If you are ready to check out some of the stunning family-friendly waterfalls in Washington, we go you covered! The Evergreen State is full of natural beauty and it is the perfect place for those looking for a bit of an adventure.
There are plenty of Washington waterfalls for families. Whether you are looking for short hikes in Washington with waterfalls, roadside waterfalls, or more strenuous hikes, the Evergreen State has what you’re looking for.
Hiking in Washington is super popular and there’s a remarkable amount of trails that showcase the states incredible landscape. Even if you are traveling with young children, you will want to explore some of the trails around the state that feature waterfalls. Let’s dive in and learn about the most stunning waterfalls the state has to offer!
**Keep in mind that trails and parks in Washington are closed when there are high fire risks. Be sure to check closures before you visit.
Waterfalls in Washington Map
16 Stunning Waterfalls In Washington Families Will Love
Snoqualmie Falls
Are you looking for a Seattle waterfall? One of the best waterfalls near Seattle is Snoqualmie Falls. This waterfall is just east of Seattle and is one of the most popular waterfalls in Washington state. The dramatic fall and blue pool of water below draw more than a million visitors each year.
The water falls 270 feet int the pool below. This waterfall has gotten international notoriety thanks to it being featured in the television serious Twin Peaks. It is totally free to visit the park that the waterfall calls home. The two acre park has a gift shop and observation decks for you to enjoy the falls.
The Snoqualmie Falls Lower Observation Deck is a great place to view the falls. However, if you are looking for a handicap accessible viewpoint, the upper deck is for you. What really makes Snoqualmie one of the most family friendly waterfalls in Washington is that it is involves very little walking. Less than one mile of hiking will allow you access to the falls.
Also one of the dog friendly waterfalls in Washington, you can rest assured knowing every member of the family is welcome at the park! If you want to see the falls at their more spectacular, visit during the spring runoff. When the snow on the mountains start to melt, the waterfall is powerful and amazing to see. This is a deeply loved waterfall and if you are visiting on a sunny day, be prepared for the crowds.
Comet Falls
This dreamy fantasy-like waterfall on the Van Trump Creek in Pierce County, Washington is something that you will not want to miss. With multiple drops and a dramatic 380 feet height makes Comet Falls one of the best waterfalls in Washington for families.
Best visited by families who are frequent hikers as the roundtrip total is 3.8 miles for this hike. Gaining around 1200 feet in elevation, the trail is beautiful and rewards visitors with a picturesque waterfall that you won’t be able to peel yourself away from.
If you are close to the falls, just know that you will be drenched when a swirling wind comes through. This can be fun and a part of the experience for some travelers. However, for others, you may want to keep your distance to avoid hiking back to your car wet.
Marymere Falls
Located in Olympic National Park near Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington. Only gaining 298 feet in elevation, a 1.7 mile hike out and back hike will allow you access to Marymere, making it one of the best kid friendly waterfalls in Washington.
The complete hike usually takes around an hour or less, depending on the age of your kids and their experience level. The waterfall starts as a tiny fall and then spreads out as it falls into a tony blue pool below. Like most of Washington, the area surrounding the fall is stunning and fantasy-like.
The perfect place for family pictures and memories, you don’t want to miss a visit to Marymere Falls. To get to the falls you will need to pay to enter Olympic National Park, If you don’t already have one, you may want to consider getting an Annual National Park Pass. The pass costs eighty bucks and will get you into every national park for free!
Sol Duc Falls
If you are looking for waterfalls near Forks, WA, check out the beautiful Sol Duc Falls. Sol Duc is among the best kid friendly waterfalls in Washington as a short 1.6 mile out and back trail is all it takes to see this magnificent waterfall.
On average, you can expect to spend around 45 minutes hiking to and from this waterfall. Of course, with younger kids you may need more time. The area around the waterfall is popular for hiking and camping so you will likely see others adventuring in the area as you make your way to the falls.
Sol Duc Falls is located in the Olympic National Park so there is a fee to enter the area. The best time of year to visit the fall, and the park in general, is spring through fall. The rainforests can get up to fifty inches of rain in the winter which is not ideal hiking weather.
If you are taking a tour of the town made famous by the Twilight movies, you are in for a treat. There are so many incredible things to do in Forks with kids. While you are in the area, be sure to check out some of the best restaurants in Forks as well. You can find everything from burgers and barbecue to international joints and ma and pa shops.
