This Itinerary Takes You To The Best Waterfalls In Washington

Sometimes it’s nice to go on a weekend getaway that’s a bit out of the ordinary. And since Washington’s waterfalls are amazing during every season, try making some of the state’s most beautiful natural wonders the focus of your travels the next time you feel like an adventure. With relatively little hiking, this itinerary takes you past some of the most beautiful waterfalls in NW Washington, and we think you’re absolutely going to love it. This waterfall road trip in Washington also skips over the most popular falls in WA and instead highlights some hidden gems so you can truly get out and explore.

Ready? Check out the official Google Map.

Google Maps

This route begins in the beautiful city of Ellensburg.

Jenn M.M./AllTrails Beginning a road trip here just makes sense. It’s smack in the center of the state, so no matter where you live, you can head here to begin your incredible journey. If you’re in Ellensburg during the morning hours and you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll want to head to the Umtanum Creek Falls Trail near Selah.

From Ellensburg, head down N. Wenas Road through the LT Murray Recreation area until you reach the trailhead, which will be on the right. This easy, 1.8-mile hike takes you past this incredible waterfall. The trail to Umtanum Creek Falls is a beautiful hike, so take your time! Umtanum, WA 98926, USA

Next, you’ll drive two hours west on I-90 until you reach Weeks Falls.

Nattahly Sakalia/GoogleMaps The Weeks Falls Trail is short (half a mile in and out), and it can be a nice, quick stop to stretch your legs. Just take Exit 38 off I-90, take a right, and turn left into the park entrance. Weeks Falls Trail, Washington 98045, USA

Twin Falls is just a few more miles west on I-90, and it’s definitely worth a stop if you have enough time left in your day!

Jessica and Will/AllTrails The hike to Twin Falls is about 3.6 miles round trip, so plan accordingly. Twin Falls, Washington 98045, USA

After a long day of exploring falls in Washington, you’ll be ready for some relaxation… and a little pampering.

Sean Pavone/Getty Spend the night at the Salish Lodge and Spa, which rests right at the top of Snoqualmie Falls. Almost every room has a view of this iconic waterfall, which provides the perfect level of ambient noise as you drift off to sleep. Not many people get to see these falls in Washington light up at night, so you’re in for a treat! These are truly the best views of one of the most exquisite waterfalls in Washington. Visit the official website to book your stay.
Salish Lodge & Spa, 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA

The next morning, you’ll head into Seattle to find the Waterfall Garden at Pioneer Square.

Mickael Gay/GoogleMaps Grab brunch or lunch to go from one of the many restaurants in the area, and then go find this hidden gem. You won’t believe you’re still in the city! Waterfall Garden, 219 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Your next stop is the beautiful Wallace Falls State Park!

Tim Cheney/AllTrails Wallace Falls is about an hour-long drive from Seattle, and you can easily spend the rest of your day exploring this one; in fact, you’ll probably want to! The waterfall trail itself is about 4.5 miles long, and it’s definitely worth taking.
Wallace Falls Loop Road, Wallace Falls Loop Rd, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA

Once you’ve seen the beautiful Wallace Falls, you ought to head to the historic Cascadia Inn in Skykomish for a good night’s rest!

Cascadia Inn/Facebook The Cascadia Inn has an onsite restaurant and lounge, as well as 14 comfortable rooms to choose from. It’s small, quaint, and oh-so-relaxing. Book your stay on the official website. Cascadia Inn, 210 E Railroad Ave, Skykomish, WA 98288, USA

The next morning, you’ll wrap up your waterfall road trip with a short drive to the Deception Falls Interpretive Trail.

Sandra Osborn/AllTrails The trail itself is short)(about 0.6 miles), and the falls here are as petite as they come, but there’s a relaxing picnic area where you can enjoy a quiet meal before you head home. Deception Falls, Washington 98288, USA

Our waterfalls are so beautiful! Which waterfalls in Washington are your favorites? Have any ideas about which ones we should feature in the future? Let us know by filling out this handy form!

