Wallace Falls Trail | Tips for Hiking Washington’s Wonder Route 

From the undulating Olympic Mountains to the cascading waterfalls, Washington is a state like no other. While there are plenty of opportunities to see the beauty of this part of the northwest, the epic Wallace Falls Trail encapsulates everything on offer and more.

Resting along the Cascade Mountains’ western side, the Wallace River ebbs and flows through the misty conifer forest. Along this enchanting trek, you’ll be able to see not one but three waterfalls as they drape down the forest cliffs like a crisp, white curtain.

Does this sound like the hiking experience you’ve been dreaming of? Then, stick around as I uncover all the small (and big) details I’ve learned on my two trips to this magical part of The Evergreen State.

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Quick Wallace Falls Trail Stats

Here are all the quick statistics you need to know about the Wallace Falls trail, from its distance and elevation gain to its difficulty and permit requirements.

• Location: Wallace Falls State Park in Washington
• Distance: 4.9 miles (out-and-back)
• Elevation gain: 1,470 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Timing: 3 hours
• Pets: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Permits: You will need this pass. The Discover Pass is $10 per day or $30 for an annual pass. 
• Trail guide: Link

Wallace Falls Via Woody Trail Map

To help you identify all the essential viewpoints and noteworthy stops, use this Wallace Falls Trail map.

A Complete Wallace Falls Hike Guide

It’s time to have a deep look at this magnificent trail. As you’ll trek past three stunning falls, this really is one of the best waterfall hikes in Washington State. Anyway, let’s get stuck into what you can expect at each turn of this memorable route.

Hike From the Parking Lot to the Tale of Two Rivers

You’ll begin your journey at the State Park parking lot, where you’ll walk along the Woody Trail. This first section of the hike is through a fairly open field, with the misty conifer forest to your left. 

You’ll reach the first fork just under a half mile into the trail. You’ll need to keep right here, as the left trail would take you along the old Railroad Grade path. Slightly further on, the Small Falls Trail forks left, which can be a lovely little detour along this gentle section of the trail.

Around 1.4 miles into the trek, you’ll reach the Tale of Two Rivers. This is where the North Fork Wallace River and the Wallace River meet. If you go left, you’ll join the Greg Ball Trail to Wallace Lake and Jay Lake.

Note that the Greg Ball Trail is much longer and a bit harder, taking you around 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You also won’t see the falls along this trail, so it’s best to continue right at the fork towards the lower falls.

Trek From the Tale of Two Rivers to the Lower Wallace Falls

From The Tale of Two Rivers, it’s a short 0.3-mile trek to the lower falls viewpoint. During the first part of this section, you’ll cross over a footbridge over the North Fork Wallace River, offering magnificent views of the region.

The path then winds along the Wallace River, hitting the first section with a moderate elevation gain. It’s not all that difficult of a trek, though, with the path being well-worn.

As you walk along the path that bends right you’ll come across the lower falls viewpoint. Here, you can take a few moments to admire the trickling waterfall, with the middle falls peaking out in the distance.

Go From the Lower Falls to the Middle Wallace Falls 

From the lower falls, it’s a short 0.3-mile trek to the middle falls viewpoint. This is where the elevation gain begins to get a bit more challenging. The trail slowly goes deeper into the forest before arcing right towards the viewpoint.

As it’s a relatively short section, you can do this part of the hike quite easily without needing to stop. It’s definitely one of the more impressive viewpoints along the trail, with the middle falls having the largest drop (265 feet). 

That’s not it, though, as you’ll also be able to look out over the Skykomish River Valley in the distance, making it the most picture-worthy spot on the trail.

Hike From the Middle Falls to the Upper Wallace Falls 

The final section of the trek is just half a mile of walking between the middle and upper falls. That said, it is the most strenuous section, as the steepest gradient on the trail will be found in this short stretch.

You’ll find another epic valley view a couple hundred feet from the middle falls overlook. It’s a fantastic spot to snap a few more memorable photos before continuing on to the upper falls. 

At the end of this trail, you’ll find enchanting views of the final waterfall along this glorious river. The upper falls cascade an impressive 240 feet with five separate tiers down the forest-laden cliffs. Although you won’t be able to see the entire waterfall from the viewpoint, what you can see is more than enough to capture your imagination.

How to Get to the Wallace Falls Trailhead

If you need to fly into the area, your best bet is to book a flight to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). From there, it’s a short hour-long (55.6-mile) drive to Wallace Falls State Park.

The majority of the trip will be along the I-405 northbound before turning right onto WA-522 eastbound. From there, you’ll turn right again onto the US-2 eastbound and then left at Gold Bar onto 1st Street. You’ll then be able to follow the signs all the way to the parking area for Wallace Falls.

If you are traveling from the eastern side of the park, it’s a 43-mile drive from Stevens Pass along the US-2 westbound.

Things to Know Before You Go to Wallace Falls State Park

Here are a few helpful tips to know before making the trip all the way to Wallace Falls State Park.

