17 Incredible Waterfalls Near Seattle, Washington To Hike To
Beautiful mountain landscapes, mossy green forests, and miles of ocean shoreline are just a few of the incredible natural wonders in the Pacific Northwest.
On top of all of these beauties, we can’t forget about the hundreds of waterfalls that are scattered around the Evergreen State.
In this post, I’ll tell you about 17 of the best waterfalls near Seattle, Washington.
Let’s jump right in!
Waterfalls Near Seattle: Within 2 Hours
The hikes listed below are all within 2 hours of Seattle, which is just the perfect distance to escape the city and enjoy nature!
Some are closer, even within 30 minutes of the city! So choose your favorites and go chase those waterfalls.
1. Franklin Falls
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 365 feet
Distance from Seattle: 50 minutes
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
The hike to Franklin Falls is a nice, easy trail that is heavily trafficked, just before the summit of Snoqualmie Pass.
Head out for a 1-mile hike along a flat, easy trail that is marked well and great for families to embark on.
For the entire way, you’ll walk alongside the South Fork Snoqualmie River, which creates great stopping points.
You’ll quickly reach the main viewpoint of Franklin Falls and will surely be impressed by its size and beauty.
In total, there are three tiers that drop 135 feet, but you can only see 70 feet of the drop from the trail.
If you’re wanting a secluded trail with not many other visitors, this is not the one for you, because the parking lot typically fills by 10:00 am.
When I visited, I parked around 8:30 am and was done by 9:15, and people were parking a mile away from the trailhead.
So in other words, arrive early to avoid having to make this a 4-mile round trip hike!
2. Wallace Falls
Length: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Pass Required: Discover
A nice hike through large trees and ferns along the Woody Trail will lead you to the impressive, 390-foot tall Wallace Falls.
The trailhead, which is just off Highway 2, only an hour from Seattle, is easy to access, which is what makes it so popular amongst hikers.
One of my favorite parts of Washington is the lush moss that covers everything and glows a bright green when it’s wet.
Visit in the winter and spring, and you’ll be treated to getting to experience this incredible rainforest feeling.
Just when you think you should be getting close, the trail starts to head upwards, and you begin the climb to reach the waterfall.
You’ll eventually reach a lower viewpoint but continue on to see both the middle and upper views of the falls, which are the best.
3. Twin Falls
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 640 feet
Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes
Pass Required: Discover
Another waterfall along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, just a short 40-minute drive from Seattle is Twin Falls.
This unique-looking waterfall that drops down a large rock face can be reached after just over 1 mile of hiking through the forest.
I’ve seen plenty of kids on this trail, and the short distance and minimal elevation gain make it a nice one for a family hike.
About halfway to the falls, there’s a small area with a viewpoint and some benches where you can either take a rest or turn around.
Many people with littles use this as their opportunity to view the lower half of Twin Falls and head back to the car.
Once you have reached Twin Falls, you’ll know, because there is a large staircase leading down to the main viewpoint.
Check out how this strange-shaped fall drops down the rocks and flows back into the Snoqualmie River before taking the same way back to your car.
4. Snoqualmie Falls
Length: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
If you’ve ever seen photos of waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, then you’ve most likely seen a photo of Snoqualmie Falls.
This huge, roaring waterfall is found just over 30 minutes east of Seattle and is perhaps one of the most popular in Washington.
Seemingly misplaced in the middle of town rather than immersed in nature, these falls have long been visited by tourists.
Back in 1898, work began to transform the waterfall into a hydroelectric power plant that has been in working order for over 100 years.
Today, you can walk a short distance from the parking lot to a viewpoint above the falls.
Or take the winding and steep path down to the base of Snoqualmie Falls to see a different perspective.
This is an extremely busy spot, so expect there to be plenty of other visitors while you’re there!
5. Bridal Veil Falls
Length: 4.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
There are many waterfalls named Bridal Veil Falls out there, but there really aren’t any quite like this waterfall near Seattle.
Starting at the trailhead for Lake Serene, you’ll head out on a relatively uphill trail for about 1.5 miles before you reach a break in the trail.
Head up towards Bridal Veil Falls (you can continue on to Lake Serene later if you wish) and hike for another 0.5 miles up many stairs.
You’ll be able to hear them from a distance, and will see the mist spraying onto the trail as you approach it.
A huge granite slab of rock is what supports the fall of this almost 1,300-foot waterfall.
It’s an extremely impressive drop, and you won’t ever be able to see the entire thing, as it’s just too tall.
