WaterfallNear Me

North Fork Falls

King County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
King County, Washington
Access status
Short park trail from the Red Town Trailhead
The walk
About a quarter mile from the Red Town Trailhead, per the Northwest Waterfall Survey
Ground & access
Soft dirt forest trail with gentle ups and downs.
Washington Trails Association: Coal Creek Trail

North Fork Falls is a small year-round waterfall on Coal Creek, in the Coal Creek Natural Area across Lakemont Boulevard from the Red Town Trailhead on Cougar Mountain. From the Red Town lot, cross Lakemont Boulevard to the signpost for the Coal Creek Park Trail and descend into the forest. Pass an information kiosk about the old coal mines, cross a wooden bridge over Coal Creek, and take the short spur to North Fork Falls, where there are benches. Return the same way. Old railroad planks can be seen in the creek just below the falls.

Plan your visit

Red Town Trailhead on Lakemont Boulevard in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, across the road and down the Coal Creek Trail, over the Coal Creek footbridge to the short spur to the falls

The Northwest Waterfall Survey says the falls are about 1/4 mile from the Red Town Trailhead. WTA says the falls are about 0.2 mile along the Coal Creek Trail from the foot of the Cinder Mine Trail, an alternative start.

Soft dirt forest trail with gentle ups and downs.

Where to start

Red Town Trailhead lot on Lakemont Boulevard SE, about 3 miles south of I-90 Exit 13, just before the road crosses Coal Creek. Parking is also available at the Cinder Mine Trailhead off Newcastle Golf Club Road.

Timing & water

No season limits are stated. The falls flow year-round.

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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