15 Beginner Hikes That Lead To Gorgeous Waterfalls In Washington

Not every jaw-dropping waterfall hike requires peak fitness or hours on the trail. Some of Washington’s most serene cascades are just steps away, hidden behind easy paths and quiet forests. If you love nature without the strain, these peaceful trails belong on your list.

Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham

Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham features paved paths that make reaching the main 20-foot waterfall a breeze. Spread across 241 acres, the park is home to four different waterfalls, each with its own charm. Fall colors pop here, and the historic WPA bridge adds a timeless backdrop perfect for photos and relaxed afternoons.

Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Pass

At only 2 miles round-trip and 400 feet elevation gain, Franklin Falls delivers a rewarding finish with a 70-foot waterfall huddled between towering cliffs. The trail tracks Denny Creek and offers solid footing. Snowshoers find winter especially magical here, with a fresh, snowy view of the falls.

Silver Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

Silver Falls in Mount Rainier National Park tumbles 40 feet into a clear, turquoise basin surrounded by forest. The trail winds alongside the Ohanapecosh River, where ancient cedars create a serene setting. Far less crowded than most in the park, it offers 350 meters of elevation gain through old-growth scenery that feels worlds away.

Panther Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot Forest

Just a third of a mile from the trailhead, Panther Creek Falls spreads wide across rugged basalt cliffs in a stunning fan-like flow. Several viewing platforms give you fresh perspectives of this hidden gem, and its light crowds and nearby campground make it perfect for an overnight escape in Gifford Pinchot Forest.

Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park

Marymere Falls is a 1.8-mile hike featuring a mild incline through a lowland forest. The 90.5-foot waterfall cascades near Lake Crescent, where a short tunnel marks the trailhead. This route bursts with spring wildflowers and is a favorite haunt for banana slugs, making their slow trek through the woods.

Spokane Falls, Spokane

Right in the heart of downtown Spokane, this fall roars through Riverfront Park in two dramatic sections—Upper and Lower Falls—with a combined drop of over 100 feet. You can admire the view on foot or ride the SkyRide cable car for a sweeping look. As night falls, the city lights give the waterfall an extra glow.

Madison Creek Falls, Olympic National Park

A paved, ADA-accessible trail leads just 0.1 miles to the gentle 50-foot drop of Madison Creek Falls. Present near the Elwha River restoration zone, this Olympic National Park gem is also stroller-friendly and dotted with peaceful picnic tables. Elk and river otters are occasional visitors, adding to the calm atmosphere.

Twin Falls Trail, North Bend

Just 2.6 miles round-trip with 525 feet of elevation, Twin Falls Trail near North Bend reveals two breathtaking waterfalls along the South Fork Snoqualmie River. Open year-round and easily accessible off I-90, the trail winds through mossy old-growth forests, wooden bridges, and birdwatching spots.

Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic Peninsula

Sol Duc Falls Trail offers a short, easy hike of 1.6 miles with a gentle incline. The trail leads to a spectacular triple-stream waterfall cascading into a mossy gorge. A wooden footbridge provides an impressive top-down view, and after the hike, visitors often unwind in the nearby soothing hot springs inside the resort.

Falls Creek Falls, Carson

One of Washington’s tallest cascades, the 335-foot, three-tiered Falls Creek Falls is located within a 3.4-mile round-trip trail that gently slopes through moss-draped forest. Wooden footbridges and the option to extend your hike to the upper tiers make it a rewarding route that often feels blissfully secluded.

Cherry Creek Falls, Duvall

Cherry Creek Falls Trail in Duvall winds through quiet forest paths and former logging roads, ending at a serene 25-foot waterfall that spills into a swimmable pool. It’s a 5-mile round-trip with just 450 feet of gain, which is ideal for casual hikers. Located in a peaceful residential area, the trail stays fairly quiet on off-peak days and is welcoming to dogs.

Bridal Veil Falls, Stevens Pass

The steady 4-mile round-trip hike to Bridal Veil Falls climbs 1,000 feet along a roaring creek surrounded by rugged rock formations. This trail rewards hikers with a stunning 100-foot fan waterfall. In late summer, wild huckleberries dot the path, and just a short distance away, the panoramic views of Lake Serene add extra beauty to the experience.

Coal Creek Falls, Cougar Mountain

Near the suburbs of Bellevue and Issaquah, the 7.5-mile Coal Creek Falls loop winds through a lush forest filled with sword ferns and Pacific trillium. Along the way, hikers encounter a 28-foot multi-tiered waterfall that flows strongest in spring. The trail also shares the area’s coal-mining past through informative signs.

Narada Falls, Mount Rainier

Narada Falls drops 176 feet in a misty curtain, best viewed from the overlook after a brief uphill walk. Sunny days here sometimes reveal shimmering rainbows in the spray. Situated just off Paradise Road in Mount Rainier National Park, the historic stone bridge at the top adds an old-world charm to this iconic stop.

Rocky Brook Falls, Brinnon

Just a short 0.1-mile stroll down a paved utility road brings you face-to-face with Rocky Brook Falls—a 229-foot fan-shaped cascade located in Brinnon’s lush rainforest. In summer, sunlight often casts rainbows through the mist, while the shallow pools below draw waders and weekend photographers alike.