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 the state to visit some of these impressive Washington waterfalls!
Top 10 Waterfalls in Washington
Visiting Waterfalls in Washington
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 Rainier National Park!
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.
Myrtle Falls
Ready for an incredible view? Myrtle Falls will definitely deliver. Located in Mount 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 the 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.
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.
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.
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. You’re also nearby Puget Sound and Seattle.
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.
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!
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.
The Best Washington Waterfalls for RVers
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.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
We love that this state park offers onsite camping. This makes it super easy to enjoy the park and all it has to offer while staying in your RV.
Things to do near Wallace Falls
Explore the lake, river, and forested hiking trails of the state park before heading out. When you’re ready to move on, Seattle is 50 miles to the southwest and Bellingham is 90 miles to the north.
Planning an RV Trip to Washington
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the top waterfalls in Washington. During your visit, make sure to see some of the best state parks in Washington and stay at the best campgrounds in the state.
