Now that spring is here and the high elevation snow is melting, the waterfalls around the Cascade Loop are raging! Many of the waterfalls can be seen from the road, and for a few you have to pull off the highway and take a short trail – or a longer trail. If you enjoy the sound and spray of waterfalls, add one or two of these to your itinerary!
Be watchful as you drive through these areas, as water might be cascading off the hillsides at the edges of the roadway, from spring through the summer.
IMPORTANT: Many of these waterfalls are in locations with limited or no cell service, and GPS isn’t always reliable. Make note of actual driving directions before you head out.
As you head east along Highway 2 toward Stevens Pass, look left (north) as you approach Gold Bar and you will see Wallace Falls in the distance, surrounded by forest. To get a better look, turn on First Street and follow the signs to the State Park parking lot. This is a popular hike on summer weekends, so plan to arrive early, or better yet, visit mid-week.
The falls consist of three tiers of water rushing over rock and timber with trails to viewpoints to see each of the three tiers.
The hike to the top of the falls is 2.8 miles, with 1300-foot elevation gain.
Driving Directions: On Highway 2 at Gold Bar, turn left onto 1st Street, then drive .4 miles and take a right onto May Creek Rd. In 1.3 miles there is a Y-junction, proceed left to the parking lot.
Discover Pass required to park at Wallace Falls State Park
Photo by Andy Porter
On the west side of the Stevens Pass summit on Highway 2, at milepost 56, the Deception Falls National Recreation Area is a great place to stretch your legs, and let the pup and kids release some energy. Picnic tables, restrooms and a variety of trails make this a favorite during summer, although the gate will be closed in winter months.
Part of this trail system includes a half-mile ADA trail (watch ADA Video here) which offers the chance to cross a bridge over the raging water. In addition to the ½ mile accessible trail, hikers can follow other, rougher trails through the refreshing forest that offer fresh air and quiet.
No pass needed to park or recreate here!
Driving Directions: East of Skykomish at Milepost 56, the parking area is on the north side of the highway. If traffic is heavy, you might want to continue to Stevens Pass Ski Area to turn around and approach from the east.
Click to learn more about the Deception Falls Recreation Area, a great picnic spot!
Photo by Pete Freund
A view of 312- foot Rainbow Falls is an experience unto itself as to reach the waterfall you must travel to the remote community of Stehekin, only accessible by boat. Book a ride on a Lake Chelan Boat Company passenger ferry which offers several combination trips to the head of the 50-mile long lake throughout the day. Plan to spend the day exploring the Stehekin Valley, Rainbow Falls, Buckner Orchard One-Room Schoolhouse and Stehekin Pastry Co. You can rent bikes for the 3.5-mile trip to the falls, or arrange to ride one of the shuttles available for the purpose.
Book your trip online a Lake Chelan Boat Company vessel to reserve your space. This trip is very popular in the summer.
On the North Cascades Highway (SR20) two miles east of Newhalem, you will find a parking area that offers accessible restrooms and a short interpretive trail with expansive views of Gorge Lake and Gorge Dam. For views of the 242-foot Gorge Falls, you’ll need to walk the pedestrian walkway to the bridge. Water flows year-round, with the largest amount in spring and early summer during snowmelt.
No pass required
Driving Directions: The parking area is on Highway 20 at milepost 123.4, east of Newhalem.
Ladder Creek Falls is behind the Gorge Powerhouse just east of Newhalem. Cross the foot suspension bridge to the powerhouse and follow the signs for a short loop trail (less than half a mile) that takes you through manicured gardens that have been delighting visitors to the Skagit Hydroelectric Project for over 75 years. Some steep steps with handrails.
Directions: At milepost 120 park across the river from the Gorge Powerhouse.
No pass required
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