Google Maps

Jenn M.M./AllTrails

Beginning a road trip here just makes sense. It’s smack in the center of the state, so no matter where you live, you can head here to begin your incredible journey. If you’re in Ellensburg during the morning hours and you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll want to head to the Umtanum Creek Falls Trail near Selah.

From Ellensburg, head down N. Wenas Road through the LT Murray Recreation area until you reach the trailhead, which will be on the right. This easy, 1.8-mile hike takes you past this incredible waterfall. The trail to Umtanum Creek Falls is a beautiful hike, so take your time!

Umtanum, WA 98926, USA

Nattahly Sakalia/GoogleMaps

The Weeks Falls Trail is short (half a mile in and out), and it can be a nice, quick stop to stretch your legs. Just take Exit 38 off I-90, take a right, and turn left into the park entrance.

Weeks Falls Trail, Washington 98045, USA

Jessica and Will/AllTrails

The hike to Twin Falls is about 3.6 miles round trip, so plan accordingly.

Twin Falls, Washington 98045, USA

Sean Pavone/Getty

Spend the night at the Salish Lodge and Spa, which rests right at the top of Snoqualmie Falls. Almost every room has a view of this iconic waterfall, which provides the perfect level of ambient noise as you drift off to sleep. Not many people get to see these falls in Washington light up at night, so you’re in for a treat! These are truly the best views of one of the most exquisite waterfalls in Washington. Visit the official website to book your stay.

Salish Lodge & Spa, 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA

Mickael Gay/GoogleMaps

Grab brunch or lunch to go from one of the many restaurants in the area, and then go find this hidden gem. You won’t believe you’re still in the city!

Waterfall Garden, 219 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Tim Cheney/AllTrails

Wallace Falls is about an hour-long drive from Seattle, and you can easily spend the rest of your day exploring this one; in fact, you’ll probably want to! The waterfall trail itself is about 4.5 miles long, and it’s definitely worth taking.

Wallace Falls Loop Road, Wallace Falls Loop Rd, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA

Cascadia Inn/Facebook

The Cascadia Inn has an onsite restaurant and lounge, as well as 14 comfortable rooms to choose from. It’s small, quaint, and oh-so-relaxing. Book your stay on the official website.

Cascadia Inn, 210 E Railroad Ave, Skykomish, WA 98288, USA

Sandra Osborn/AllTrails

The trail itself is short)(about 0.6 miles), and the falls here are as petite as they come, but there’s a relaxing picnic area where you can enjoy a quiet meal before you head home.

Deception Falls, Washington 98288, USA

Washington’s waterfalls are truly something – and we have literally thousands to choose from! If you’re looking for a road trip to explore even more of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington, check out this mapped-out journey.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Umtanum Creek Falls Trail, Selah, WA 98942, USAAddress: Weeks Falls Trail, Washington 98045, USAAddress: Twin Falls, Washington 98045, USAAddress: 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USAAddress: 219 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USAAddress: 14503 Wallace Lake Rd, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USAAddress: 210 E Railroad Ave, Skykomish, WA 98288, USAAddress: Deception Falls, Washington 98288, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls in Washington & Related Info August 09, 2021 Tori Jane What are some must-see natural wonders in Washington state?  Washington is a state so stunningly beautiful that it’s got its very own “Seven Wonders of Washington” list! Some of the more notable wonders in Washington state include the humbling Mount St. Helens, which was forever changed following a deadly, explosive volcanic eruption in May 1980. It’s an incredible experience where you’ll learn a tremendous amount about both that fateful day and the volcano itself. The Hoh Rainforest is another must-see wonder of this beautiful state; it’s the wettest forest in the contiguous United States – a true rainforest! Finally, we also really love Long Beach, which, ironically, is not the longest beach in the world like it claims to be.   What are some of the best hikes in Washington state?  The best part of living in such a beautiful state is probably the fact that no matter where you decide to go hiking, it’s going to be fabulous. Some of the most popular and highest-rated hiking trails in Washington state include the legendary Lake 22 trail within Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Take in incredible forest views and picturesque scenery along the nearly seven-mile-long journey. At Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll want to visit the excellent Skyline Trail Loop, which features stunning waterfall views. That one has seasonal closures, though, so make sure to double-check for those while planning.  Where are the most beautiful places in Washington state?  In one word? Everywhere! Washington is a great state for appreciators of nature and landscape photographers looking for the next great shot. It’s got a number of well-known scenic places; some tend to be busier than others, but all of them are simply breathtaking. For example, there’s a little place within Mount Rainier National Park that’s called, simply, “Paradise”. Why? Because it is – it offers some of the most incredible views of the peaks one could possibly ask for. Ross Lake, at North Cascades National Park, is another intensely amazing place, with crystal-clear blue waters and enough beauty to amaze anyone who sets foot there.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls in Washington & Related Info