• Park opening hours — The park is open daily from 8:00 am until dusk. It’s a good idea to check the sunset times based on when you intend to visit, to ensure you leave the park on time.
• Use the automated pay stations — The park’s ranger stations have automated pay stations where you can purchase day permits and camping fees.
• Track the weather — Being in the pacific northwest, the weather can change pretty quickly, so be sure to track the weather when you’re planning your visit.
• Stick to the path — As a way to ensure the biodiversity of the park isn’t damaged, it’s best to practice the leave-no-trace principles.
• You can’t cycle the route — Unfortunately, you can’t go mountain biking along this trail. If you do want to ride, the old Railroad Grade is one of the biking trails in the park.
• You can take a tour – Seattle: Waterfall Wonderland Hike in Wallace Falls Park
• Get a pass: You need a Discover Pass to hike here. Get Your Pass Here.

Best Time to Hike Wallace Falls

I’ve visited Wallace Falls twice, once in summer and also in winter. Arguably, summer (June to August) is the best time to visit the falls when the weather is ideal and the falls are guaranteed to be flowing beautifully. You can expect temperatures in the region of 43°F and 71°F (6°C and 21°C) and hardly any rain.

That said, from my experience, winter (December to February) also has its charms. Sure, temperatures will be fairly chilly, ranging from 28°F to 44°F (-2°C to 6°C), but there are plenty of reasons to visit during these months.

For instance, during my winter hike, the waterfalls had icicles alongside them, and the snow created a powdery white wonderland. You can’t see the falls like this during summer, so if you don’t mind braving the weather, this can also be a great time to see the falls.

What to Pack for Your Wallace Falls Trek

Going on a hike like this is one thing, but making sure you have the right equipment is another story. To help you along the way, here are some must-haves when hiking this trail, no matter the time of year.

• Good quality shoes — You definitely need a good pair of shoes with fantastic grip, as the trail often gets slippery due to rain.
• Backpack — A comfortable backpack will help you carry everything you need, from water and snacks to extra layers of clothing and sunscreen.
• Wear layers — Bring layers of clothes so you can easily take off or put on layers accordingly. A sweat wicking shirt, base layer, and rain jacket are a good place to start.
• A hat — Be sure to bring a protective cap to help avoid sunburn and overexposure to the sun.
• Trekking poles — While not a must, trekking poles can help during the steeper sections of this hike.

Where to Stay near Wallace Falls State Park

Gold Bar is the nearest town to Wallace Falls State Park. That said, it doesn’t have a huge range of places to stay. As such, here are the best options in and around the area. 

Budget | Best Western Sky Valley Inn

You’ll find the simple and convenient Sky Valley Inn resting within Monroe, a small town just 25 minutes (15 miles) from Wallace Falls. You can tuck into their delicious complimentary breakfast each morning before heading out for your day of adventure.

You can also make the most of the outdoor pool in summer or mingle with fellow travelers in the vibey communal lounge. Plus, they have rooms available for up to four guests, making it ideal for a quick family getaway. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Dutch Cup Motel

If you’re looking for something a bit closer, the Dutch Cup Motel is a homely little stay only 15 minutes (7.4 miles) from the park. The motel is pretty rustic, with simple finishings and basic amenities. 

These are self-catering units. That said, if you don’t want to cook, there are some lovely restaurants in the area, including Bubba’s Roadhouse and Sahara Pizza. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Prospectors Bend

If convenience is key, then Prospectors Bend is a mere 10 minutes (5 miles) from the park. This is also where luxury meets Washington’s countryside, with this pet-friendly two-bedroom house offering a hot tub and majestic riverside views.

This is also a self-catering unit with a fully fitted kitchen. But if the cravings hit after a long day of exploring and you’re too tired to cook, you can grab a bite at the Mountain View Diner. >>>Check Availability

Wallace Falls State Park Camping

If you want a slightly more authentic experience, you can always camp at the Wallace Falls Campground. No more than a few feet away from the trailhead, this campsite has everything you could need for a comfortable stay. 

Think of a picnic table for eating, a flat campsite, firepits, clean toilets, and much more. Just be aware of the fire bans that regularly occur in the park to avoid uncontrollable forest fires. >>>Check Availability

FAQs About Wallace Falls State Park

You may have a few questions about this amazing state park. To put your mind at ease, here are all the short answers you need to the most asked questions.

What Else Can You Do at Wallace Falls State Park?

Aside from hiking, you can go mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and bird watching. Just note that kayaking is only accessible from Big Eddy Park, five miles east of the park entrance.

Are There Bears at Wallace Falls?

There have been sightings of black bears in the area. As such, it’s a good idea to read up on these wildlife safety tips before your visit.

Are There Other Trails at Wallace Falls State Park?

There are other trails in the park. These include the 9.2-mile long Greg Ball Trail and the 4.7-mile long Railroad Grade Trail.

Final Thoughts of Hiking the Wallace Falls Trail

There you have it, a complete guide to the unforgettable Wallace Falls State Park hike. Of all the Washington state parks, this is by far one of the most convenient to visit that also offers truly breathtaking scenery.

It’s a fantastic option for a quick family outing or day trip from Seattle. Although it’s not the most challenging trail in the world, you do need to be relatively fit. As such, I’d highly recommend checking out these strength training exercises specifically designed to get you ready for hiking.

Until next time, happy waterfall hunting!

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