Hike of the Week: Wallace Falls
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| The middle Wallace Falls are the park's highest and most impressive |
Wallace Falls
Winter’s rains add to beloved fall’s intensity and beauty
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
Quick Facts
Location: Skykomish Valley
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Green Trails Map: Index WA- No. 142
Contact: Wallace Falls State Park (360) 793-0420 or http://www.parks.wa.gov/
Notes: Dogs must be on leash
Access: From Everett follow US 2 for 28 miles east to Gold Bar. Just before Milepost 28 turn left onto 1st Street and proceed for .4 mile to a four way stop. Turn right onto May Creek Road and continue for 1.5 miles to Wallace Falls State Park and trailhead.
Consisting of nine separate cascades, the tallest at 265 feet, Wallace Falls are absolutely spectacular and one of the best known and loved set of cataracts in the Evergreen State. Visit them on a sunny spring, summer, or fall weekend and expect plenty of company. But head here in the heart of winter and the crowds thin. And while these falls are grand any time of year, they are stunning during the rainy months when the Wallace River swells.
The way begins on a high voltage line right-of-way. After a .25 mile enter forest and soon come to a junction. Left heads to the falls utilizing an old logging railroad grade. It makes for a nice loop option adding about a mile and is best done on the return taking advantage of a gentle descent.
Head right on the Woody Trail through dark and dank forest dropping down to river’s edge. A short side trail branches off to a pretty series of small cataracts. The big tumbles are still ahead. Under colonnades of moss-shrouded trees continue beside the roiling river. Benches provide spots for contemplation.
Now pulling away from the river the trail begins to climb. At a little over a mile a short side trail veers steeply left to connect with the railroad grade trail. Continue straight remaining high above the raucous river. At 1.4 miles, come to a junction. Left heads to the Railroad Grade Trail (a return option) and the Greg Ball Trail to Wallace Lake.
Proceed straight dropping to cross the North Fork Wallace River and then begin a short and steep climb to the Lower Falls Viewpoint and Picnic Shelter. A pretty sight but what probably caught your attention was the much bigger falls in the distance. At 2.2 miles reach the view point for the Middle Falls. At 265 feet, they are the park’s highest, the ones you can see from US 2, and one of the most impressive hydrological shows in the state.
The Upper Falls are another half mile beyond. Not quite as impressive, they are still worth the 500 feet climb to get to them. En route be sure to stop at the ledge top overlook above the Middle Falls for a sweeping view of the Skykomish River Valley and out to the Olympic Mountains.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Wallace Falls visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County