But as you get closer, you’ll want to throw on a rain jacket, as you won’t be able to avoid getting sprayed from the water as it drops.
If you choose to continue further on the trail to Lake Serene, you’ll see another portion of Bridal Veil Falls, as it continues to make its way down the mountain.
6. Whatcom Falls
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours
Pass Required: None
Whatcom Falls is a popular waterfall just 1.5 hours from Seattle in Bellingham, Washington.
The waterfall itself is accessible from just a short paved trail, so there is no need to cover the entire 4 miles if you don’t want to.
If you do end up doing the entire hike, it’ll wind through forests and you’ll forget that you’re right in town.
Being located right next to a footbridge makes this waterfall extremely photogenic and beautiful.
7. Teneriffe Falls
Length: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes
Pass Required: Discover
When in the North Bend area, most people tend to opt for the hike to Mount Si or Mailbox Peak.
But if you’re in the area and are looking for a waterfall, head to the Teneriffe Falls trailhead for a beautiful one.
This waterfall is also known as Kamikaze Falls, so you may see this name online as well.
Embark out on the trail and hike for about 1 mile before you reach a trail that says “Teneriffe Falls,” which you’ll want to follow.
After another 2 miles or so, you’ll look up and see the large waterfall cascading down a rock wall.
Along the way, you’ll have epic views of the mountains and rolling hills around you. Look for Rattlesnake Ledge on the other side of the highway.
This waterfall does tend to dry up in the summer, so it’s best visited in winter and spring.
And with just a short 40 minutes, you can be at this waterfall near Seattle, Washington.
8. Cherry Creek Falls
Length: 5.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
Pass Required: None
Cherry Creek Falls is a smaller waterfall near Seattle but is a nice little spot to get away from the city and avoid the crowds at bigger destinations.
The trail is fairly flat for the entirety of it and is good for families with children.
Once you’ve reached the waterfall, stop and enjoy a picnic lunch or allow the kids to wade in the water.
The pool at the bottom of the falls is pretty large and some people enjoy swimming in it on a hot day.
9. Keekwulee Falls
Length: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
This waterfall is found in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington, so you just know that it is going to be great!
It’s a huge fall that you can’t see the entirety of, because of its location and where the trail is.
Find the trailhead off of I-90, near Twin Falls, and follow the Denny Creek Trail for just under 2 miles.
You’ll come to a viewpoint of the 170-foot tall waterfall on the other side of a gorge-like feature.
There are two drops in the waterfall, the first totaling about 140 feet and the other about 30 feet.
Along the trail, you’ll come across something called The Slide which is a natural waterslide that flows into a pool.
10. Deception Falls
Length: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 65 feet
Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours
Pass Required: Discover
Located near Stevens Pass on Highway 2, Deception Falls is the perfect place to stop and get in an easy waterfall hike before your other adventures.
The waterfall is actually in its own state park, but many people skip over it as a wayside rest along the highway.
Powerful streams of water come thundering down the Tye River, forming the cascading Deception Falls.
Although it isn’t as huge or impressive as other waterfalls on this list, Deception Falls is definitely still worth your while if you’re passing through.
11. Coal Creek Falls
Length: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Distance from Seattle: 25 minutes
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Another moderately challenging hike through the forest, just barely 30 minutes outside of Seattle, brings you to Coal Creek Falls.
This waterfall seems to come straight out of the forest before dropping right back into Coal Creek.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick post-work hike, whether you’re in Seattle or Bellevue.
If you’re ever down for a quick escape from the bustle of the city, then take a quick drive to Coal Creek Falls and you’ll have it.
Waterfalls Within 4 Hours of Seattle
If you have a bit more time and are okay with making it a day trip, then consider one of these waterfalls that are within 4 hours of Seattle.
Although they are quite a bit further than the others, they’re worth naming and adding to your PNW hikes list.
12. Myrtle Falls
Length: 0.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours 40 minutes
Pass Required: National Parks Pass
Easily one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Mount Rainier National Park is Myrtle Falls.
Starting on the Skyline Trail near the Paradise area in the park, you’ll only need to walk about 0.4 miles before you reach the waterfall.
On a clear day, you’ll have a fantastic view of Myrtle Falls with Mount Rainier in the background.
There’s a small bridge that crosses the river that continues onto the very popular Skyline trail.
If you want to see this waterfall without other people, it’s highly recommended to visit early, as it’s extremely busy.
