The Best Waterfalls in Washington

Washington is full of water and mountains, which means excellent waterfalls! In this post, you’ll find the best waterfalls in Washington: where they are, trail information, and of course, pictures. And maybe some bonus tips thrown in along the way!

One of the best and worst things about Washington (for this California desert transplant) is the quantity of water we have here. 

It rains…a lot. It can be irritating sometimes in the cooler months when you’re craving a clear blue sky day and all you can find is drizzle, but it’s also what makes Washington state spectacularly gorgeous. We have endless greenery and incredible waterfalls!  

Me, pumping myself up for a wet hike along the river. Sometimes, the stoke is higher than others.

After living in the Seattle area for several years, we’ve visited our fair share of waterfalls. Here are some of the best Washington waterfalls to hike to, a couple to visit that don’t require hiking, and one that I’d skip.

The Best Waterfalls in Washington

On this map, you can find all of the waterfalls in this post.

1. Bridal Veil Falls, WA

Bridal Veil Falls Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bridal Veil Falls Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Bridal Veil Falls Trail distance and elevation: 4 miles roundtrip, 1000 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Bridal Veil Falls is located off of highway 2 near the town of Index. It shares a trailhead with the famous Lake Serene, and if you’re ambitious, you can do both in one day.

But Bridal Veil Falls is worth a visit in and of itself, and makes for an easier day hike than Lake Serene. It’s a forested trail that winds gently upwards until you reach some lovely mountain views and the waterfalls themselves, which careen down dark gray rocks that are simply stunning. I’d return here again and again.

2. Murhut Falls

Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Murhut Falls Pass needed: None
Murhut Falls Trail distance and elevation: 1.6 miles roundtrip, 250 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Murhut Falls Trail

If you’re looking for the most underrated best waterfall in Washington, Murhut Falls might be for you. It is the prettiest least crowded waterfall trail we’ve been on! Murhut Falls is also short and easy, making it ideal for families and people of all ages. The falls are located on the Olympic Peninsula near Dosewallips State Park, on and a quiet peaceful trail.

Otter Falls

Otter Falls Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Otter Falls Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Otter Falls Trail distance and elevation: 11 miles roundtrip, 650 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Otter Falls Trail

So Otter Falls is a commitment in terms of length, but it’s really flat, so you can cover distance quickly. In fact, I think this trail would be excellent for trail running if you’re into that (we did indeed see some trail runners on this trail shortly after I was musing how it would be perfect for that).

Possibly because it’s a bit longer, this trail is pretty quiet and lesser known than some of the other trails in the area. And the falls at the end are unique, making Otter Falls one of the best waterfalls in Washington.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls distance from Seattle: 40 minutes
Twin Falls pass needed: Discover Pass
Twin Falls trail distance and elevation: 2.4 miles total, 940 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Twin Falls Trail

A classic waterfall near Seattle, you can’t go wrong with Twin Falls. Everyone loves it here. The trail itself is lovely, with a river right along the beginning portion of the trail and a fabulous waterfall as the reward.

There are many little viewpoints you can appreciate along the trail and it’s doable for everyone, making it one of the best waterfall hikes in Washington. My brother in law once even ran this trail with a toddler on his back in the rain! Twin Falls is a perfect half day activity for the family.

5. Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Wallace Falls pass needed: Discover Pass
Wallace Falls trail distance and elevation: 5.6 miles roundtrip, 1300 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Wallace Falls Trail

Wallace Falls boasts a tall, multi-tiered waterfall in a peaceful wooded park off of highway 2. I’ve visited in November twice, and April once, and each time it’s been gorgeous. There are various lookouts where you can appreciate the waterfalls from different vantage points. The bridge on the trail is iconic too, and great for photos. I wrote an entire post about Wallace Falls State Park. Read it here!

6. Teneriffe Falls

Teneriffe Falls distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
Teneriffe Falls pass needed: Discover Pass
Teneriffe Falls rail distance and elevation: 5.6 miles roundtrip, 1585 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Teneriffe Falls

Another trail that is less trafficked, Teneriffe Falls is a solid workout in the Mount Si area that ends at this spraying waterfall. Plan to go in wet season (November-April) because in the summer it gets pretty dry.

The latter portion of the trail is rocky and root-filled so be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring your poles.

7. Marymere Falls

Marymere Falls distance from Seattle: 3 hours
Marymere Falls pass needed: National Park Pass
Marymere Falls trail distance and elevation: 1.8 miles roundtrip, 100 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Marymere Falls Trail

To be honest, this Marymere Falls isn’t super impressive. It could be classified as a bit more than a trickle at times (this is from a January visit when water levels should theoretically be high).

However, it gets a mention for a couple reasons: the trail to the waterfall is through old growth forest, and it’s a pleasant/easy excursion. I’d recommend Marymere Falls as an add on to hiking Mount Storm King or for families with younger or older members who would benefit from a relaxed trail.

Bonus: two beautiful waterfalls that don’t require (much) hiking.

Narada Falls

Narada Falls is on the way to the Paradise entrance of Mt. Rainier and it merits a stop and a stroll. 

Rocky Brook Falls

Rocky Brook Falls, on the Olympic Peninsula near Dosewallips State Park, requires about 5 minutes of walking to get to the waterfall, and it’s striking. The water looks like it could be a good spot for a dip in the summer months.

Hot take: Franklin Falls isn’t as great as others may have you believe. While the falls themselves are nice, you can see the freeway overpass from the waterfall viewpoint!  I probably wouldn’t include it on a best waterfall hikes in Washington list as a result.

There are many other waterfalls that you can explore, but these are the best waterfalls in Washington that I’ve been to so far!