13 Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls Near Seattle to Check Out
If you’re bored of Seattle’s urban scenery, take a break to one of the many waterfalls scattered around the city!
There are some real gems out there that not enough people know about; let’s give Mother Nature a round of applause for all the beauty she has blessed us with.
From rigorous hikes to cascades just steps away from your car – here are 13 waterfalls near Seattle you won’t want to miss!
1. Snoqualmie Falls (30 Min Drive)
Paddlers and hikers flock to the majestic Snoqualmie Falls – an impressive 268 feet of cascading beauty. You should too; it’s only a short drive away from Seattle!
Take in the stunning views from the top, or make your way to the base that offers equal amounts of grandeur.
Make sure you snap some shots for Instagram; after all, this is the spot that appears in Twin Peaks opening credits.
If you really want to get your money’s worth, book yourself a stay at Salish Lodge, located at its peak.
Enjoy incredible vistas plus a four-course breakfast – what’s not to love?
The parking lot and observation area are wheelchair accessible – so don’t worry; everyone can get in on this natural wonder.
2. Bridal Veil Falls (1 Hour Drive)
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Seattle, claiming its name from its beautiful veils made of water.
This 4-mile jaunt won’t present too much of a challenge, but the reward at the end – a 100-foot cliff crashing with water – is definitely worth it.
You’ll want to watch your step, the path can get a bit damp and slippery.
Make sure to get there early too, as the parking at this scenic gem fills up quickly during the warmer months.
3. Christine Falls (2 Hour Drive)
Christine Falls is a mesmerizing waterfall situated in Mount Rainier National Park and is just off the road – it doesn’t get much easier than that.
And if you feel like stretching your legs, the short 2-mile hike takes you to a dreamy stone bridge that’s perched above the falls, making this destination feel like something out of a fairytale.
You need to pay an entry fee or have an America the Beautiful pass, but trust us, you won’t regret it once you see the majestic 69-foot drop of the tiered cascade.
Have time to spare? You could even stay at one of the cozy campsites in the area for more time to appreciate Christine Falls’s beauty.
4. Comet Falls (2 Hour Drive)
For the die-hard waterfall fan, the trek to Comet Falls is something you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Hit two birds with one stone – accessible from Christine Falls, it’s a two-mile hike that’s doable for most – but there are bits of tricky terrain involved.
Don’t let a few rocks deter you though: the whitewater creek trail leads to a 300-foot thunderous cascade that’ll leave you in awe.
5. Myrtle Falls (2.5 Hour Drive)
A trip to Myrtle Falls will definitely treat your eyes right – it’s nestled in the foothills of Mount Rainier National Park, so you know you’re in for an eyeful. And wow – does it deliver!
The 72-foot high drop is breathtaking, with wildflowers and a stunning view of the mountain peak that puts exclamation points on the panoramic scene.
Perhaps the best part? You only have to make a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle to get there – so no excuses!
Watch as melting glacial water transforms into raging rivers that make their way down rugged rocky terrain.
Short jaunt, huge payoff – sounds like Myrtle Falls is worth rolling up your sleeves and making the trek.
However, do bear in mind that it usually only opens during spring and summer, so get ready to make some new friends in the crowds.
6. Wallace Falls (1 Hour Drive)
Looking to chase waterfalls close to Seattle? The search ends here – Wallace Falls State Park is just an hour’s drive away, and it’s the perfect place to discover nine mesmerizing waterfalls.
With 5.6 miles of well-maintained trails, this popular trek is perfect for families with dogs.
Don’t expect an easy journey though – towards the end there is quite a bit of elevation gain!
Once you make to the top, however, the reward is totally worth it; you’ll get first-class views of the falls and far less visitors.
If you really want to beat the crowds though, be sure to get up early or plan your trip during off-peak hours.
Before heading out, remember that you’ll need a Discover Pass to enter this state park.
7. Panther Creek Falls (4 Hour Drive)
Panther Creek Falls is a four-hour journey, but will be worth every second when you reach one of the stunning waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Take some time to enjoy the views as the streams rapidly rush together at the base of the falls.
The access to the waterfall trek isn’t far from the main trail, but proceed with caution; some parts can be a bit steep and slippery, so tread lightly!
8. Whatcom Falls (1.5 Hour Drive)
For nature-seekers making a trek near the Canadian border from Seattle, Whatcom Falls is an absolute must-see.
Nestled in the sleepy town of Bellingham, you can enjoy a small waterfall and an equally impressive stone bridge built in the late 1930s.
Enjoy the falls alongside forest vistas and tranquil creeks when you take on the 4-mile Whatcom Creek Trail Loop – well maintained and accessible.
9. Twin Falls (30 Min Drive)
If you are looking for an adventure from Seattle, Twin Falls is only a 30 minute drive away.
Take the 2.5 mile out and back trail, where old growth Douglas Firs watch over swimming holes and where the 45 foot high Upper Falls will take your breath away!
It’s just enough hiking for kids to feel like they accomplished something, but not too much for mom and dad (or puppies!) either.
10. Franklin Falls (1 Hour Drive)
If you’re looking to experience an adventure without breaking too much of a sweat, the 2-mile round trip hike to Franklin Falls is the place you want to be.
It’s full of surprises, too – we guarantee that your eyes will be delighted with what they find!
Pristine, blue river waters and several smaller cascading waterfalls pave the way for a grand finale: the 135 foot Franklin Falls drop, 70 feet of which you can see from the trail.
Whether it’s standing back to admire its serene beauty or getting close enough for a spritz, this waterfall is truly impressive.
If you want to experience Franklin Falls in its full glory and avoid large groups of people, arrive early as the birds do!
That way, you’re sure to get a parking space without having to pay an arm and a leg; just your Northwest Forest Pass.
Don’t forget – Discover Passes won’t get you through here; you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass or pay to park here.
11. Spirit Falls (3.5 Hour Drive)
If you’re looking for a hidden gem of an adventure, check out Spirit Falls. Just a 3.5 hour drive from Seattle and you can find this rugged waterfall paradise.
It’s a popular kayaking spot, so don’t be surprised if you stumble on a few water warriors.
The scenery is breathtaking and although it might take some leg strength to get there, it’s worth it.
The trails are unmarked and sometimes slippery so make sure your hiking shoes are ready for the challenge – but that’s all part of the fun!
12. Palouse Falls (4.5 Hour Drive)
Palouse Falls State Park will blow your mind – literally. After a 4.5 hour drive from Seattle, you’ll be amazed that something so out of this world exists so close by.
Formed 13,000 years ago when the Ice Age floods swept through the area, Palouse Falls has been majestically cascading 200 feet ever since.
This natural spectacle is every shutterbug enthusiast’s dream come true – all your Instagram followers won’t believe their eyes when they see the pictures you’ve taken!
13. Falls Creek Falls (4 Hour Drive)
Falls Creek Falls Loop is the perfect way to get a breath of fresh air and your daily dose of cardio.
At 335 feet, it is one of southern Washington’s highest waterfalls and as you go up 750 feet in elevation, you’ll get some incredible views.
The best time to visit is March through November, so put your hiking boots on and hit the trail – just remember to keep Fido leashed up.
