20 Amazing Waterfall Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most amazing waterfall hikes in North America. There is sure to be a trail that is perfect for you and your group, and you will not be disappointed with the scenery. The waterfalls offer a great way to cool off on a hot day, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. You can find waterfall hikes in many different parts of the Pacific Northwest, but some of the best include places like Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Each state has its unique falls to offer visitors, so be sure to do your research before you go. Many different companies offer guided tours of the area, so you can be sure to get the most out of your experience. The following are the 20 best waterfall hikes in North Pacific that should add to your itinerary.
20. Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park
Marymere Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Olympic National Park. The trail is only 0.8 miles long, but it is a moderate hike with some uphill sections. According to Tripstodiscover, The reward at the end is a beautiful 90-foot-tall waterfall that drops into a stunning pool below. It is recommended to start your hike early in the day to avoid the crowds, and you should also bring plenty of water as there is no water available on the trail.
19. Palouse Falls – Palouse Falls State Park
The 198-foot Palouse Falls is the tallest waterfall in Washington and the centerpiece of Palouse Falls State Park. The three-tiered falls plunge into a deep gorge, and a viewing platform at the top of the falls offers stunning views. There are several hiking trails in the park, and in the spring, wildflowers blanket the hillsides. However, the beauty of the space presents some natural challenges and safety concerns. For that reason, the park has closed certain areas including the plunge pool. Visitors are not allowed to swim at the park in any area.
18. Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park
This pretty 200-foot waterfall is located in the heart of Olympic National Park. The best time to see Sol Duc Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. The short (1.6-mile) hike to the falls is an easy one, making it a great option for families or those looking for an easy day hike. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with views of the pretty cascade as it tumbles over a series of rocks into a pool below.
17. Comet Falls, Mount Rainier National Park
This 320-foot tall cascade is one of the most popular waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, and for good reason. The hike to Comet Falls is short and easy, making it a great option for families or those looking for an easy day hike. According to Wildandtrekking, The trailhead is located just off of Paradise Road, and the hike to Comet Falls takes you through a beautiful old-growth forest. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be treated to views of the cascade as it tumbles over a series of cliffs into a pool below.
16. Boulder River Falls, Mountain Loop Highway
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly waterfall hike near Seattle, look no further than the Boulder River Trail. This 3.8-mile roundtrip hike follows the Boulder River through a lush old-growth forest to several small waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it a great option for kids or beginners. The falls spun like a top, the water a blur of white and green as it plummeted over the edge of the cliff and into the pool below.
15. Rocky Brook Falls – Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Rocky Brook Falls is one of them. This waterfall is located in the Olympic National Park and is accessible via a short hike from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The falls plunge over 100 feet into a picturesque pool below. When the weather is right, you can even see a rainbow amid the falls. This is an unforgettable sight and a must-see for any waterfall lover.
14. Myrtle Falls, Mount Rainier National Park
When most people think of waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, Myrtle Falls is probably one of the first places that come to mind. And for good reason – it’s one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the state of Washington. According to Ordinary-adventures, The Myrtle Falls hike is short and easy, making it a great option for families with small children. The trailhead is located just a short walk from the Paradise visitor center in Mount Rainier National Park. From the trailhead, the hike to Myrtle Falls is less than a mile round trip. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it an easy hike for most people. The highlight of the Myrtle Falls hike is, of course, the waterfall itself. Myrtle Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
13. Latourell Falls, Oregon
Just a short drive from Portland, you’ll find the 249-foot Latourell Falls. This waterfall is one of the most accessible in the Pacific Northwest, and a great option if you’re looking for an easy hike with a big payoff. The 1.2-mile loop trail to the falls is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it perfect for families or beginners. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the cascading water. The best time to visit Latourell Falls is during the spring or early summer when the water flow is at its highest.
12. Panther Creek Falls – Columbia River Gorge, Washington
At a whopping 140 feet, Panther Creek Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. The hike to get there is just under three miles and relatively easy, making it a great option for families or those looking for an easy day hike. This is a popular sport in the summer, so be prepared for crowds. When you reach the falls, there are several different options for viewing. There is a large viewing deck that gives you a great overview of the entire waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is also a trail that leads down to a swimming hole at the base of the falls. Be careful though, as the rocks can be slippery.
11. Dry Creek Falls, Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest, and Dry Creek Falls is one of its best-kept secrets. This hidden gem is located just a short drive from Portland, making it the perfect place for a quick day trip. The trail to the falls is short and easy, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels. The falls themselves are gorgeous, tumbling over a moss-covered cliff into a pool below. The best time to visit Dry Creek Falls is in the spring or summer when the water is flowing at its strongest.
10. Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, and for good reason. According to Wedreamoftravel, It’s tall (620 feet), picturesque, and easily accessible from Portland. There’s even a historic lodge at the base of the falls. The hike to the top of the falls is short but strenuous, with a few hundred feet of elevation gain. But it’s worth it for the views from the top. This is a great hike for families or anyone looking for a relatively easy waterfall hike.
