7 Stunning Spring Waterfall Hikes That Are Less Than An Hour's Drive From Seattle
While there's a thing or two to complain about all the rain in Emerald City, here's a reason not to: All the gushing waterfalls near Seattle that are brimming with water and good vibes right now. If you're looking to chase some, we've rounded up all the hikes near the city that are less than an hour's drive away.
From lesser-known, secluded wonders to those that create deep turquoise pools, here's a list of cascades, from the closest to the furthest, all of which will probably take you lesser time than your usual office commute.
Let the hiking begin!
Coal Creek Falls
Difficulty: ModerateLength: 2.1-mile round trip
Distance From Seattle: 22-minute drive
Address: Coal Creek Falls Trail, Bellevue, WA
Why You Need To Go: You can wander (with your dog) under a canopy of lush trees, moss-covered walls, and catch some wildflower action on the way.
Snoqualmie Falls
Difficulty: EasyLength: 1.3-mile round trip
Distance From Seattle: 32-minute drive
Address: Snoqualmie, WA
Why You Need To Go: If you're a fan of Twin Peaks, this is probably already on your list. You can hike to the base of this majestic wonder or lunch in the restaurant that's perched on its edge.
Weeks Falls
Difficulty: EasyLength: 0.8 miles
Distance From Seattle: 36-minute drive
Address: 51350 SE. Homestead Valley Rd., North Bend, WA
Why You Need To Go: This pooch-friendly walk will take you to a tranquil waterfall nestled in an old-growth forest. You'll seriously want to meditate on the rocks by them.
Teneriffe Falls
Difficulty: HardLength: 5.6 miles
Distance From Seattle: 38-minute drive
Address: Near Mount Si, WA
Why You Need To Go: To soak up nature's beauty at a secluded waterfall.
Twin Falls
Difficulty: ModerateLength: 2.6-mile round trip
Distance From Seattle: 38-minute drive
Address: 51350 SE. Homestead Valley Rd., North Bend, WA
Why You Need To Go: If you've ever wanted to walk by a river and see how it dramatically creates a waterfall, ending in a turquoise pool, this is your spot.
Franklin Falls
Difficulty: EasyLength: 2-mile round trip
Distance From Seattle: 50-minute drive
Address: Franklin Falls, WA
Why You Need To Go: For picturesque sights of a frozen waterfall or a gushing one glinting in the sun, depending on when you go. Dogs are allowed, too, making this the perfect spot for a pooch paw-trait.
Wallace Falls
Difficulty: ModerateLength: 5.9-mile roundtrip
Distance From Seattle: 58-minute drive
Address: 14503 Wallace Lake Rd., Gold Bar, WA
Why You Need To Go: A woody trail complete with pretty bridges will bring you to various sections of the falls where you can picnic.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.