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Wallace Falls

Gold Bar, Washington 98251

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23 Reviews
4 out of 5
The Wallace River tumbles over waterfall after waterfall as it cuts through the lush landscape of Wallace Falls State Park. The park’s network of trails makes an excellent off-season outing, and the views amaze even when the region is socked in with thick fog, as it so often is. The trail is flat and easy on the way to the best waterfall in the park, but it gets steeper on the way to the upper falls.

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Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls Professional Guide

Detailed Trail Description from our Guidebook

"The Wallace River tumbles over waterfall after waterfall as it cuts through the lush landscape of Wallace Falls State Park. The park’s network of trails makes an excellent off-season outing, and the views amaze even when the region is socked in with thick fog, as it so often is. The trail is flat and easy on the way to the best waterfall in the park, but it gets steeper on the way to the upper falls."

--Oliver Lazenby , Hiking Washington (Falcon Guides).

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Detailed Trail Descriptions from Our Guidebooks

Wallace Falls Railway Trail Guide
Best Rail Trails: Pacific Northwest (Falcon Guides)
Natalie Bartley
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"On this trek you’ll start uphill on a railroad grade or along a river side trail and then continue on a narrow walking trail up steep switchbacks, through deep woods, and over wooden bridges to spectacular views of Wallace River waterfalls. Get ready for a great workout as you enjoy a rural road trip and a scenic trail system with the convenience of camping and the proximity of good food." Read more
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Wallace Falls State Park Trail Guide
Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades (The Mountaineers Books)
Joan Burton
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"Wallace Falls is a spectacular cataract that is visible as far as the Stevens Pass highway, miles away. In recent years, it has become easily accessible. The trail is short, sometimes steep, and can be muddy in spring and fall. However, the low elevation means it is open for walking when the highlands are snowed in. Hazards are minimal except at the trail’s end, overlooking the falls, where spray makes every surface slippery and requires that every child’s hand be held tight. One Mother’s Day, I took two toddlers, a baby, and two grandmothers to Wallace Falls. The kids had a grand time (and were carried much of the way), but the grandmothers never forgave me!" Read more
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Wallace Falls State Park Trail Guide
Best Hikes Near Seattle (Falcon Guides)
Peter Stekel
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"Wallace Falls marks the entrance to the grand scenery of the Skykomish River Valley. The river is a popular whitewater run, and paddlers know the river as “The Sky.” Traveling eastward, every turn of the road reveals another character of The Sky’s beauty. As for the falls, within 0.5 mile the Wallace River drops 800 feet, creating nine distinct waterfalls. Like Bridal Veil Falls, some 8 road miles farther upstream, the main cascade of Wallace Falls can be seen from the highway as it gushes, foams, and leaps 265 feet. Walking the trail to the falls takes your breath away—and it isn’t solely because it feels like you’re heading straight up. This popular trail can be full of people in summer and nearly devoid of hikers in winter—which is a shame, since winter rains make Wallace Falls truly impressive." Read more
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Wallace Falls State Park Trail Guide
60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Seattle - Including Bellevue, Everett, and Tacoma (Menasha Ridge Press)
Andrew Weber and Bryce Stevens
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"This deservedly popular hike leads to an impressive series of waterfalls in the Skykomish River Valley, nine of which drop more than 50 feet and whose centerpiece is the 265-foot Middle Falls. The falls aren’t the only attraction, however, as old-growth forest, a wide network of trails, and local history all converge at this year-round park." Read more
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Wallace Falls Trail Guide
Hiking Waterfalls in Washington (Falcon Guides)
Roddy Scheer with Adam Sawyer
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"Wallace Falls may be one of the most popular waterfalls and hikes in the state, and for good reason. The 5.5-mile out and back jaunt gets the heart racing any time of year and puts hikers in the middle of some stunning second- growth forest. The payoff, of course, is a doozy of a waterfall starting out up high as a horsetail and spreading out over the course of its first and major drop (265 feet) into a showering cascade falling into a serene- looking pool." Read more
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Wallace Falls Reviews

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Kevin C.
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8/7/2018
I took my nephews to Wallace Falls and even though it is a steep little hike up to the falls they had no problem. The elevation gain is 1200 ft in a short distance, so I was impressed with their enthusiasm. We were shaded by tree canopy which was nice in the heat. The waterfalls (especially the middle falls) and canyon views were lovely.
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Leigha H.
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7/11/2018
Beautiful hike! The elevation gain in some places was a little steep, but still worth it for the great views. There are plenty of spots to take a breather or have a snack. The middle falls have the best views, and the trek between middle and upper is pretty short but more strenuous. Get there early and enjoy the loveliness before the rest of the world arrives!
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Sonia H.
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3/12/2018
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Adam L.
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4/8/2012
This is a popular and heavily travelled trail to a series of waterfalls, which attracts lots of hikers, familles and their pets. There are several viewpoints along the way as well as picnic tables and shelters. Enjoyable, but be prepared for lots of company.
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Nathan S.
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10/22/2011
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John S.
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7/9/2011
Awesome water falls and well maintenanced trails. Go on a somewhat cloudy day if you want to take pics.
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Susan B.
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4/17/2011
I hiked this trail with my family and a couple of dogs. It was beautiful all along the way.
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Kyle J.
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7/17/2010
Great trail, really well maintained. Extremely busy however so if you are looking for any kind of solitude this is not your trail.

Sports some great views of Wallace Falls in several view points.

Really would like to also check out Wallace Lake and make a full loop.
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Katharine S.
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5/18/2010
Hike out to Barclay was nice and easy, after reading both the description of this trail on trails.com and the WTA site I didn't expect finding the trailhead to eagle or stone lake to be hard... My friend and I searched a good 20 minutes around the area where the trail abruptly ended and had no such luck. Once we reached the lake we continued along the path for a good 15 minutes until the path clearly ended. Wish we had found the rest of the hike!
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brandon K.
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5/5/2010
We hiked all the way to eagle lake and the incline after barclay lake is pretty gnarly. there was snow about 1/8 of a mile from stone lake and then all through paradise meadow until eagle lake. cabin is rad. snow pack was crusty enough to walk on without snowshoes but would be nice.


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Trail Information

Gold Bar
Nearby City
Dog-friendly
Accessibility
5.5
Distance
1,100 feet
Elevation Gain
Out-and-back
Trail Type
Moderate to Difficult
Skill Level
3 hours
Duration
Year-round
Season
Waterfalls
Features
Washington State Parks; (360) 793-0420; parks.wa.gov
Local Contacts
Green Trails no. 142, Index; wallacefalls.org/trail_map/wallace_falls_trail_map.pdf
Local Maps

Activity Feed
Dec 2018
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