Middle Wallace Falls

Snohomish County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 367 ft (111.9 m)
Location: Snohomish County, Washington
Access status: State park trail to the Middle Falls overlook; Discover Pass required
The walk: WTA: Lower Falls picnic area at 2 miles, Middle Falls less than half a mile farther
Ground & access: Well-maintained forest trail with about 1,300 feet of gain to the upper falls, much of it on the switchbacks above the Middle Falls. Dogs must be leashed; unleashed dogs have been swept over the falls.

Washington Trails Association: Wallace Falls State Park

Middle Wallace Falls, WA
Photo credit
Photo: Heptazane, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This listing marks the middle of the three Wallace River falls in Wallace Falls State Park, the main Wallace Falls, whose first leap drops about 265 feet into a large amphitheater. From the trailhead by the kiosk and restrooms, walk under the power lines into the forest. At the split about half a mile in, go right through the wooden gate onto the hiker-only Woody Trail (the left fork is the longer Railroad Grade). Follow the river, then climb, staying on the Woody Trail past side paths to the picnic shelter at the Lower Falls, 2 miles from the trailhead. Continue less than half a mile to the Middle Falls overlook, the best view of the main falls. Return the same way, or continue up switchbacks to the Upper Falls. Stay at the designated viewpoints.

Plan your visit

Wallace Falls State Park trailhead near Gold Bar, along the Woody Trail past the Lower Falls picnic shelter to the Middle Falls overlook of the main 265-foot Wallace Falls

WTA puts the Lower Falls picnic area 2 miles from the trailhead on the Woody Trail and the Middle Falls overlook less than half a mile beyond. The Northwest Waterfall Survey puts the best view about 1/3 mile past the lower falls. WTA lists 5.6 miles round trip to the Upper Falls, which is beyond this falls.

Well-maintained forest trail with about 1,300 feet of gain to the upper falls, much of it on the switchbacks above the Middle Falls. Dogs must be leashed; unleashed dogs have been swept over the falls.

Where to start

Wallace Falls State Park lot at 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar: from US 2 in Gold Bar turn on 1st Street, then right on May Creek Road and keep left at the Y. The lot is usually full by 11 a.m. on weekends; do not park on the county road.

Timing & water

Washington State Parks lists hours of 8 a.m. to dusk year-round. Flow drops a lot in summer and fall.

Before you go

Discover Pass required: $10 for one day or $45 for a year; sold at a dispenser in the parking lot.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Snohomish County, Washington.

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