12 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Washington

With a nickname like the Evergreen State, it comes as no surprise that Washington State is most famous for its natural beauty. Sure, there are loads of evergreen forests, but there are also crystal-clear rivers, breathtaking mountain peaks, and, of course, beautiful waterfalls to explore. With that in mind, we've put together a list of some of the very best waterfalls in Washington, and it does not disappoint.

Whether you're looking for the tallest waterfalls in Washington or researching for your next waterfall road trip, we're confident that this list will have you covered. Without further ado, let's start exploring, hikers!

Tallest Waterfalls in Washington

If you're putting together a waterfall bucket list, you'll probably want to start with the tallest waterfalls in Washington. The following places are truly bucket-list-worthy, as you'll gather from looking at the waterfall photos below.

1. Colonial Creek Falls, Newhalem

• Location: Newhalem, Washington
• Popularity: It's a hidden gem and not typically very busy.
• Need to Know: It's the tallest waterfall in Washington. It's located inside the North Cascades National Park. Getting up close to it requires a fairly steep hike, making it not as accessible as others.

Many folks don't know about the tallest waterfall in Washington, also known as Colonial Creek Falls. It's located deep within the Cascade Mountains in Newhalem, Washington, and tumbles an astounding 2,568 feet. In fact, it's the tallest waterfall in the continental U.S.! Also, it's just a few short miles from Highway 20, making it somewhat easy to access.

2. Johannesburg Falls, Cascade Pass

• Location: Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park, Washington
• Popularity: It's a hidden gem; not many people visit this waterfall.
• Need to Know: Viewing this waterfall often involves hiking the Cascades Pass Trail, which is subject to closures during the winter or inclement weather. Check the National Park Service website for more information.

The towering Johannesburg Falls, near the Cascade Pass, is absolutely remarkable. It's sourced from smaller glaciers of Johannesburg Mountain and descends nearly 2,400 feet, culminating in an astounding 800-foot vertical drop. Despite being one of the state's tallest waterfalls, it's lesser known because it has a relatively slight volume, going relatively unnoticed. But once you see it, we think you'll agree that it's magical.

3. Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Serene

• Location: Lake Serene, South Fork Skykomish River, Washington
• Popularity: This spot is pretty popular; you're bound to run into people along the trail, and the parking lots can get a little crowded, especially on weekends.
• Need to Know: The trail can get muddy and wet, so wear waterproof gear and hiking boots to stay dry. The 4.4-mile hike is moderately difficult, but perfect for families.

Perhaps the only word to describe Bridal Veil Falls is majestic. This natural wonder cascades 1,328 feet directly from Lake Serene to the South Fork Skykomish River in Washington state. The crown jewel of this waterfall is a 150-foot-wide-drop that will simply take your breath away. This is a super popular hike in the spring and winter, and you'll often see people with their kids and dogs along the trail. Plan to get there early so you can secure a parking spot.

Best Waterfall Hikes in Washington

Calling all hikers: One of the best parts about visiting or living in Washington is the chance to enjoy some world-class hiking trails. And that certainly includes waterfall trails. Below, you'll find some of our absolute favorite waterfall hikes in Washington. So lace up those boots and get hiking.

4. Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park

• Location: Olympic National Park, Near Lake Crescent, Washington
• Popularity: This is a very popular waterfall and hiking area.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter Olympic National Park; you can purchase an America the Beautiful pass to visit for free.

Craving a magical hike through an old-growth forest? Look no further than the Marymere Falls Trail, which offers an immersive experience in the woods. You'll depart from the Storm King Ranger Station on a paved path for about .5 miles. Then, the path leads to a junction, where you'll want to veer left, passing by a gorgeous mossy scenery. After crossing Barnes Creek and Falls Creek, the trail ascends 200 feet into a ravine. And this is where the real magic happens: the loop trail offers two viewpoints of the 90-foot-high Marymere Falls.

5. Twin Falls, Olallie State Park

• Location: Olallie State Park, Washington
• Popularity: This waterfall and trail are super popular.
• Need to Know: You'll need to purchase a Discover Pass before entering and exploring the state park. There are also several different ways to access the trail from the road, so keep that in mind when driving.

An adventure through breathtaking forested landscape awaits on the Twin Falls Trail in Olallie State Park. Before leaving, be sure you have your Discover Pass in your car. The trail is accessible from Exit 34 or Exit 38 off of I-90, making it a convenient day trip destination that's also suitable for the whole family. The trail will begin eastward along the beautiful South Fork Snoqualmie River, passing a perfect overlook of the Lower Falls, tumbling over a 150-foot cliff.

6. Wallace Falls, Wallace Falls State Park

• Location: Wallace Falls State Park, Washington
• Popular: This park is very popular and can get busy, especially on the weekends and on sunny days. Be sure to plan and get there early for a parking spot.
• Need to Know: You also need a Discover Pass to enter (or you can pay a $10 day fee). There are also several trails and overlooks to explore in the park.

