5 One-Day Washington Waterfall Road Trip Guides
Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of our favorite ways to experience it is through a scenic road trip. With many waterfalls scattered throughout the state, a day trip spent exploring them is a must-do activity. Below are plans that range from exploring waterfalls in lush rainforests to little-known gems with added viewpoints and trails to explore as a bonus on each route. Pack some snacks and hit the road to see Washington’s best waterfalls!
5-day trip itineraries (click to jump to a region):
East of the Olympic National Park
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
North of the Olympic National Park
Parking passes
Most trails in Washington require you to hang a parking pass on your windshield. There are three different passes, with some overlap in coverage. Each vehicle that you have parked at a trailhead will need a pass. Most trailheads don’t have places to purchase passes, so get them beforehand at your local ranger station, REI, or online.
Free days: There are free days for Washington state and national parks too. Check here to see the list of dates for state parks, and here for national parks, or visit your local library to borrow a Discover Pass.
Bonus: You can feel good about purchasing these passes because the money goes towards supporting the trails and employing park/trail staff.
-
The Discover Pass covers all of Washington’s state parks. They’re $12 for a day pass or $35 for the annual pass. This is the only pass that covers state parks.
-
The America the Beautiful Pass covers parking in all U.S. national parks, but also national forests as well. This is the pass we use most often because it covers such a broad range of areas. It costs $80 for an annual pass.
You can also buy national park passes specific to the national park you’ll be visiting. This costs $30 for a seven-day pass or $55 for an annual pass per park. These passes don’t provide national forest coverage, and since there are three national parks in Washington, the America the Beautiful Pass is a great investment.
-
The National Forest Pass is $10 for a day pass or $30 for the annual pass. They’re valid in Washington and Oregon and are required for so many hikes. If you plan on buying an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers national forest land too, so you don’t need both.
Lake Quinault
This is possibly the most underrated location in the Olympic National Park. Here you’ll enjoy lush, green rainforests, wildlife, and beautiful scenery all the way around the lake.
If you’re interested in making it a weekend trip, there are plenty of campgrounds, cabins, and the Lake Quinault Lodge to stay in.
Season: Year-round (a great rainy-day activity!)
Time needed: 2+ hours.
Best for: Anyone looking for a relaxing getaway for the day.
Waterfall at Falls Creek Campground
Park at the Quinault Loop Trailhead next to the Lake Quinault Lodge. The lodge and lake are great attractions themselves. Stop in the lodge if you have an interest in seeing one of the three Olympic National Park lodges or want to visit the lakeshore.
To reach the waterfall here, take the more scenic route by walking on the Quinault Loop Trail which starts near the Lake Quinault Lodge. Following that trail to the shore, then head to the right, away from the lodge. Follow the lakeshore until it converges with a stream. Once at the stream, follow it upriver until you reach the falls.
If you’re interested in a more direct route from the Quinault Loop Trailhead parking lot, head to the right, away from the lodge walking through the parking lot for the Pacific Ranger District Office and a third, emptier lot. Here, you’ll find a trail that connects to Quinault Loop Trail and falls near the abandoned-looking building. Soon you’ll come upon a bridge and the falls will be upstream to the right. Either route shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to walk.
The area next to the falls is a reservable campsite. If there are people camping, please respect their privacy.
Trail description: Washington Trails Association/Alltrails
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 40 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Bonus: Check out the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree
After your visit to the waterfall at the Falls Creek Campground, stop by the Big Spruce Trailhead down the road to see the world’s largest Sitka Spruce tree.
Herd of elk on the way to Merriman Falls
Merriman Falls
On your way here, be on the lookout for elk. There is a herd that wanders this area often, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch them grazing in the meadow across from the Elkhorn Ranch. Once at Merriman Falls, pull off the road and enjoy! It’s right off the road and flows year-round.
Trail description: Alltrails
Distance: 0 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 0 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Bunch Falls
From Merriman Falls, it will take about 15 minutes to reach Bunch Falls. The road turns to gravel, but it’s usually in good shape. The waterfall is right off the road and well worth the stop. If you’d like to extend your drive, continue driving on this road and circumnavigate the lake.
Bonus: Stop by the Maple Glade Rainforest Trail on the opposite side of the lake to hike one of our favorite short trails. It has lots of tree cover, so it’s comfortable even if it’s raining.