August 09, 2021

Tori Jane

What are some must-see natural wonders in Washington state?  Washington is a state so stunningly beautiful that it’s got its very own “Seven Wonders of Washington” list! Some of the more notable wonders in Washington state include the humbling Mount St. Helens, which was forever changed following a deadly, explosive volcanic eruption in May 1980. It’s an incredible experience where you’ll learn a tremendous amount about both that fateful day and the volcano itself. The Hoh Rainforest is another must-see wonder of this beautiful state; it’s the wettest forest in the contiguous United States – a true rainforest! Finally, we also really love Long Beach, which, ironically, is not the longest beach in the world like it claims to be.   What are some of the best hikes in Washington state?  The best part of living in such a beautiful state is probably the fact that no matter where you decide to go hiking, it’s going to be fabulous. Some of the most popular and highest-rated hiking trails in Washington state include the legendary Lake 22 trail within Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Take in incredible forest views and picturesque scenery along the nearly seven-mile-long journey. At Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll want to visit the excellent Skyline Trail Loop, which features stunning waterfall views. That one has seasonal closures, though, so make sure to double-check for those while planning.  Where are the most beautiful places in Washington state?  In one word? Everywhere! Washington is a great state for appreciators of nature and landscape photographers looking for the next great shot. It’s got a number of well-known scenic places; some tend to be busier than others, but all of them are simply breathtaking. For example, there’s a little place within Mount Rainier National Park that’s called, simply, “Paradise”. Why? Because it is – it offers some of the most incredible views of the peaks one could possibly ask for. Ross Lake, at North Cascades National Park, is another intensely amazing place, with crystal-clear blue waters and enough beauty to amaze anyone who sets foot there.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Washington is a state so stunningly beautiful that it’s got its very own “Seven Wonders of Washington” list! Some of the more notable wonders in Washington state include the humbling Mount St. Helens, which was forever changed following a deadly, explosive volcanic eruption in May 1980. It’s an incredible experience where you’ll learn a tremendous amount about both that fateful day and the volcano itself. The Hoh Rainforest is another must-see wonder of this beautiful state; it’s the wettest forest in the contiguous United States – a true rainforest! Finally, we also really love Long Beach, which, ironically, is not the longest beach in the world like it claims to be.  

What are some of the best hikes in Washington state? 

The best part of living in such a beautiful state is probably the fact that no matter where you decide to go hiking, it’s going to be fabulous. Some of the most popular and highest-rated hiking trails in Washington state include the legendary Lake 22 trail within Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Take in incredible forest views and picturesque scenery along the nearly seven-mile-long journey. At Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll want to visit the excellent Skyline Trail Loop, which features stunning waterfall views. That one has seasonal closures, though, so make sure to double-check for those while planning. 

Where are the most beautiful places in Washington state? 

In one word? Everywhere! Washington is a great state for appreciators of nature and landscape photographers looking for the next great shot. It’s got a number of well-known scenic places; some tend to be busier than others, but all of them are simply breathtaking. For example, there’s a little place within Mount Rainier National Park that’s called, simply, “Paradise”. Why? Because it is – it offers some of the most incredible views of the peaks one could possibly ask for. Ross Lake, at North Cascades National Park, is another intensely amazing place, with crystal-clear blue waters and enough beauty to amaze anyone who sets foot there.