Palouse Falls
In southwestern Washington, you will find the beautiful Palouse Falls that drops a stunning 200 feet into a winding gorge below. This is a very popular waterfall; the picturesque natural wonder should be on everyones Washington State bucket list as it is one of the best waterfalls in Washington!
The waterfall is in Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site. The area is far away from cities and amenities so it’s important to have water, snacks, and anything else that you need for the day with you when you visit. There is an ADA walking path, a picnic area, and restrooms at the waterfall.
There’s another nearby park called the Lyons Ferry State Park that is perfect for swimming and picnicking in the summer months. If you want to spend your day out in the sun, swing by Palouse Falls and enjoy the views before heading over the Lyons Ferry State Park to spend the day enjoying time in the great outdoors.
If you like kitschy roadside stops, you will want to head north to “thatnwbus.” Around twenty five minutes north of Palouse Falls in Washtucna is a colorful abandoned bus. Children and adults alike love to write their name on the bus, spray paint characters, or scribble the date or their hometown name in sharpie on the side.
Deception Falls
Ready for some short hikes in Washington with waterfalls? Deception Falls Interpretive Trail is a short 0.6 mile loop trail that is near Skykomish WA that is perfect for families. The trail only gains around 65 feet in elevation and it takes around fifteen minutes to hike.
Among the best waterfalls in Washington state for families with young kids. With a fun bridge and beautiful scenery, you and your little ones both will love this waterfall! There’s also a picnic area near the trail head, perfect for a post-hike lunch or snack.
The Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth is less than an hour away from Deception Falls. So, if you are looking for things to do in the area, consider stopping by. The perfect place for shopping, sight seeing, and eating delicious European foods, Leavenworth is a gem in Washington. (Especially at Christmas time!)
Spirit Falls
Amazing hikes in Washington with waterfalls aren’t too difficult to find. Spirit Falls Trail will lead you to a beautiful waterfall that empties into a breathtaking turquoise pool below. The trail to the falls is quite short at only 0.7 miles out and back, but it is ranked as hard in difficulty thanks to the steep, rocky, and uneven terrain.
This waterfall is arguably one of the most picturesque hikes and waterfalls in Washington. With the unique turquoise water and the rock facing surrounding the pool below create a remarkable and photo worthy location that travelers can’t help but to visit over and over again.
Wallace Falls
Among the best family waterfalls in Washington for those traveling with older kids is Wallace Falls. It is located in Wallace Falls State Park. The 1,380 acre park is home to more than just the waterfall, there is also Jay Lake, Wallace Lake, and Shaw Lake. The beautiful natural features are worth visiting while you are in Washington.
The falls is on the west side of the Cascades and is simply remarkable. The dreamy forest around the waterfall adds to the ambience and the vibe of the site. There are rock climbing and other hiking opportunities in the area, and swimming access five miles east along the Skykomish River.
The Woody Trail will take you to the waterfall. The trail is ranked as moderate in difficulty and is roughly five miles long. If you are traveling with your doggos, you’re in luck! Leashed dogs are welcome on the Woody Trail to Wallace Falls. This waterfall hike effortlessly makes its way onto the list of best waterfall hikes in Washington.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and can be reached via a 4.2 mile out and back trail. You will want to carve out 2-3 hours to see this Washington waterfall. Ranked as moderate in difficulty, the trail gains around 1000 feet in elevation. This is one of the do friendly waterfalls in Washington by the way; dog owners unite!
Bridal Veil Falls is a photographers dream. If you are always looking for cool photo spots on your travels, you will want to be sure to add Bridal Veil Falls to your Washington itinerary. The water roars down a 100 foot rock facing before dropping into Bridal Veil Creek below.
Understandably, this waterfall is mega popular. If you are able, you will want to visit in the morning hours or on a weekday to avoid the highest traffic times. During peak times, it can be difficult to find parking. Off of Mount Index Road you will find a parking lot for 50+ vehicles.
Nerada Falls
Among the best family friendly waterfalls in Washington is Nerada Falls. This magical waterfall is reachable via a super short 0.2 mile hike that gains 100 feet in elevation. The stone wall leading down to the falls attracts eye passing by and encourages explorers to check out the falls for themselves.
The waterfall is located in Mount Rainier National Park. While the parking area to the falls is open year around, the trail can be snowy and hazardous during the winter months. There are other trails and waterfall in the area surrounding Spirit Falls, including the beautiful Ruby Falls that you could check out after your hike to Spirit Falls.
