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Best Waterfall Hikes near Seattle

We track 8 routes that match this search near Seattle. They average 2.6 km and 57 m (187 ft) of ascent.

That is 5 percent of the 165 routes we map near Seattle. They are shorter than the local average, 2.6 km against 4.0 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 57 m (187 ft) against 100 m (328 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Waterfall hikes are the reliable crowd pleaser: a clear destination, the sound of water for the last stretch, and a payoff that photographs well in almost any weather. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area.

Trails

Easy

Falls View Canyon Trail #868

Washington · United States

Distance
1.5 km
/ 0.9 mi
Elevation gain
32 m
Typical duration
21 min
  • Waterfall
  • Lake
  • Canyon and gorge
Easy

Coal Creek Falls Trail

Washington · United States

Distance
1.1 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
25 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • Waterfall
  • Lake
  • River
Easy

Teneriffe Falls Trail

Washington · United States

Distance
4.6 km
/ 2.9 mi
Elevation gain
102 m
Typical duration
1 hr 7 min
  • Waterfall
Easy

Twin Falls Trail

Washington · United States

Distance
3.2 km
/ 2.0 mi
Elevation gain
70 m
Typical duration
46 min
  • Waterfall
Easy

Cherry Creek Falls Trail

Washington · United States

Distance
3.8 km
/ 2.4 mi
Elevation gain
84 m
Typical duration
55 min
  • Waterfall
  • River
Easy

Murhut Falls Trail #828

Washington · United States

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
26 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • Waterfall
  • Forest
Easy

Explorer Falls Trail

Washington · United States

Distance
4.2 km
/ 2.6 mi
Elevation gain
92 m
Typical duration
1 hr 1 min
  • Waterfall
Easy

Snoqualmie Falls Trail

Washington · United States

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
26 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • Waterfall

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Falls View Canyon Trail #868Washington1.5 km32 m21 minEasyApril to October
Coal Creek Falls TrailWashington1.1 km25 m17 minEasyApril to October
Teneriffe Falls TrailWashington4.6 km102 m1 hr 7 minEasyApril to October
Twin Falls TrailWashington3.2 km70 m46 minEasyApril to October
Cherry Creek Falls TrailWashington3.8 km84 m55 minEasyApril to October
Murhut Falls Trail #828Washington1.2 km26 m17 minEasyApril to October
Explorer Falls TrailWashington4.2 km92 m1 hr 1 minEasyApril to October
Snoqualmie Falls TrailWashington1.2 km26 m17 minEasyApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with Falls View Canyon Trail #868, Coal Creek Falls Trail, Teneriffe Falls Trail. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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