Summer is well underway and with the weather this beautiful, everyone should get a taste of the wild and wonderful PNW. One natural feature that we’re lucky to have here in Washington and close to Seattle is an abundance of waterfalls. If you haven’t hit up these beauties before, there’s no time like the present!
Here are 17 amazing waterfalls you can explore near Seattle this summer.
Snoqualmie Falls
Photo via ShutterstockIt’s an oldie but a goodie. This waterfall is classic and well known to most Seattlites considering that it is one of the closest major waterfalls to Seattle. Whether you know it from being an avid Twin Peaks fan or from the resort at the lodge it’s well worth a visit. And if you go, we highly recommend hiking down to the base.
Where: 37451 SE Fish Hatchery Rd
Bridal Veil Falls
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As you may have guessed by the name, this scenic waterfall is reminiscent of a bride’s veil. The waterfall cascades down a 100 ft cliff so we can almost guarantee that you’ll be pretty dang blown away. Plus the 4-mile hike is quite nice as well.
Where: Mt Index River Rd
Rocky Brook Falls
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We can’t even call this one a hike because it’s a 200-yard walk to the beautiful horsetail falls that is Rocky Brook. The reason why we’re throwing this one in is because you can swim at the bottom. So take a dip after that arduous walk!
Where: Hood Canal, Washington
Myrtle Falls
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If you want the most bang for your travel, heading to Mount Rainier is a great spot to see waterfalls. The park is full of them and Myrtle Falls is easily accessible while still being extremely beautiful. So this one is a must if you’re already planning on heading to the park.
Where: Mount Rainier National Park
Spokane Falls
It’s not often that you’re able to see a massive waterfall in the middle of an urban center. Spokane Falls offers you just that and some awesome ways to view it. You can check out the SkyRide which takes you across the lower falls or the pedestrian bridges that give you a glimpse of the upper falls.
Where: Spokane, Washington
Lewis River Falls
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If you want a moderately challenging hike and falls to swim in, head to Lewis River Falls. The hiking area will give you everything and more you could want in a waterfall adventure. You can also bring your pup as long as you keep it on a leash.
Where: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Palouse Falls State Park
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This one is probably one of the more unique waterfalls our state has to offer. Because unlike the others it’s not located in one of our pristine forests. Instead, Palouse Falls is on the Eastern side of the state. And while it’s a trek to get there, it’s absolutely worth it.
Where: Palouse Falls Rd
Franklin Falls
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If you want to be impressed and be able to take a dip then consider heading to Franklin Falls. There’s no need to go far for waterfalls around Seattle. This impressive waterfall is located just an hour outside of the city. And while it’s a very popular spot, it’s beauty makes it absolutely worth visiting.
Where: Franklin Falls
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Falls Creek Falls
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Real creative name, we know. But hey, it is a beautiful waterfall worth visiting! It’s actually one of southern Washington’s highest waterfalls at 335 feet and throughout your hike, you’ll climb 750 feet in elevation. Check it out!
Where: Central Gorge, Washington
Wallace Falls
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This one is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for something relatively easy with a reward at the end, then be sure to check out Wallace Falls. You can also see views of the valley and the Olympic Mountains. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Where: Wallace Falls State Park
Coal Creek Falls
Photo via WTA
If you want to see multiple waterfalls, Cougar Mountain is another great place to consider going. We’re big fans of Coal Creek as it’s a nice 2.5-mile hike with a beautiful forest waterfall. It might not be as grandiose as others on the list but it’s proximity to the city and hike length make it a great, shorter option.
Where: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
Spirit Falls
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The hike to this falls is short but boy oh boy is it steep. Don’t let the distance fool you, if you’re in for a short challenge this might just be worth it. Hopefully, you can catch some spray from the falls after.
Where: Underwood, Washington
Teneriffe Falls
Photo via WTA
If you happen to be heading towards Mount Si for blueberry picking then you need to stop by Teneriffe Falls. This waterfall is at the end of a relatively easy but rocky hike. It has a beautiful fan formation that just begs to be photographed.
Where: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area
Twin Falls
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As the name suggests, this waterfall splits off in a unique way making it appear to be two waterfalls. And while this is a popular waterfall it’s for a good reason. You can explore the pools below and there’s lots of hiking to be done in the area.
Where: Olallie State Park
Whatcom Falls
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If you’re driving up north then you absolutely have to check out Whatcom Falls. This waterfall is easily accessible but worth taking the extra time to actually see. You can enjoy not only the falls but also a historic stone bridge, built in the late 1930s by a WPA crew.
Where: Bellingham, Washington
Keekwulee Falls
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This waterfall is a bit of a whopper at 171 feet. It also just so happens to be surrounded by a beautiful mix of luscious PNW scenery. Not to mention there are multiple hikes to be done in the area. So you can make this waterfall the main event or do a few things.
Where: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Dry Falls
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Technically there’s no longer a waterfall here. But at one time it was home to what some believe to have been one of the world’s largest waterfalls. So switch up your expectations for your waterfall experience and check out an amazing landscape. Don’t worry, there are some lakes at the bottom so it’s not entirely devoid of water.
Where: Dry Falls, Washington
That’s what we have for you when it comes to the best waterfalls near Seattle. Enjoy!
