5 Must-See Waterfalls in Washington (2026)
If you only have time for five Washington waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor, Columbia Plateau and Northeast Washington, and Mount Rainier and the South Cascades.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Washington waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie, WA · King County · North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor
Why it is a must-see
With 4,480 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Washington, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Well-known, scenic 270-foot waterfall surrounded by a 2-acre park, observation deck & gift shop." 3 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Fantastic Falls and Teneriffe Falls. It is one of 69 named falls in the North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor region. The nearest town is Snoqualmie, about 1.1 miles to the southeast.
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2. Franklin Falls
Tanner, WA · King County · North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor
Why it is a must-see
With 660 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Washington, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "3-tiered waterfall on the Snoqualmie River’s south fork, a popular hiking & picnicking destination." 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Keekwulee Falls and Snowshoe Falls. It is one of 69 named falls in the North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor region. The nearest town is Tanner, about 15 miles to the west.
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3. Palouse Falls
Dayton, WA · Franklin County · Columbia Plateau and Northeast Washington
Why it is a must-see
With 637 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Washington, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "Popular & picturesque natural wonder & waterfall dropping 200 feet into a winding gorge." Older records also call it Aputaput and Apítapit. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Little Palouse Falls. It is one of 32 named falls in the Columbia Plateau and Northeast Washington region. The nearest town is Dayton, about 26 miles to the southeast.
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4. Little Mashel Falls
Eatonville, WA · Pierce County · Mount Rainier and the South Cascades
Why it is a must-see
With 328 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Washington, and it holds 4.7 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Wildcat Falls and Deschutes Falls. It is one of 94 named falls in the Mount Rainier and the South Cascades region. The nearest town is Eatonville, about 1.3 miles to the north.
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5. Deception Falls
Gold Bar, WA · King County · North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor
Why it is a must-see
With 290 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Washington, and it holds 4.8 stars. Expect trails, loop trail, and rushing water, the topics reviewers bring up most. 6 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Alpine Falls and Waterfalls of the West Fork Foss River Valley. It is one of 69 named falls in the North Cascades and the Snoqualmie Corridor region. The nearest town is Gold Bar, about 25 miles to the northwest.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 288 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Deception Falls (start, near Gold Bar)
- Franklin Falls, about 23 mi southwest
- Snoqualmie Falls, about 21 mi northwest
- Little Mashel Falls, about 52 mi southwest
- Palouse Falls, about 192 mi east
When to Visit Washington's Waterfalls
West of the Cascades, rain sustains falls for much of the year, but the most powerful flows come with spring snowmelt from about April through June and again with autumn and winter rains. Higher falls such as those around Paradise on Mount Rainier are often snowbound until early summer, so July and August are the main season there. In eastern Washington, Palouse Falls and Spokane Falls peak with spring runoff, usually from March to May, and both drop considerably by late summer. Winter brings heavy rain at low elevations and deep snow in the mountains, closing some park roads and making approaches like the Franklin Falls trail prone to avalanches. Summer weekends bring the heaviest crowds.
Before You Go
Washington's falls are split among national parks, national forests and state lands. State parks and Department of Natural Resources lands generally require a Discover Pass, while many national forest trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass or interagency pass, and the national parks charge entrance fees. Popular trailheads along I-90 and US 2 fill early on weekends, and Snoqualmie Falls draws crowds year-round. Hazards vary by region: in the Cascades and Olympics, cold, swift glacial and snowmelt rivers, moss-slick logs and rocks, and winter avalanche paths; at Palouse Falls, unfenced basalt cliffs where people have fallen to their deaths. Wildfire smoke and closures can affect eastern Cascade trails in late summer.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Washington Waterfalls
See all 212 waterfalls in the Washington waterfall guide, or browse by town: Snoqualmie, Tanner, Dayton, Eatonville, Gold Bar.
More Washington Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Washington?
Snoqualmie Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 4,480 Google reviews. It is near Snoqualmie in King County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Washington waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 288 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Washington?
Our directory lists 212 named waterfalls in Washington. See them all, sorted by town, in the Washington waterfall guide.
What is the most visited waterfall in Washington?
Snoqualmie Falls in King County is by far the most reviewed in our directory, thanks to its observation deck, park and location close to Seattle. Franklin Falls and Palouse Falls are the next most reviewed.