13. Christine Falls
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Pass Required: National Parks Pass
Here’s another waterfall in Mount Rainier that is found near the Longmire area of the park.
Park in the area that looks like a pullout near the trailhead. Because this is a small area, plan ahead on your visit.
You’ll start hitting that elevation gain right away and will have reached Christine Falls after just under 0.5 miles.
The best viewpoint of this waterfall is from the bridge that crosses right over Van Trump Creek.
From here, you’ll be looking at Upper Christine Falls, but back down by the road, there’s a viewpoint of the lower falls.
The lower falls viewpoint doesn’t require any hiking and is easy to get to.
If you’d like, continue along the trail to Comet Falls, which you can read more about below.
14. Comet Falls
Length: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Pass Required: National Parks Pass
If you have a bit more time while in Mount Rainier National Park, continue on the trail from Christine Falls to Comet Falls.
You’ll get a two-for-one with this hike, as you’ve already passed the first one and are now just on to number two.
Hike in the woods for a while and keep an eye out for some viewpoints of Mount Rainier!
Cross over a small bridge just one rail before you get your first view of Comet Falls as it dumps over a rocky cliff into Van Trump Creek.
Continue on a bit further and you’ll have made it to the final viewpoint of Comet Falls.
Turn around here to head back the same way that you came from the parking lot.
15. Marymere Falls
Length: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours
Pass Required: National Parks Pass
While you’re in Olympic National Park visiting Sol Duc Falls, be sure to add Marymere Falls to your list as well!
This tall, beautiful waterfall drops 90 feet down a rocky cliffside, surrounded by downed trees, moss, and old-growth forest.
It’s a nice easy walk to the waterfall that is family-friendly (even your littles can do it!).
The only difficult part is the stairs leading up to the final viewpoints.
Nearby is the extremely popular Mount Storm King, which you’ll pass the trailhead for on your way back to the parking lot.
For a great day spent on the trail, pair Mount Storm King and Marymere Falls together, making it about a 5-mile hike, roundtrip
16. Sol Duc Falls
Length: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours 45 minutes
Pass Required: National Parks Pass
Found in Olympic National Park, this is one of the most popular waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula.
This powerful waterfall can be reached on a short and easy trail that is suitable for most skill levels.
Splitting into three sections, Sol Duc Falls is extremely photogenic and makes for one of the most beautiful picture backdrops.
A bridge crosses right over the river, allowing you to get the perfect shot.
The green moss and ferns surrounding the falls really give it that Washington rainforest vine that you’ll see a lot of in Olympic National Park.
And as tempting as it is to get closer to the waterfall, stay behind the wooden fences for your safety.
17. Falls Creek Falls
Length: 6.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Distance from Seattle: 4 hours
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Although this is the furthest waterfall near Seattle (I know, it’s a long way. But hear me out.), I promise it’s so worth the visit.
This huge, three-tiered waterfall is found in Gifford Pinchot National Forest and is the best waterfall that I’ve ever seen.
After you’ve hiked almost 3 miles and are starting to round the final corner, you’ll get your first glimpse of Falls Creek Falls and won’t believe your eyes.
It almost feels like you have to look straight up into the sky to see the top.
Continue walking until you reach the best viewpoint, which is right in front of the falls, near the edge of the mossy cliffs.
The best way to visit Falls Creek Falls from Seattle is to pair it with a few other hikes in the area, to make the trip worthwhile.
A few of my favorites nearby include Spirit Falls, Dog Mountain, and Beacon Rock, all on the Columbia River Gorge.
Tips for Hiking in Washington
Where to Stay in Seattle
If you’re visiting Seattle to see some of these waterfalls, you’ll need somewhere to rest and replenish at night.
Here are a few great choices for your accommodations in the city.
The Mediterranean Inn — Enjoy a rooftop patio with views of Seattle’s skyline and the distant mountains. The rooms are spacious and modernly decorated.
Graduate Seattle — At the Graduate, you’ll be just minutes from downtown Seattle and can enjoy a rooftop bar, right at the hotel.
Beacon Hill Retro Home — At this beautifully updated home in Beacon Hill, you’ll be just minutes from Seattle’s best activities.
Wrap-Up: Waterfalls Near Seattle
Most created by mountain run-off, there are tons and tons of waterfalls near Seattle that are ready to be explored.
Some are within just 30 minutes, while others are a bit further drive, but each is special and worthwhile in its own way.
I hope that you were able to use this list to create an epic waterfall tour for yourself, to see some of the best in the Pacific Northwest.
