downstream on the Wallace River
Northwest Waterfall Survey
- Wallace Falls (waterfallsnorthwest.com)
Wallace Falls is one of the most well known waterfalls in the North Cascades, and the centerpiece of popular Wallace Falls State Park just outside the town of Gold Bar. The falls drop a cumulative 392 feet in four distinct steps, though the final two drops are not visible from the trail system. The initial leap of the falls hurtles 265 feet into a large amphitheater and can be seen from US Highway 2 in the valley below. Upon exiting the large pool below the main drop, the river funnels into a 75 foot drop which plunges over a section of free fall in between cascades. The third and fourth drops tumble an additional 7 feet and 26 feet respectively, but are situated deep within the gorge and cannot be seen from the designated viewpoints. The remainder of the overall height is accounted for in small cascades in between each tier.
- Washington Pass (Wikipedia)
Washington Pass (el. 5477 ft./1669 m.) and Rainy Pass (el. 4875 ft./1486 m.) are two mountain passes on State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) in the North Cascades mountains of Washington state. Rainy Pass is about 4 miles to the west of Washington Pass. The passes are typically closed between November and April due to heavy snowfall.
- Wallace Falls (wa100.dnr.wa.gov)
Three plunging waterfalls at Wallace Falls State Park demand your attention—the largest one drops 265 feet down a backdrop of dark, hackly rocks speckled with bright green moss. The Middle Falls viewpoint offers not only excellent views of the waterfall, but also a panorama of the glacially-carved Skykomish River valley and the distant peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The park is also a popular recreational area. Enjoy rushing mountain streams flowing through misty conifer forests as you explore 20 miles of hiking trails. Find a camping spot and leave the crowds behind by making the trek up to Wallace Lake for a day of fishing. The beautiful views, well-maintained trails, and accessibility (the trailhead is only about an hour from Seattle by car) draw crowds year round. The area is therefore extremely popular, but note that parking is limited. Plan your visit during non-peak times for your best chance at solitude.
Washington Trails Association
- Wallace Falls State Park (wta.org)
Despite the foot traffic Wallace Falls sees as one of Washington’s most popular attractions, those who get out early on the trailhead will be rewarded with a serene tranquility that few other hikes in the area can offer. And unlike many trails, which sacrifice peripheral scenery on the journey for the prospect of a grand summit view, the Woody Trail is consistently gorgeous as you wind your way along the Wallace River and approach the nine dazzling falls.