Check in at Seattle’s famous Franklin Falls Navigation tip: Search for “Franklin Falls Trailhead” (this is where the trail officially starts), but don’t park there—parking isn’t allowed. Instead, drive about 300 meters further up the road and you’ll find a parking area on the right. Winter conditions (around late January): There isn’t a lot of snow, but it’s still cold—especially on your face. Dress warmly. Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes with traction spikes. There are quite a few icy sections, and it’s easy to slip (I fell a few times myself). Avoid regular sneakers. If needed, you can grab a pair from an outlet store the day before—around $40–50. Trail details: Time to reach the waterfall: about 30–40 minutes from the trailhead No entrance fee Driving distance: about 70 km (roughly 1 hour) Route: The Franklin Falls Trail is an out-and-back hike—just follow the path in and return the same way. Difficulty: Overall easy, but currently more tiring than usual. If the trailhead parking is closed, you’ll need to walk about 3.3 miles on the road before reaching the actual trail. The Franklin Falls trail itself is only about 1 mile—the road section is easy but long. Trail conditions: After the trailhead, the path becomes muddy, with patches of snow and ice. Waterproof, non-slip shoes are highly recommended. Parking: If the main lot is closed, we parked near NF-9035 in the North Bend area. With the parking closure, this turns into a more physically demanding hike. Best suited if you’re up for a longer walk.
Franklin Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Franklin Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Franklin Falls famous?
Franklin Falls is one of the most accessible and family-friendly waterfall hikes near Snoqualmie Pass, making it extremely popular with Seattle-area families and beginner hikers seeking an easy introduction to Cascade Mountain scenery.
Can you swim at Franklin Falls?
No — the pool at the base is very cold, shallow, and not suitable for swimming. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Franklin Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on the trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Franklin Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required for parking (day-use fee applies if no pass). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Franklin Falls?
Parking is available at the Franklin Falls Trailhead off Forest Road 58, with a medium-sized lot that can fill on weekends. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Franklin Falls?
About 3.2 km / 2.0 miles round-trip from the trailhead. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Franklin Falls hike difficulty
Easy to Moderate — mostly gentle grade with some rocky sections and a few creek crossings on log bridges; well-maintained trail suitable for families. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Franklin Falls?
Late spring through early fall (May–September) for best trail conditions and peak snowmelt flow, though the trail is accessible year-round with winter requiring snowshoes. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Franklin Falls
From the trailhead parking area, follow the well-marked Franklin Falls Trail #1036 through old-growth forest alongside the South Fork Snoqualmie River. Cross several small creeks on log bridges and continue upstream. The trail ends at a viewpoint of the 70-foot waterfall cascading over a rock face.
Franklin Falls official website
Attractions near Franklin Falls
- •Denny Creek Trail & Melakwa Lake — scenic alpine lake hike near Snoqualmie Pass
- •Snoqualmie Pass Ski Areas — Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort for winter sports
- •Twin Falls Trail — popular waterfall hike with bridge viewpoints near North Bend
- •Keechelus Lake — large reservoir offering fishing, boating, and camping
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
More to explore nearby
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie, Washington
Twin Peaks famous waterfall 30 minutes from Seattle.
Palouse Falls
LaCrosse, Washington
Washington's state waterfall — basalt amphitheater.
Wallace Falls
Gold Bar, Washington
Three-tiered Cascades favourite near Seattle.
Comet Falls
Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier's most spectacular fall.