WaterfallNear Me

Keekwulee Falls

King County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
171 ft (52.1 m)
Location
King County, Washington
Access status
National forest wilderness trail with an unbridged creek ford
The walk
5 miles round trip to Keekwulee Falls, per WTA
Ground & access
Rocky, rooty trail about three feet wide with boardwalks and drainage work. The water slide crossing is a ford; the current is swift and cold and can rise quickly.
Washington Trails Association: Denny Creek

Keekwulee Falls drops about 125 feet in two steps on Denny Creek in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Snoqualmie Pass. Follow the Denny Creek Trail through old-growth forest, cross Denny Creek on a large bridge after half a mile, pass under the I-90 viaduct, and enter the wilderness. Just over a mile from the trailhead, the trail crosses Denny Creek at the water slide rocks, where there is no bridge and the creek must be forded. Continue 0.7 mile to a rock outcrop just off the trail with a view of Keekwulee Falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Denny Creek trailhead, Denny Creek Trail #1014 past the water slide crossing to the Keekwulee Falls viewpoint

WTA gives a five-mile round trip with 803 feet of elevation gain when Keekwulee Falls is the turnaround point. The water slide crossing is just over a mile from the trailhead and the falls are 0.7 mile farther.

Rocky, rooty trail about three feet wide with boardwalks and drainage work. The water slide crossing is a ford; the current is swift and cold and can rise quickly.

Where to start

Denny Creek trailhead area: from I-90 exit 47, turn left over the freeway, go 0.2 mile and turn right on Forest Road 58, pass under the freeway and turn left, then continue 2.9 miles. About half a mile past Denny Creek Campground there are three large lots on the right (about 170 cars). Roadside parking is not permitted.

Timing & water

WTA says the falls are fed by runoff and are highest from April to July. Assess the Denny Creek ford before crossing; it can be dangerous in high water.

Before you go

America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass. An electronic payment station is at the first parking lot.

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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