9. Snoqualmie Falls – East of Seattle, WA
Just a half-hour drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions. The 268-foot waterfall is easily accessible, with a short 0.7-mile hike to an observation deck that provides stunning views of the falls. For a longer hike, follow the trail 2.6 miles to the bottom of the canyon. Snoqualmie Falls is located within the Snoqualmie River National Recreation Area, which offers plenty of other opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, picnicking, fishing, and rafting.
8. South Falls – Silver Falls State Park
South Falls is the second largest falls in Silver Falls State Park and is one of the most popular. The South Falls Loop Trail takes you to the base of the 177-foot waterfall, where you can get an up-close and personal look at the power of this natural wonder. This 4.2-mile loop trail is considered easy to moderate and takes you through a forest of Douglas fir, hemlock, and maple. The trail also passes by several other waterfalls, making it a perfect hike for those who love nature’s beauty.
7. Punch Bowl Falls, Oregon
Punch Bowl Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state of Oregon. The waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge, and it’s a great place to hike and take in the scenery. The falls are about 80 feet tall, and they flow into a pool that’s perfect for swimming in on a hot day. The hike to the falls is about 1.5 miles round trip, and it’s rated as being moderate in difficulty. It is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, and it’s a great place to visit all year round. In the winter, the falls freeze over and create an ice sculpture that’s truly a sight to behold.
6. Shoshone Falls – Twin Falls, Idaho
Shoshone Falls is one of the most amazing waterfall hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The falls are located on the Snake River and are about 212 feet high. The hike to the falls is about 1.5 miles round trip and is rated as easy. The best time to visit Shoshone Falls is in the spring when the snowmelt from the mountains is at its peak. The falls are also pretty in the fall when the leaves are changing color. You can also take a boat tour of the falls, and there’s a viewing platform where you can get a great view of the falls. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several campgrounds in the area.
5. Mesa Falls – Ashton, Idaho
Mesa Falls is two waterfalls in one – an upper and a lower. The Upper Mesa Falls is 112 feet tall and the Lower Mesa Falls is 69 feet. Combined, they make for one of the most spectacular waterfall hikes in the Pacific Northwest. To get to the trailhead, take the Ashton exit off I-15 and head east on Highway 47 for about 12 miles. The trailhead will be on your right, just before the Mesa Falls dam. The hike to Upper Mesa Falls is about 1.5 miles round trip and is considered easy to moderate. The trail is well-maintained and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The views of the canyon and waterfall from the top are well worth the effort. To get to Lower Mesa Falls, continue on the trail past Upper Mesa Falls for another half mile or so. The trail then descends steeply down into the canyon – use caution as it can be slippery. Lower Mesa Falls is less crowded than Upper Mesa Falls and just as beautiful.
4. Whatcom Falls -Bellingham, WA
Whatcom Falls is an 850-foot waterfall located in Whatcom Falls Park, just south of Bellingham. The waterfall is accessible via a short, easy hike from the parking lot, making it a great option for those looking for a quick and easy waterfall fix. This is a great option for those looking for an easy and accessible waterfall hike. The falls are only a short distance from the parking lot, making them perfect for a quick stop on your travels. This is a great place to visit if you are looking for an easy, accessible hike with a beautiful waterfall payoff.
3. Cascade Falls – Orcas Island
Cascade Falls is located on Orcas Island in Washington’s San Juan Islands. The falls are situated on Cascade Creek, which flows down from Mount Constitution. The hike to the falls is relatively short and easy, making it a great option for families or those looking for a quick and easy waterfall hike. The falls themselves are beautiful, with several tiers of cascading waterfalls. Cascade Falls is a great option for those looking for an easy and scenic waterfall hike in the Pacific Northwest.
2. Narada Falls – Mt Rainier National Park
When you’re driving through Paradise on your way to Narada Falls, keep your eyes peeled for the roadside waterfalls that gush down the lush hillsides. According to Planetware, At Narada Falls, a tiered 100-foot waterfall tumbles over granite rocks into a pristine pool of water. The trail to the falls is only 0.6 miles long, making it a great option for families or those looking for an easy hike with a big payoff. The Narada Falls trailhead is located on the left side of the road just before you reach Narada Falls. Parking is available along the road near the trailhead. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take extra care when walking on the rocks near the waterfall, as they can be slippery.
1. Madison Falls – Olympic National Park
When visiting Olympic National Park, be sure to add Madison Falls to your list of must-see sights. This 40-foot waterfall is located just a short hike from the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. The trail to the falls is an easy one, making it perfect for all ages and abilities. According to Embracesomeplace, once you arrive at the base of the falls, you’ll be treated to a stunning view. You will want to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Madison Falls. But be sure to take care when approaching the edge of the falls, as the rocks can be slippery.
