Viviane Falls

Chelan County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 197 ft (60 m)
Location: Chelan County, Washington
Access status: Long wilderness trail; free day-use permit at the trailhead; scramble for a clear view
The walk: About 9.75 miles one way and 5,100 feet of gain from the Snow Creek trailhead, per the Northwest Waterfall Survey
Ground & access: Long, steep wilderness trail with large elevation gain. Rugged granite near Lake Viviane with some scramble sections. The final view needs an off-trail scramble up the creek.

Northwest Waterfall Survey: Viviane Falls

Viviane Falls, WA
Photo credit
Photo: Buidhe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Viviane Falls is the largest waterfall in the Enchantment Lakes Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth. Snow Creek leaves Lake Viviane and drops about 215 feet down a fractured granite cliff, split into two channels. From the Snow Lakes Trailhead, follow the Snow Lakes Trail up past Nada Lake and the Snow Lakes toward Lake Viviane. The survey says a clear view needs a scramble up the creek about 100 vertical feet from the trail. The stretch between Upper Snow Lake and Lake Viviane is rugged, with some scrambling. This is a long, strenuous trip; the survey says day hiking is discouraged for all but the strongest hikers. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Snow Lakes Trailhead on Icicle Road, the Snow Lakes Trail (Snow Creek Trail) past Nada and Snow Lakes to where the trail passes closest to the base of the falls below Lake Viviane

The Northwest Waterfall Survey gives about 9.75 miles and 5,100 feet of elevation gain along the Snow Creek Trail to where the trail passes closest to the base of the falls. The return distance is not stated.

Long, steep wilderness trail with large elevation gain. Rugged granite near Lake Viviane with some scramble sections. The final view needs an off-trail scramble up the creek.

Where to start

Snow Lakes Trailhead on the left side of Icicle Road (Forest Road 7600), 4.3 miles from Leavenworth. Park only on the left side of the road. Parking is limited, and visitors may have to park far from the trailhead.

Timing & water

Overnight permits apply May 15 to October 31. One of the two channels runs dry in autumn. Dogs are not allowed on the Snow Lakes Trail or in the Enchantment Permit Area.

Before you go

Day use: $5 per vehicle per day or $30 annual; Northwest Forest Pass and Interagency passes are honored. Day-use wilderness permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead. Overnight camping needs an advance permit from May 15 to October 31.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Chelan County, Washington.

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