Wallace Falls Hiking Guide
Wallace Falls stacks nine separate drops into one river gorge, and the trail climbs alongside them through mossy second growth to three successive viewpoints — lower, middle and upper. The middle viewpoint faces the main 265-foot plunge head on and is where most people stop. Five and a half miles round trip and 1,300 feet of gain make it a proper hike rather than a stroll, and it runs hard all winter.
Permit: Discover Pass required to park at Wallace Falls State Park (Washington State Parks)
Three Viewpoints, Three Decisions
The trail reaches the lower falls viewpoint first, then climbs to the middle viewpoint facing the main drop, then continues more steeply to the upper. Each is a legitimate turnaround. The middle is the classic and the busiest; the upper adds meaningful climbing for a more distant angle. Knowing which one you are aiming for before you start makes this hike much easier to pace.
The Climb and the Surface
After a flat opening stretch beneath power lines the trail enters forest and begins climbing steadily on stairs, roots and packed dirt. It is well built and heavily maintained, but it is wet — this is the west Cascades and the gorge holds moisture year-round. Expect slick sections regardless of season. The stairs between the middle and upper viewpoints are the steepest part.
Winter Is the Season
Most Washington waterfalls peak in spring runoff, and Wallace does too, but its low elevation means it is fully accessible in December and January when high-country falls are frozen or unreachable. Winter storms put enormous volume through the gorge and the noise at the middle viewpoint is remarkable. Ice forms on the stairs in cold snaps, so traction devices are worth having in the pack.
Discover Pass and Crowds
Wallace Falls State Park requires a Discover Pass and the lot fills early on any decent weekend — this is one of the most popular state parks in Washington. There are toilets and a ranger presence. The town of Gold Bar sits just below, about an hour from Seattle up Highway 2, which makes this an easy day trip and consequently a busy one.
Dogs and Extending the Day
Leashed dogs are permitted and the trail suits them well, though the stairs are hard work for short legs. Beyond the upper viewpoint the trail continues toward Wallace Lake and the Greg Ball Trail, turning the outing into a much longer day for those who want it. Most people do not, and the upper viewpoint is a sensible natural end to the climb.
Hiking tips for Wallace Falls
- Decide which viewpoint you are aiming for before you start — lower, middle and upper are three quite different hikes.
- Come in winter for peak volume; the low elevation keeps this accessible when high-country falls are frozen out.
- Pack traction devices in cold snaps, because the stairs between the middle and upper viewpoints ice up.
- Buy a Discover Pass and arrive early; this is one of Washington's busiest state parks on a fine weekend.
- Continue toward Wallace Lake only if you want a substantially longer day — most people stop at the upper viewpoint.
Nearby trails to explore
- Snow Lake
- Franklin Falls
- Mount Si
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Wallace Falls is the Washington waterfall hike to do first. Use TrailMates to find Seattle groups heading up Highway 2 before the state park lot fills. Download the TrailMates app to join them.