Overview
If you’re looking for a waterfall hike that offers views for beginners, Wallace Falls is a great option! It is in Gold Bar, Washington, about 55 miles northeast of Seattle. In this blog, I will go over the many reasons why I love this classic Washington hiking trail.
Getting There
Click here for directions to Wallace Falls
Getting to Wallace Falls from Seattle is very easy. The hike is inside of Wallace Falls State Park, making it easy to navigate to the trailhead using GPS. Once you get there, you’ll find a fairly large parking lot. I have seen this lot fill up on a sunny weekend, so plan on arriving early if you’re visiting during the busy season. To park at the Wallace Falls trailhead you’ll have to purchase a day pass for $10 or bring along a Washington State Discover Pass.
Trail Length and Elevation Gain:
Length: 5.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Around 1,300 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
This trail is well-maintained and is suitable for hikers of various skill levels, providing a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility. There are several viewpoints of the waterfalls that you can visit. If you’re traveling with a group that cannot hike up the full 1300 ft of elevation, you’ll still get an amazing view of Wallace Falls about halfway in to the hike.
Unique Aspects of Wallace Falls:
One of the unique features of the Wallace Falls hike is the presence of multiple viewpoints along the trail. Even if you are unable to complete the entire trek, 5.6 miles still be rewarded with stunning vistas of the waterfall at different stages. Along with the waterfall views, you spend the entire first half of the hike walking along a beautiful river. It’s hard not to enjoy the view along this entire trail.
The Weather At Wallace Falls
Given the proximity to Gold Bar and the Pacific Northwest’s characteristic weather, I never plan on doing this hike without packing my rain gear. This area of Washington gets 75-90 inches of rain each year! I’ve visited Wallace Falls many times, and more than half of those trips have been in the rain.
What to Pack
Pack waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof backpack to protect your belongings. Something I always keep in mind when hiking in Washington is to wear polyester layers. If you choose to layer with cotton, you’ll find yourself much colder along your hike. When cotton gets wet, it does not allow your body to warm it up as easily as polyester does.
This is what I wear:
- Hiking backpack
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Bear spray
- Trekking poles
- Hat for the rain
- Waterproof shoes
- Extra socks
- My favorite hiking pants
- My favorite hiking shirt
- A good quality raincoat
- A camera
- Water bottle
- Snacks
Conclusion
This area is well known for its rain. I suggest you go into this hike expecting rain and making the most of it. The foggy mountains with lush greenery wouldn’t be possible without heavy rainfall. The rain at Wallace Falls creates a mossy environment that reminds me of the Olympic Coast. This is saying a lot, because the Olympic Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Washington!
Pack well and plan on getting wet. Make sure you bring many different layers and a waterproof bag for this trail. You’ll thank me later!