Take a 4.9-mile hike along the Woody Trail to discover a truly mesmerizing waterfall. The hike will begin eastward from the parking area, and after about two miles, you'll encounter a stunning series of nine cataract waterfalls that make up Wallace Falls. As you can probably imagine, this hike is popular, so it's a good idea to get there as early as you can, especially on the weekends. Access to the park requires a Discover Pass, too.

Accessible Waterfalls in Washington (No Hiking Required)

Experiencing some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington doesn't always require a long hiking trail. In fact, there are plenty of accessible waterfalls in Washington, and they're dazzling. Check them out below.

7. Narada Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Popularity: A very popular destination, especially on sunny days, weekends, and the summertime.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but you can get in for free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Regular day fees are $30 per vehicle. Stay up to date on seasonal road closures and avalanche warnings on the National Park Service website.

Narada Falls is located just 17 miles east of the Nisqually entrance in Mount Rainier National Park. This particular waterfall is stunning and open year-round. In fact, it's viewable from the upper pullout in the parking area. If you're interested in seeing the lower waterfall, you'll want to wait until springtime. This waterfall is particularly popular, given that it's the largest waterfall in the park that's accessible by car.

8. Myrtle Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Popularity: This is a very popular destination.
• Need to Know: A fee is required to enter the park, but you can get in for free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Regular day fees are $30 per vehicle. Stay up to date on seasonal road closures and avalanche warnings on the National Park Service website.

There's no doubt about it: Myrtle Falls is gorgeous. From the Paradise parking area within Mount Rainier National Park, you'll travel along the paved trail for just 0.4 miles. After admiring the falls, you can continue for a longer hike, or rejoin the trail and continue back toward the trailhead and parking lot. This is one of the more accessible waterfall lookouts in the state—just be sure you bring a park pass to enter.

9. Spokane Falls, Spokane

• Location: Spokane, Washington
• Popularity: This destination is very popular.
• Need to Know: Parking can be difficult to find in downtown Spokane, so you might have to take a short walk from your car to the waterfall site.

Located in the heart of downtown Spokane, Spokane Falls consists of a beautiful waterfall and dam. At one time, the waterfall was the site of the native Spokane people, who called the waterfall Stluputqu. The series of waterfalls along the Spokane River totals 146 feet, with the tallest waterfall being Spokane Falls. The falls are viewable from the namesake park, and there's even a gondola that lets you enjoy the truly unique view of the water.

Best Waterfalls Near Seattle

If you live in Seattle or you're planning a trip there, you might be curious about the best waterfalls near Seattle. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from. Below, you'll find our top three recommendations.

10. Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie

• Location: Snoqualmie, Washington
• Popularity: This spot is very popular.
• Need to Know: The free parking lot on the upper level can get crowded, but there is lower-level parking for $7.

When it comes to the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington, Snoqualmie Falls may just take the cake. About 40 minutes from Seattle, this Washington waterfall is easy to get to and even easier to love. With Salish Lodge directly above, the waterfall tumbles 268 feet, creating the most stunning spectacle. Folks visiting the waterfall will discover a 2-acre park as well as a gift shop. It's estimated that more than 1.5 million people visit the falls every year.

11. Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Pass

• Location: Near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
• Popularity: This is a very popular destination.
• Need to Know: The Franklin Falls Sno-Park is closed to motorized vehicles during the winter due to weather. Several roads in and around Mount Baker National Forest are also closed during the winter season.

About an hour and a half from downtown Seattle, Franklin Falls makes for an excellent day trip destination in Washington. Getting there means following a well-maintained trail for about 1 mile (2 miles round trip) without much elevation gain. This 70-foot waterfall is quite a sight to behold. Just be sure to check the weather conditions and trail updates to make sure they're still accessible during the time of year you want to visit.

12. Rocky Brook Falls, Brinnon

• Location: Brinnon, Washington
• Popularity: Somewhat of a hidden gem, meaning it's often less crowded.
• Need to Know: Driving to the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle sometimes requires boarding the Washington State Ferry to get to the other side of the state. Ferry fees are required and will vary depending on your vehicle size and the number of passengers.

A hidden gem on the Olympic Peninsula, Rocky Brook Falls is a waterfall every outdoor enthusiast should experience at least once. From the parking area, you'll walk a mere 200 yards to the stunning waterfall. The waterfall is located about two hours from Seattle, but it's well worth the drive, especially if you're looking for a waterfall swimming hole during the summer months.

There you have it: 12 of the very best Washington state waterfalls. Which do you hope to visit first? If you're already dreaming up your day trips or weekend getaways to see these stunning cascades, check out Only In Your State's itinerary planner to help guide your plans. It'll help you find the best lodging, best hiking trails, dining, and attractions near the falls.