With the weather beginning to thaw our wandering spirits, it is a good time to look around and explore the beauty of our area! Many people like to hike based on a certain destination, whether it be a mountain top, lake, lookout, or waterfall, so we will start our specific hiking recommendations with descriptions of favorite natural water features across Western Washington.
Comet Falls (Mt. Rainier National Park) – A giant, dazzling waterfall with accessible rock base so you can feel the power of its plunge (be careful! Depending on the time of year this can be a strong waterfall). Best to see around June to October.
Height: 300 feet
Hike to get there: 6 miles round trip with 2,200 feet elevation gain. Nice old growth and stream along the way. The Van Trump Park is a great alpine lookout past the waterfall.
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall.php?num=153&p=0
Otter Falls (near North Bend) – Watch the sheets of water glide down the angled granite face into Lipsy Lake. Great for swimming in warmer months, this trail is best hiked late April to early June to catch the most spectacular winter melt waters.
Height: 1600 feet
Hike to get there: 10 miles round trip with 600 feet elevation gain, mostly on very easy trail. You will need to ford a stream, so bring extra shoes and socks.
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall.php?num=655&p=0
Bridal Veil Falls/Lake Serene (near Mt. Index) – The Bridal Veil Falls grace this trail with their delicate presence about 1.7 miles from the trailhead. They meander down a large granite face and are quite mesmerizing.
Height: 1328 feet
Hike to get there: The Lake Serene trail is 7.2 miles round trip with 2,000 feet elevation gain. It ends at a lovely cliff-lined alpine lake that is also worth seeing but the falls are featured early in the trail.
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall.php?num=73&p=0
Franklin Falls (near Snoqualmie Pass) – Bring your family and novice hikers to play on the Slippery Slab and other rock formations in Denny Creek. Snowshoe Falls and Keekwulee Falls are also nearby if you want a multi-waterfall experience.
Height: 135 feet
Hike to get there: 2 miles round trip with 200 feet elevation gain, 2.5 miles round trip to the Slippery Slab.
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall.php?num=287&p=0
Tin Cup Joe Falls (near North Bend) – A relatively unknown tiered waterfall that is close to Seattle and yet feels very far away. You need a high clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead and the hike isn’t the easiest, but if you love waterfalls the work will be worth it.
Height: 450 feet
Hike to get there: About 5 miles round trip if your vehicle can make it to the trail head (approx. 14 miles if not!). Trail is likely to be a little rough and unmaintained.
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall.php?num=835&p=0
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