The PNW is incredibly beautiful. We often pinch ourselves that we get to live in such a nature-packed, magnificent state. That’s why our team at Theory can’t wait for the weather to warm up this spring and summer, so we can get out in nature and explore! Waterfalls are one of the staples you get to experience while hiking in Washington. The high annual precipitation paired with the volcanic mountains are two major factors that contribute to the abundance of them. So, in honor of one of our favorite features in Washington, here are a few of our favorite waterfall hikes! All of them are also easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
Olympic Peninsula
SOL DUC FALLS
Rigor: Easy!
Length: 1.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 200 feet
Elevation: 2,000 feet
Depending on water volume, Sol Duc Falls splits into as many as four channels as it cascades 48 feet into a narrow, rocky canyon. There are various viewpoints of this Washington waterfall on the hike, both upstream and down—as well as on the bridge that crosses the river.
*A National Park Pass is required for this hike.
South Cascades
LOWER FALLS CREEK
Rigor: Easy!
Length: 3.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 600 feet
Elevation: 1,500 feet
You’ll hike through a young forest and cross Falls Creek before arriving at a cable suspension bridge spanning a rocky gorge. This provides stunning waterfall views. Then, less than a mile further, you’ll arrive at the waterfall. Be aware the creek crossing portion of this waterfall hike can be tricky during early season melts in Washington.
*A Northwest Forest Pass is required for this hike.
Central Cascades
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Rigor: Easy!
Length: 4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1,000 feet
Elevation: 1,600 feet
A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Serene and cascades below the east wall of Mount Index. On this hike, you’ll climb flights of steps paralleling the falls and get to stand directly beside the 100-foot rock face. However, keep in mind this waterfall hike is very popular on summer weekends in Washington!
*A Northwest Forest Pass is required for this hike.
Mount Rainier
SILVER FALLS LOOP
Rigor: Easy!
Length: 3 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 600 feet
Elevation: 2,300 feet
This is a short and sweet waterfall hike in the southeast corner of Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll hike through deep forest, climb gradually to an overlook of the Ohanapecosh River, and then switchback down to a bridge over the river, which offers impressive perspective on the waterfall and the river beneath you.
*A National Park Pass is required for this hike.
Eastern WA
PALOUSE FALLS
Rigor: Easy!
Length: 1 mile, roundtrip
Elevation: 803 feet
Do not miss Washington State’s official waterfall (does that make it Washington’s official waterfall hike too?). From the parking area, there is a nice overlook of the falls, so you do not necessarily need to hike anywhere. However, if you want to stretch your legs, there is a graveled path that winds for one-third of a mile around and through grassland and back to the parking area.
*A Discover Pass is required for this hike.
