As you might expect, the state of Washington is full of amazing waterfalls. From the well known falls of the national parks to lesser known but no less beautiful waterfalls across the state, we’ve had a hard time narrowing them down to the top 10 list. So if you’re a waterfall hunter, be sure to take an RV trip through Washington to visit some of these impressive waterfalls!
Waterfalls in Washington
1. Spray Falls
2. Marymere Falls
3. Myrtle Falls
4. Snoqualmie Falls
5. Franklin Falls
6. Wallace Falls
7. Rocky Brook Falls
8. Lewis River Falls
9. Whatcom Falls
10. Narada Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in Washington
With so many amazing waterfalls in Washington to choose from, where to begin? We’ve pulled together 10 of our favorites for you to check out.
1. Spray Falls
Located in the Mowich Lake area of Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll have to hike to see the incredible Spray Falls. As you might guess, it was named for the amount of spray coming from the 350+ foot waterfall. Hikers start at the Wonderland Trail and pass Eagle’s Cliff overlook, which provides amazing views of the park. A short spur trail takes you to Spray Falls Viewpoint to see the epic waterfall. The hike is between 4.5-6 miles round trip, depending on if you stop at the falls or continue to Spray Park.
Things to do near Spray Falls: If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can continue the trek to Spray Park and the beautiful wildflower meadows in summer. Then explore the rest of Mount RainierNational Park! We’ve pulled together a guide for the park, and have you covered with RV rentals nearby.
2. Marymere Falls
Another amazing waterfall in a national park is Marymere Falls. This 90-foot cascade waterfall is located on the western side of the state in Olympic National Park and is a fantastic and easily accessible waterfall hike. The trailhead is west of Port Angeles near Crescent Lake, and it’s a 2 mile round trip hike through old growth forest to the falls.
Things to do near Marymere Falls: There’s plenty to explore in Olympic National Park, so after you’ve hiked to this waterfall, visit some of the other amazing landmarks like Hoh Rainforest or Rialto Beach. Need an RV? We have a great selection of local rentals.
3. Myrtle Falls
Ready for an incredible view? Myrtle Falls will definitely deliver. Located in Mt Rainier National Park, Myrtle Falls offers an amazing waterfall view, and on a clear day you’ll see Mt Rainier in the background! The hike is easy to this waterfall, it’s 0.6 miles round trip down a paved trail from the Paradise parking area. It’s one of the most photographed areas of the park, so be prepared for some crowds if you go on the weekend or during busy season.
Things to do near Myrtle Falls: After viewing Myrtle Falls, there are other trails that lead off to other waterfalls and the Nisqually Glacier. You’re in the Paradise area of the park, so it’s easy to visit Reflection Lake, Inspiration Point, and the Visitor’s Center. And if you need an RV rental, we’ve got you covered.
4. Snoqualmie Falls
One of the most famous Washington waterfalls is Snoqualmie Falls. The 270-foot waterfall is located in Snoqualmie, WA. If it looks familiar, it’s because this waterfall was shown in the opening credits of the cult classic TV show Twin Peaks. There’s an observation deck at the top of the falls, and a 1.6 mile interpretive trail that leads visitors through the forest to a lower observation deck at the bottom of the falls.
Things to do near Snoqualmie Falls: At the top of the falls is the Salish Lodge for fine dining, a gift shop, and a spa, while train lovers will want to check out the Northwest Railway Museum located a few miles down the road. Snoqualmie is also less than 30 miles from Seattle, and just over 100 miles from Olympic National Park.
5. Franklin Falls
Another beautiful waterfall near Seattle is Franklin Falls. Situated inside Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this waterfall can be reached via a short hike that’s easy for the whole family to visit. The trail is well maintained with a small amount of elevation gain, with some rock steps and bridges. Hiking the trail reveals Franklin Falls. While the falls are actually a set of three tiered waterfalls with a drop of 135 feet, only the last tier can be seen from the trail. But it’s still an impressive 70-foot drop.
Things to do near Franklin Falls: It’s less than 30 miles from Snoqualmie Falls, so these are two waterfalls that are easy to do in the same day. You’re also around 100 miles away from Mount Rainier National Park and 50 miles to Seattle.
6. Wallace Falls
Wallace Falls is another popular waterfall that can be accessed by hiking trails. Located in the Central Cascades in Wallace Falls State Park, this waterfall has three different sections – the Lower, Middle, and Upper falls. It’s a 5.6 mile hike round trip with a 1300-ft elevation gain, but most of that comes at the end of the hike to get to Upper Falls. If you’re looking for an easier hike, you can see the Lower and Middle Falls which have amazing views without the strenuous hiking. If you’re looking for a challenge, a series of switchbacks will take you up to the Upper Falls where the trail ends.
Things to do near Wallace Falls: Explore the lake, river, and forested hiking trails of the state park before heading out. You can even camp there! When you’re ready to move on, Seattle is 50 miles to the southwest and Bellingham is 90 miles to the north.
7. Rocky Brook Falls
Located on the Olympic Peninsula, Rocky Brook Falls is another waterfall on our list that is easy to access. Formed by the Rocky Brook falling into the Dosewallips River valley, this waterfall is 229-feet tall and requires next to no hiking to view. There’s a small parking area on the road with very little signage, but a short five minute or so walk down a walking path will bring you to the falls.
Things to do near Rocky Brook Falls: The waterfall is located near Brinnon, and you’re right next to Olympic National Park. We’ve pulled together a guide for all the best things to do there. You’re also nearby Puget Sound and Seattle.
8. Lewis River Falls
In the southwestern part of Washington in the Lewis River Region sits Lewis River Falls. This waterfall takes a bit of a hike to visit, with the round trip trail being 8.8 miles long. However, the hike is a gorgeous trek along the river through moss covered old growth fir and cedar trees. There are three different sections, Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are 43 feet tall and 200 feet wide. Heading upstream will bring you to the smaller Middle Falls, and continuing on the trail will lead you to the impressive Upper Falls.
Things to do near Lewis River Falls: You’re in the southwestern part of the state, which makes it easy to see Mt. St Helen’s National Volcanic Monument, as well as Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is also just a short drive to the south.
9. Whatcom Falls
The next waterfall on our list is the highlight of Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, Washington. Whatcom Falls is best seen from the stone bridge, which is just a short walk down the paved pathway from the parking lot. Depending on the time of year and how much rain has fallen, the waterfall can be as wide as 40 feet. Due to its easy accessibly and kid friendly features of the park, this is a great waterfall for families to visit.
Things to do near Whatcom Falls: the waterfall isn’t the only feature of the park, there’s 5 miles of hiking trails, an off leash dog area, a swimming hole, fish hatchery, and even an old railroad trestle. Then explore the rest of the city! We have a guide to Bellingham to help you find the best things to do, eat, and see. And we have you covered with RV rentals!
10. Narada Falls
We’re rounding out our list with another beautiful waterfall in Mount Rainer National Park. And it’s another waterfall that’s incredibly easy to view! Narada Falls is located along the Paradise-Longmire Road. There’s a viewpoint at the parking lot, or you can take the short but steep trail to the bottom of the falls for another viewpoint. The trail can get slippery so be careful when hiking down.
Things to do near Narada Falls: This is another waterfall in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park, which means there are plenty of amazing things to do nearby. This includes Myrtle Falls, as well as other waterfalls that we couldn’t even fit on the list like Martha Falls and Upper Sunbeam Falls.
Planning an RV Trip to Washington
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the top waterfalls in Washington, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Washington, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
