Searching for a good hiking trail can be difficult. We are so lucky here in Washington to have access to hundreds of trails, and the Seattle area is no exception to this. While one of the best parts of living in the PNW is the abundance of waterfalls and the trails that lead up to them, having so many different options can make picking the perfect trail a challenge. Here is a short list of waterfall hikes near Seattle that we think are worth exploring.
Franklin Falls Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 354 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, but on a leash
Fees: Northwest Forest Pass is required
Franklin Falls is the perfect trail if you’re searching for a forest hike with access to water. The trailhead is about an hour away from downtown Seattle. When you get to the trail, a short walk through the trees leads you to one of Washington's iconic waterfalls. You get mossy trees, mushrooms, wildlife, and river views. The length and elevation gain make it a perfect hike to bring kids along on to.
While many people choose to do this hike in the winter, please be aware that this will add some extra mileage to your trip as the road is closed a few miles before the trailhead. Pack accordingly, and enjoy your hike!
Wallace Falls
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1300 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, but on a leash
Fees: Discover Pass is required
Wallace Falls is another awesome waterfall hike near Seattle. Even though it’s just a little over an hour away from Seattle, when you’re on this trail you feel like you’re deep in the forest. The trail starts out walking along the river, and then you begin your ascent up the mountain. You quickly get a view of the waterfall that you will want to stop and take a look at. Don’t call it a day at the first viewpoint though, there are multiple different locations you will want to stop at on your way to the top.
To make the most of your day, we recommend a good pair of waterproof shoes, a raincoat, and a lunch that you can enjoy at the top.
Cherry Creek Falls
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 300 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, but on a leash
Fees: None
Cherry Creek Falls is only about 45 minutes away from Seattle, so if you’re looking to save on driving time this is a great option. This is a very well maintained trail and a great one to bring kids along for. You hike along a beautiful trail for 2.5 miles until you come up to the iconic falls. Because this is so close to Seattle you’re likely to see quite a few people on the trail. It is known as one of the busier trails in the area.
Be sure to stay on the trail and avoid disrupting the nature around you, it’s important to keep this in mind when hiking highly trafficked trails like this one.