Trail description: N/A
Distance: 0 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 0 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
View of the Olympic Mountains near Bunch Falls
East of the Olympic National Park
These waterfall stops don’t require much walking to see (excluding Murhut Falls) and makes for a great road trip for most anyone. I love visiting in spring and fall when flows are at their highest.
Season: March to October
Time needed: 5+ hours (for a shorter trip, skip the Mount Walker Viewpoint and/or Murhut Falls).
Best for: Those who love long scenic drives.
Ludlow Falls
Start or end your waterfall tour here. The trail to the falls is short and sweet, making this one a quick stop.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Falls View Canyon
There are multiple trails here, but the one with the best view of the falls happens to be the easiest. Enjoy unobstructed views of the falls from the fenced-in viewpoint.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.1 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 10 feet
Season: March to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Bonus: Mount Walker Viewpoint
Although this isn’t a waterfall, if you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop. The drive to this viewpoint is steep and narrow. On a clear day, you can see the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Seattle. If the weather is decent, make this a stop but know that the drive is gated and closed during winter months.
Rocky Brook Falls
Rocky Brook Falls is a local gem! You’ll park across from the hydroelectric equipment at the start of the trail. From there the gravel path follows the river to the falls. You’ll find swimming holes along the river and at the falls.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.1 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 20 feet
Season: March to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Murhut Falls
This waterfall is worthy of a day all to itself, but it’s also a great stop if you’re up for a bit of a hike on this road trip. The hike feels steeper than 250 feet of elevation gain, so be ready for a short workout or come back to this one another time. You’ll find a few swimming holes in the river, gravel beaches at the base of the falls and an overlook of the falls.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Season: March to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Nestled between Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is less crowded than Washington’s other recreation areas, but no less beautiful. It’s only an hour and a half from Vancouver, Washington, and makes for a great alternative to the usual route along I-5.
Season: April to October
Time needed: 4+ hours.
Best for: Those who love driving forest roads and with quick stops to see the sights
Lower Lewis River Falls
Park at the Lower Lewis Campground. From there, the Lower Lewis River Falls overlook is just a short walk away. I love visiting in the spring and fall when the falls span the 200-foot river and are most impressive, but wading pools are what draw crowds in the summer.
Summertime is so popular that you need a permit to park here. It’s worth the hassle of trying to snag one, but if they’re sold out, simply visit before or after the permit season has ended.
This is such a beautiful destination, it’s worth hiking the 8-mile trail along the river to see two other waterfalls, although the Lower Lewis River Falls is the largest.
Trail description: N/A
Distance: 0 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 0 feet
Season: April to November, with permits needed between June 15 and September 15th
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Curly Creek Falls
Stop here for a quick view of Curly Creek Falls from across a deep river canyon. The waterfall has carved a path into the opposite hillside, but what’s most impressive is the rock left behind. One piece of land never eroded so the falls drop through a hole in what’s left of the canyon wall. The trails through the forest here seem especially enchanting too.
Trail description: Washington Trails Association/Alltrails
Distance: 0.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 0 feet
Season: March to November
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Bonus: McClellan Overlook
This viewpoint will be along your drive showcasing Mount St. Helens. It’s a great spot for a picnic and a bathroom break. You can access McClellan Falls from here if you’re willing to bushwhack, but we haven’t attempted.
Falls Creek Falls
This hike is worth the short jaunt. After a three-quarter mile walk uphill, you’ll reach the middle tier of Falls Creek Falls. From there you can wander to other viewpoints.
Trail description: The Outbound
Distance: 1.7 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Season: April to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Panther Creek
Panther Creek is Zach’s all-time favorite waterfall in Washington. Our picture below is from a viewpoint that is no longer accessible, but there is a great viewing deck now.
Trail description: Washington Trails Association/Alltrails
Distance: 0.16 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Season: April to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
This photograph was taken before they put a boardwalk to the falls in — PLEASE respect the area and stay within the board walked area.
Mount Rainier National Park
Take advantage of each overlook along this drive and you’ll have seen a good amount of Mount Rainier National Park. July and August are our favorite months to visit. During these months, you’ll have the best weather, the greatest odds of seeing the mountain (it’s often hiding in clouds between October and May), and there will be wildflowers!
