Washington State Waterfalls
 

Hi there!

You guys always give such great advice...you'll probably never be rid of me. :-)

My husband and I are planning an 8 night trip to Washington State. For those of you that remember me, you know that we love to go, go, go. We love the outdoors and don't mind hiking 10-15 miles a day.

Here's my question...we want to be able to see as much as possible while we're there. I LOVE waterfalls and have been told that I need to go in June to see them. Then I have been told that I won't be able to hike in Mt. Rainier or Olympic until July. Help! The earliest I could go would be June 15th. So when should we go? June, July, or August?

Thanks for all the help!

These aren't near Rainier or the peninsula but may interest you:

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasona...aterfall-hikes

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/getawa...keweek02.shtml

Serendipity42

Hi Serendipity42!

Thanks so much for the links. I love discovering as many waterfalls as I can. We are planning to roam all over for many different waterfalls. I am just curious about when to go so that I can see lots of waterfalls AND be able to explore in the higher elevations. :-)

If you come in late June or earlier, I might recommend some wonderful waterfalls on the east side of the state - Palouse Falls - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palouse_Falls, then possibly work your way west down the Columbia (numerous waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Gorge) and then swing up from Trout Lake WA (near Hood River OR) to the Indian Heaven wilderness area for some marvelous hikes and views. http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation...n-heaven.shtml

Snoqualmie Falls is the largest falls nearest Seattle. It's worth including imo.

Wallace Falls, north of Seattle, is a popular day hike: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp...=Wallace+Falls

Hi Everyone! Thanks for the recommendations. I really appreciate them, but I still would like your opinions on the best time to go to see waterfalls AND be able to hike in higher elevations.

What do you think? Late June, July, or August?

:-)

It's impossible to predict either on.

The waterfall's levels will depend on the annual snow and rainfall.

June, July, August could all be nice weather or could be rainy. You just never know around here. I guess later is better for chance of warmer temperatures. But this year August was pretty much a dud weather-wise. You just never know!

Suze (in Seattle)

Thank you, Suze! I am beginning to think that Washington's weather is as unpredictable as Iceland's. We went in July for that trip so maybe we will keep up the tradition. :-) I appreciate your help!

I don't know that the waterfalls on the west side of the Cascades would diminish much between June and July.

If you want to hike at Rainier, best come mid-July or later. The wildflowers at Paradise are generally at their peak around July 20-25---altho this year Paradise was still under snow then! That is how strange the weather has been lately.

Narada Falls, on the way up to Paradise is lovely even in October---misty and mysterious looking, but also very nice in July when it is full.

Thanks enzian! I love hearing about waterfalls! Your input helps me a lot. I definitely am leaning towards mid-July now. :-)

I don't agree with the statement that you need to go in June to see the waterfalls. We've been to several in August and they've still had plenty of flow. Some are pretty dependable every year. Some, like others have said, are different every year. Last winter we had lots of snow. Who knows what it will be like this winter! Ask again in April or so & we should have a better idea :) My husband has just joined a hiking group, they're very knowledgeable about hiking in the Cascades. Should be able to have some good info for you close to the time of your trip!

Serendipity42

It is possible to drive from Snoqualmie Falls to Wallace Falls mostly on country roads through farm land--one of my favorite drives. If you are interested, I will outline it for you.

And that country drive will take you through my hometown <G>

Serendipity42

Just did the Wallace Falls hike last Friday, and I'm happy to report that there was still enough water to be impressive. Gorgeous drive, and gorgeous hike.

Thanks again Serendipity! I think we are leaning toward going in mid/late July. I'll have to post again next spring so that you and your husband can give me updated hiking information. :-)

Thanks also to you, Happy Trails. I'd love to hear the Snoqualmie to Wallace Falls route.

I appreciate all of the help!! Have a great Monday!

As if you need further convincing, Wallace Falls is great. And the drive from Snoqualmie Falls that HTTY mentioned is really nice! Goes through our old town too;) When we lived up there, we used to do WF several times each year and never got tired of it. The one thing I will say, avoid the weekend if you can. If you are there on a summer weekend, the parking lot fills up really fast.

I would highly suggest August. The weather seems the most even (June can still be rainy) and Rainier is able to be visited with ease. The wildflower meadows will be in bloom and there would still be plenty of flowing water. Enjoy!

Since I will never turn down an opportunity to talk about waterfalls, can everyone give me their opinion on the best waterfalls to see in Washington State?

Thanks so much for your help!

:-)

I believe that is what we have done.