Waterfall · Pierce County, Washington

Basaltic Falls

Waterfall about 29 miles east of Eatonville, WA.

Photo of Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a waterfall 1.2 miles from Basaltic Falls
Pictured: nearby Wauhaukaupauken Falls (1.2 mi)

About Basaltic Falls

Basaltic Falls is a named waterfall in Pierce County, Washington, located about 29 miles east of Eatonville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mount Rainier East 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°48′34″ N, 121°38′53″ W (46.80955, -121.64815). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Basalt Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), Cowlitz Divide (ridge, 1.3 mi), and Fan Lake (lake, 1.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Trixie Falls, 0.4 miles to the north.

Weather at Basaltic Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Basaltic Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Basaltic Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Basaltic Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Basalt Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
  • Cowlitz Divide — ridge, 1.3 mi
  • Fan Lake — lake, 1.6 mi
  • Williwakas Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
  • Boulder Creek — stream, 2.0 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.80955, -121.64815. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Basaltic Falls

Photo of Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a waterfall 0.9 miles from Trixie Falls
Pictured: nearby Wauhaukaupauken Falls (0.9 mi)

Trixie Falls

Eatonville, WA · 0.4 mi north
Photo of Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a waterfall 1.5 miles from Twin Falls
Pictured: nearby Wauhaukaupauken Falls (1.5 mi)

Twin Falls

Eatonville, WA · 0.5 mi southeast
Photo of Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a waterfall 1.2 miles from Margaret Falls
Pictured: nearby Wauhaukaupauken Falls (1.2 mi)

Margaret Falls

Eatonville, WA · 0.7 mi northwest
5.0 (1)
Photo of Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a waterfall 0.9 miles from Mary Belle Falls
Pictured: nearby Wauhaukaupauken Falls (0.9 mi)

Mary Belle Falls

Eatonville, WA · 0.9 mi east
Photo of Wauhaukaupauken Falls, a waterfall 1.3 miles from Marie Falls
Pictured: nearby Wauhaukaupauken Falls (1.3 mi)

Marie Falls

Eatonville, WA · 1.0 mi east

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Basaltic Falls located?

Basaltic Falls is in Pierce County, Washington, about 29 miles east of Eatonville. Its coordinates are 46.80955, -121.64815 (46°48′34″ N, 121°38′53″ W).

What town is closest to Basaltic Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Eatonville, WA, about 29 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Basaltic Falls?

The closest is Trixie Falls (0.4 mi north). Others within reach include Twin Falls (0.5 mi), Margaret Falls (0.7 mi), and Mary Belle Falls (0.9 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Basaltic Falls?

Basaltic Falls appears on the USGS Mount Rainier East 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.