WaterfallNear Me

Coal Creek Falls

King County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
King County, Washington
Access status
County park trail route and trailhead documented
The walk
2.5 miles round trip (WTA)
Ground & access
Wide trail at first, then narrower forest trail with a short set of stairs. Old mining cave holes lie beside the trail; King County says you must stay on the trails. Stinging nettle edges the trail.
Washington Trails Association: Coal Creek Falls
Coal Creek Falls, WA
Coal Creek Falls, WA
Photo creditPhoto: Walter Siegmund, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Coal Creek Falls is a seasonal waterfall of about 28 feet in King County's Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. From the Red Town Trailhead, bear left on the Red Town Trail. At the first junction, 0.1 mile in, bear left onto the Cave Hole Trail. Continue past a second junction for another 0.4 mile to a third junction, and bear right onto the narrower Coal Creek Falls Trail. After a short set of stairs going down, it is 0.3 mile to the falls. Return the same way, or continue toward the Quarry Trail for a loop.

Plan your visit

Red Town Trailhead on Lakemont Boulevard SE / Newcastle-Coal Creek Road, Red Town Trail, Cave Hole Trail, then the Coal Creek Falls Trail

WTA gives 2.5 miles round trip with 416 feet of elevation gain from the Red Town Trailhead. The Mountaineers describe a 4-mile loop option that also passes the falls.

Wide trail at first, then narrower forest trail with a short set of stairs. Old mining cave holes lie beside the trail; King County says you must stay on the trails. Stinging nettle edges the trail.

Where to start

Red Town Trailhead, a large but busy lot that fills quickly, with privies. From I-90 exit 13, turn right on Lakemont Boulevard; continue straight through the stoplight after one mile, and find the trailhead on the left after another 1.8 miles, at a sharp bend with a large blue King County sign.

Timing & water

The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The falls flow best in the rainy months and usually run dry from about mid-June until the rains return. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Before you go

WTA lists no parking pass or entry fee.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

King County, Washington.

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