Franklin Falls
One of the best family waterfalls in Washington, Franklin Falls is an absolute beauty. A two-mile round trip hike through the Snoqualmie Pass will allow you access to the falls. The trail only gains around 400 feet in elevation and is rated as easy in difficulty, making it perfect for kids, families, and those looking for an easy hike.
If you don’t want to hike the whole distance to the falls, there is a viewpoint before you reach the waterfall where you can enjoy the falls before turning back to the beginning of the trail. If you hike all the way to the waterfall, stay alert as the rocks around the falls are very slick. Children especially should be careful on the rocks around the waterfall.
The waterfalls runs year around. However, if you visit during a lower flow period, there is more room to roam around the base of the waterfall. And visiting between April and July is when you will see the waterfall flowing the fastest.
Panther Creek Falls
You can park at the Panther Creek Falls Parking Area before starting the short 0.3 mile hike to the waterfall. If you are looking for hikes in Washington with waterfalls, Panther Creek Falls is one of the best! It can take as little as 15 minutes to hike, even with young kids, making it one of the kid friendly waterfalls in Washington.
You will find Panther Creek Falls in Skamania County, Washington. The waterfall has two drops with the largest drop dropping from a height of 102 feet. Carson, Washington, the home of the falls, is located on the border of Washington and Oregon around the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
About twenty minutes south of the falls is High Bridge. This famous bridge is high above the creek below and is a perfect place to enjoy nature and take picture of the stunning Washington landscape.
Myrtle Falls
If you have your feelers out for easy hikes in Washington, Myrtle Falls will definitely cross your radar. The waterfall was named after a woman in 1907. The hike is ranked as easy in difficulty and takes less than a mile to hike out and back to. You should plan on spending at least 30 minutes here, more if you are with young children.
When it comes to kid friendly waterfalls in Washington, it’s always good to look for hikes that aren’t steep and are relatively short, and Myrtle Falls has both of those things. While your little ones will likely love this waterfall hike, you will have to leave your doggos at home as the trail is not dog friendly.
Myrtle Falls is located in Mount Rainier National Park. There are more than 150 waterfalls in the park as Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak outside of Alaska. While you are in the park, you will find many family friendly falls. It is easily one of the best places to visit in Washington with kids.
Silver Falls
The beautiful Silver Falls near Paradise Inn is one of the best waterfalls in Washington. Silver Falls Trail in Mount Rainier National Park will take you up over 500 feet on a 2.9 mile loop trail. The hike is rated as easy in difficulty and is one of the most popular hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.
While the trail is a bit long, its low level elevation gain and easy terrain make the trail to the falls kid friendly. The waterfall is in the Ohanapecosh River. The water in the river is super clear and you can see through to the bottom in many places. The beautiful river and surrounding are something that you will want to see for yourself.
Lewis Falls
Looking for long hikes in Washington? Lewis Falls can be reached via a 8.6 mile out and back trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. While this is one of the best waterfalls in Washington for families, it is definitley best for families with older kids who are used to hiking.
You should plan on spending around four hours or more completing this hike and enjoying the waterfall. Best visited between April and November, this trail is dog friendly and the surrounding area offers more than just waterfall views.
The Lower Falls Campground sits in a gorgeous wooded area on the Lewis River next to the waterfall. There aren’t any hookups but there are sites for both tents and RVs. Picnic tables, grills, campfire rings, drinking water, and pit toilets are on site. If you are visiting the waterfall in the summer or fall, it is the perfect time for camping at the Lower Falls Campground.
Falls Creek Falls
For the last of the Washington waterfalls, let’s take a look at the remarkable Falls Creek Falls. This family-friendly waterfall has restrooms, is ranked as easy, and is 3.4 miles round trip. Falls Creek Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in southern Washington, standing at 335 feet tall.
One of the coolest things about this waterfall is that dogs are welcome to be off the leash on the trail! There’s a lovely suspension bridge over the falls that is a perfect viewpoint and a nice place for photos. Falls Creek Falls makes a good day trip from Portland which is less than an hour and a half away.
With all of these stunning family-friendly waterfalls in Washington, it is easy to see why the Evergreen State is such a hot spot for adventure-focused travelers. No matter which waterfalls you visit, you are sure to be blown away by the beauty that Washington has to offer.
So, which one will you visit first?
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