About Deception Falls
Deception Falls is a named waterfall in King County, Washington, located about 25 miles southeast of Gold Bar. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Scenic 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 47°42′52″ N, 121°11′36″ W (47.71455, -121.19343). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Deception Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Martin Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), and Scenic Creek (stream, 1.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Alpine Falls, 1.5 miles to the west.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Deception Falls:
trailsloop trailrushing watereasy hikelower fallsold river bedmini fallsviewing platformsmist from fallsbridges
More Photos
2,297 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Deception Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Deception 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 Deception Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Deception Falls holds a 4.8 average from 290 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Deception Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Deception Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Martin Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Scenic Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- Windy Mountain — summit, 1.7 mi
- Carroll Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- Embro Lake — lake, 1.8 mi
- Surprise Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Sawyer Creek — stream, 1.9 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 47.71455, -121.19343. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Deception Falls
- Otter Falls, WA15 mi southwest
- Eagle Falls, WA16 mi west
- Whinnimic Falls, WA16 mi south
- Canyon Falls, WA17 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Deception Falls located?
Deception Falls is in King County, Washington, about 25 miles southeast of Gold Bar. Its coordinates are 47.71455, -121.19343 (47°42′52″ N, 121°11′36″ W).
What town is closest to Deception Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Gold Bar, WA, about 25 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Deception Falls?
The closest is Alpine Falls (1.5 mi west). Others within reach include Waterfalls of the West Fork Foss River Valley (9.7 mi), Malachite Falls (9.7 mi), and Angeline Falls (11 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Deception Falls?
Deception Falls appears on the USGS Scenic 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.