Season: June to October
Time needed: 5+ hours (for a shorter day skip visiting Silver Falls).
Best for: National Park lovers wanting to take in the best sights with minimal hiking.
Carter Falls
Snag a parking spot on the side of the road or park at the Cougar Rock Campground picnic area and carefully cross the road. From there go down to the riverbank and find the bridge that crosses the Nisqually River. You’ll have a great view of Mount Rainier from the riverbed, but if you’d like to see the falls, find where the trail connects in the woods.
Although it’s possible to hike this trail in the winter, there is avalanche danger along the trail, so we recommend only visiting between June and October.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 660 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Christine Falls
Christine Falls is at the start of the trailhead to one of our favorite hikes. To see it, you don’t have to hike at all. You’ll pass the falls, go around a turn and immediately see parking to the right. Park here and walk down the steps to the viewpoint below. The falls are easily accessible year-round.
On your way to Narada Falls drive, through Ricksecker Point for another spot to view Mount Rainier.
Trail description: Visit Rainier
Distance: 0.1 miles
Elevation gain: 25 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Narada Falls
Even if you’d rather not walk down the hill to the fall’s viewpoint, you can peer over the edge of the retaining wall and get a great look at the water cascading down Narada Falls. If you do hike down the viewpoint, wear good shoes and bring a raincoat because it’s always wet and muddy from the waterfall’s mist. If you’re lucky, you’ll find wild blueberries alongside the trail!
This is one of the few stops (aside from Longmire, Paradise, and campgrounds) that have a bathroom.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.2 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Myrtle Falls
If you only hike to one waterfall on this list, make it this one it. Myrtle Falls is fantastic!
Park at the Paradise Visitor Center and walk up the famous stairs with the quote from John Muir. Head to your right on the Skyline Trail. Along your way, you’ll pass by wildflower meadows (blooming in July and August) and have a great view of Mount Rainier. The fall’s viewpoint is right before the bridge crossing Edith Creek. Head down the short trail to your right to see the view pictured below.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation gain: 185 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful
pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Silver Falls
Note: Stevens Canyon Road is currently under construction until 2024. Check here to find the road schedule.
On your way to Silver Falls, be sure to stop by Reflection Lakes and the Box Canyon Wonderland Trailhead for more interesting views.
Once you’ve parked at the Ohanapecosh Campground’s day-use area, you’ll find the trailhead to Silver Falls in Loop B, next to campsite B-2. Once you reach the bridge overlooking the falls, continue the same trail to loop back to the campground.
If this hasn’t been enough exploration for one day, stop at Grove of Patriarchs* for a final jaunt through the forest.
*Grove of Patriarchs is currently closed due to 2021 flooding. Get updates here.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Season: May to September
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
North of the Olympic National Park
Each of these waterfalls is located between Forks and Port Angeles in the heart of the Olympic National Park. The drive will be as gorgeous as the waterfalls — just keep an eye out for deer on the road!
Season: May to October, or year-round if you skip Sol Duc Falls
Time needed: 4+ hours.
Best for: Road trip lovers who enjoy minimal hiking.
Madison Creek Falls
This is a short and sweet walk to one of the Olympics’ most beautiful waterfalls. It’s a suitable trail for anyone, including those with mobility needs.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.2 miles
Elevation gain: 46 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Marymere Falls
This hike starts out flat and then becomes a stair climb to reach the falls. Although it does flow year-round, it has significantly less water in the summer months, so we’d recommend making the trek here anytime between September and June.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is one of the more famous waterfalls in the Olympic National Park. With close proximity to the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, staying here makes for a great weekend getaway, but it’s also a popular daytime destination.
To view Sol Duc Falls, pass by the hot springs and park at the end of the road. Hike through the lush rainforest until you reach the bridge overlooking the falls. Be sure to explore up and downstream to see all the viewpoints and bring a raincoat because you’ll be close enough to get wet from the waterfall’s spray!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Olympic National Park Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Beaver Falls
You can find this waterfall right off the road at these coordinates: 48.0943, -124.2652. It’s 28 feet high and spans the 70-foot river.
Trail description: Alltrails
Distance: miles
Elevation gain: 16 feet
Season: Year round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “hiking”, “road trip”, or “Washington”.
