Colonial Creek Falls in North Cascades National Park is not only the tallest waterfall in Washington, but it is also the tallest waterfall in the continental United States. North Cascades National Park is sometimes referred to as the American Alps, with its majestic mountain peaks capped with over 300 glaciers, and its many lakes and mighty waterfalls.

The most common view of Colonial Creek Falls is from a few miles away, though it's often obscured by snow. The cascade falls 2,566 feet down Colonial Peak, in 13 distinct drops.
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For a panoramic view of the falls in the distance, follow State Highway 20 for 14 miles from Newhalem, until you reach the Ross Dam Trailhead. The waterfall can be seen approximately five miles away, southwest of the trailhead, coming down the face of Colonial Peak. You may get another glimpse of the waterfall two miles southwest of the Ross Dam Trailhead on State Highway 20, near the bridge that passes over the Thunder Arm of Diablo Lake.
Well-seasoned hiking enthusiasts, accustomed to blazing their own trails, have, on occasion, made it up close to the falls.
Richard Droker/Flickr
These thrill-seeking adventurers start at Colonial Creek, near the Colonial Creek Campground at Diablo Lake, initially following the trail on the southeast side of the creek up to the base of the waterfall. The trail eventually peters out and those who push on just keep heading upwards, towards Snowfield Peak.
If you are looking to do some camping in your travels, check out the nearby Colonial Creek Campground.
Kirk Y./Flickr
The campground is divided by State Highway 20 into north and south sections, near mile marker 130. The north campground has 41 campsites, and the south campground has 94 campsites, surrounded by forest on Diablo Lake. Enjoy fishing from the pier, boating, hiking, and ranger-led programs.

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Revel in a beautiful view of Diablo Lake from the Diablo Lake Vista Point on State Highway 20, just north of the Colonial Creek Campgrounds.
Joel Hartz/EyeEm via Getty Images
Later, go for a swim, paddle a canoe, or fish for rainbow trout.
To marvel at the beauty of a more accessible waterfall in the park, make a visit to nearby Ladder Creek Falls.
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The .4-mile loop trail to Ladder Creek Falls begins in the town of Newhalem, along State Highway 20 at milepost 120. Park across the river from the Gorge Powerhouse, cross the suspension foot bridge, and then climb the stairs up to the waterfall viewing points. At night, the waterfall is illuminated with colored lights.
Gorge Creek Falls is one more waterfall worth visiting in North Cascades National Park, with water flowing 242 feet down the rocky gorge.
Jeff Gunn/Flickr
Pick up the .5-mile trail two to three miles east of Newhalem on State Highway 20. Make sure to stand on the bridge, on the other side of the street, for another amazing view of the waterfall. There is an additional bonus waterfall just east of the bridge that you can spot as well.

Don’t miss your chance to see the tallest waterfall in Washington — and the continental United States — when you visit Colonial Creek Falls in North Cascades National Park. Once you are in the park, stay awhile to enjoy the other natural wonders waiting for you there. For more information, visit the National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park.

Have you explored the waterfalls in North Cascades National Park? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! You can also take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list before embarking on your adventure.

And, for related content, check out our list of the most spectacular waterfalls in Washington:

The Ultimate Washington Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here – And You’ll Want To Do It

 

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More to Explore

Natural Wonders In Washington

Beth C. | April 02, 2024

What are some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Washington?

Washington is a nature lover's dream come true! Below you'll find a list of some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Washington:

  • Mount Rainier
  • Palouse Falls
  • The Ape Caves
  • The Hoh Rainforest
  • The Columbia River Gorge
  • Mount Saint Helens
  • Dry Falls
  • North Cascades National Park
  • The Enchantments
  • Deception Pass

 

Washington is truly stunning, no matter the time of year you visit. If you're curious to learn more about what makes each of the above destinations so remarkable, be sure to check out our full list of the best and most beautiful natural wonders in Washington.

 

What are the best waterfalls to see in Washington?

Now that you've learned about the most famous North Cascades Falls, it's time to venture into the other waterfalls in Washington state. Below you'll find a list of the best waterfalls to see in Washington:

  • Strawberry Bay Falls in Third Beach
  • Marymere Falls
  • Madison Creek Falls
  • Rocky Brook Falls
  • Murhut Falls
  • Spoon Creek Falls
  • Merriman Falls

 

Looking for more? We've also compiled a list of some easy-to-access waterfalls in Washington, which you'll find listed below:

  • Narada Falls
  • Myrtle Falls
  • Merriman Falls
  • Madison Creek Falls
  • Spokane Falls
  • Marymere Falls
  • Panther Creek Falls
  • Tumwater Falls
  • Sunbeam Falls
  • Rocky Brook Falls

 

What makes these waterfalls so appealing is that they are hiding in plain sight -- there's no hiking required! Learn more about these waterfalls in Washington that are relatively easy to get to.

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Colonial Creek Falls, Washington 98283, USA