round trip hike to the falls is very strenuous, with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet. However, Comet Falls and the walk to it are magnificent and worth the challenge.
Follow the uphill hike to get to the 320-foot falls. You’ll head past small cascades and rushing creeks. There are many waterfalls along the way, including Van Trump Falls, another towering, unforgettable Washington waterfall.
Upon reaching Comet Falls, you'll stand in awe at the water, plunging hundreds of feet through a glacier-cut gorge. The evergreen trees and mossy rocks add to the breathtaking scenery. If you have more stamina in you, continue your hike upstream and relax in a beautiful alpine meadow.
Address: Mt Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304