aventuro Back to map A
Parks

Wallace Falls State Park

4.8 · 2,578 reviews
Damp, verdant, and reverberating with rushing water.
Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251, United States
Interesting facts
1

The waterfalls are formed by the Wallace River, which originates from the melting snow of the Wild Sky Wilderness.

2

The Middle Falls, standing at 265 feet, is the most visually prominent of the nine individual falls within the park.

3

The trail network includes historical remnants of early 20th-century logging operations, which were common in the Skykomish River Valley.

4

The park's elevation gain from the trailhead to the Upper Falls is approximately 1,300 feet.

5

The area is a designated wildlife habitat, frequently hosting black bears, cougars, and varied mountain bird species.

6

The park borders the Wild Sky Wilderness, one of the more rugged and remote sections of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Overview

Wallace Falls State Park is situated in the Cascade foothills, featuring a series of nine cascading waterfalls along the Wallace River. The primary attraction is a 5.6-mile round-trip hiking trail that offers tiered views of the Lower, Middle, and Upper falls. The Middle Falls serves as the most popular viewpoint, dropping 265 feet over a rock face. The park encompasses 1,380 acres of diverse temperate rainforest vegetation, including old-growth western red cedars and hemlocks. It provides access to the Woody Trail, which follows the river's gradient upward. A variety of smaller, less-visited falls are located further along the trail network. The park is managed by Washington State Parks and includes camping facilities and day-use picnic areas. Terrain ranges from easy riverside paths to steep, rocky sections near the upper viewpoints.

Photo spot

The Middle Falls overlook provides the most balanced perspective of the tiered water cascade.

Insider tips

Bring trekking poles, as the climb to the Upper Falls involves steep, uneven terrain that can be slippery when wet.

Pack a waterproof shell even on sunny days, as the mist near the falls creates constant moisture along the trail.

Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular service is intermittent or non-existent in the lower valley.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to scramble off-trail to reach the base of the falls, as the rocks are extremely unstable and slick.

Etiquette

Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive erosion-prone soil and native understory plants.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-5 hours
Best time to visit
Spring and early summer, when snowmelt maximizes the water volume of the falls.
Address
Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251, United States
47.899, -121.672
Get directions
Details
Terrain typeTemperate rainforest and steep mountain valley
Trail DifficultyModerate with steep sections

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring and early summer, when snowmelt maximizes the water volume of the falls..

The Middle Falls overlook provides the most balanced perspective of the tiered water cascade.

Close by you'll find Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Osprey Park, Big Four Ice Caves.