Hike of the Week: Wallace Falls

This winter's heavy rains make for a great show at Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls

Where a river roars through you





by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

February 3, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Wallace Falls State Park, Skykomish Valley
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,250 feet
Access: 30 miles east of Everett via US 2 to the town of Gold Bar. Follow signs to State Park.
Special Note: Dogs must be on a leash. Washington State Park Pass Required.
Green Trail Map: Index No. 142


Save this hike for a rainy day (which should be no problem at all this winter season). For each raindrop that falls from the heavens and makes its way to the Wallace River adds to the intensity of these crashing cascades-providing you with a most spectacular aquatic show. Wallace Falls State Park is a beautiful place to hike anytime of the year, but the wet winter and early spring months are best. Located a mere 50 miles east of Seattle, the falls are perfect for an impromptu getaway. But once you’re here, spend some time. The 4,735-acre park has 17 miles of trails to keep you busy and content.
The majority of hikers opt for the 6.5 mile Upper Falls-Old Railroad Grade Loop. And who can blame them? With four distinct falls, colonnades of moss-shrouded trees, showy boughs of dark green ferns bursting from the ground, and a thundering river always within earshot-this hike is a Cascades Classic. Start on the Woody Trail (named for a state senator-not the surroundings). Follow it through a dark and dank forest and then drop down to the river’s edge. A short side trail branches off to a pretty series of small cataracts. But, the big tumbles are still ahead.
Thanks to the Washington Trails Association (www.wta.org ), a well built path makes its way upward and onward, climbing 1,200-feet to the falls. Two miles from the start are the Middle Falls. At 265 feet-they’re the park’s tallest. From the soggy overlook, stare right into the heart of the tumultuous falls roaring through a narrow chasm. The Upper Falls are another .75 mile beyond. They’re not quite as impressive-but the views of the Skykomish Valley along the way are. Return on the old RR Grade Trail for an easy stroll and peaceful conclusion to this most turbulent environment. If it isn’t raining too hard and you want a longer hike-Wallace Lake makes for a good leg stretcher.


Wallace Falls is one of the highlighted hikes in the new and free 32-page color booklet, Hiking Snohomish County, published by the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau and written by Craig Romano.