While the days of fall are fleeting, there's still plenty of time to enjoy our beautiful fall foliage here in Washington. And while you'll find those rich vibrant hues all over the state at the moment, if you're short on time, nothing beats the Franklin Falls Trail this time of year.
The walk to the waterfall may be a short one, but it's incredibly scenic.
If you are like me, it is impossible to name your favorite natural wonder in the Evergreen State. I love destinations like Palouse Falls, Hoh Rain Forest, and the Columbia River Gorge. However, thousands of other people also love these incredible places, resulting in large crowds no matter the time of the year. That’s why Ladder Creek Falls must be on your bucket list. This is a natural wonder tucked behind a powerhouse in Newhalem. It’s the definition of a true hidden gem in Washington and a place you’ll be grateful to have discovered.
advertisement
Located on the Skagit River and along the North Cascades Highway is the small community of Newhalem. This charming place on the foothills of the North Cascades is beautiful in every way and an area you’ll immediately love. It is also an outdoor lover’s playground as you’ll find many trails and paths that take you through various terrains and to breathtaking landscapes. Some of these trails include the Rock Shelter Trail, Sterling Munro Viewpoint, and the “Trail of the Cedars” Nature Walk.
Ladder Creek Falls Trail is an easy and family-friendly trail in the area that takes you to one of our favorite natural wonders — Ladder Creek Falls. You’ll find the trailhead along Highway 20 at milepost 120, right across the river from the Gorge Powerhouse.
There is so much to love and admire on this family-friendly trail — It is truly a breathtaking place to visit. This is a loop trail that is approximately 0.5 miles and has very little elevation gain. At the start of your journey, you’ll walk across a narrow suspension bridge to the other side of the Skagit River. You may want to stop and admire the views of the powerhouse, the river, and the surrounding scenery from the bridge. It’s really quite stunning.
Behind the powerhouse, you’ll notice a garden and thick, beautiful trees. If you visit in the spring and summer, stop and admire the wildflowers that cover the ground. In the fall, the area transforms with reds, yellows, and gold leaves. The loop trail takes you through this beautiful space. It is short but be prepared for lots of stairs to climb.
In little time, you’ll come to the highlight of the trail — Ladder Creek Falls. This waterfall is truly a sight to behold as it is tucked up in the mountain and surrounded by trees and shrubbery. If you really want to see a remarkable sight, come in the spring when it truly roars.
Despite being a short path, you may not even pass another person along your way. This is a quiet trail.
Ladder Creek Falls is not only a beautiful waterfall but its surroundings are gorgeous. It may not be as popular as other natural wonders in Washington, but it will leave you impressed. It’s the perfect family-friendly adventure.
To learn even more about the Ladder Creek Falls Trails, visit AllTrails. We also recommend AllTrails+ to find even more hidden gem hiking trails in Washington.
advertisement
What are some of your favorite hikes in the Evergreen State? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to check out some of our favorite hiking water bottles and snacks!
If you're searching for an autumn escape that feels like stepping into a vibrant painting, look no further than Naches Peak Loop. This picturesque 3-mile hiking trail, located in the stunning Cascade Range, offers some of the most breathtaking fall foliage views in Washington State. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold, this trail transforms into a fall wonderland, making it the perfect autumn day trip.
The best time to experience Naches Peak Loop’s fall foliage is from mid-September to early October. During this window, the trail is surrounded by vibrant colors from alpine larch, vine maples, and huckleberry bushes. The crisp fall air and clear skies offer spectacular panoramic views of Mount Rainier, framed by the changing leaves, providing plenty of postcard-worthy photo ops.
Naches Peak Loop is a relatively easy trail that makes it accessible to most hikers. With a moderate elevation gain of around 500 feet, the trail loops through meadows, forests, and along alpine lakes. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of Tipsoo Lake at the trailhead and along the hike, you'll catch glimpses of Dewey Lake as well as Mount Rainier, standing majestically in the distance. In the fall, the trail comes alive with the vibrant colors of huckleberry bushes and alpine wildflowers, giving you a rich palette of reds, yellows, and golds. Keep an eye out for wildlife as well — this area is home to marmots, deer, and the occasional mountain goat.
Along the Naches Peak Loop, keep an eye out for friendly gray jays, also known as "camp robbers," who are known to approach hikers and may even perch on your hand! These curious birds are a delightful surprise along the trail, adding a touch of wildlife magic to your fall hike.
To reach Naches Peak Loop, you’ll want to head toward Mount Rainier National Park via Highway 410. The trailhead starts at Tipsoo Lake, which is about 2 hours from Seattle. If you're coming from Enumclaw, take Highway 410 to the Chinook Pass summit, where you'll see the Tipsoo Lake parking area. The loop can be accessed from either the parking area or the Pacific Crest Trail junction near the pass.
Naches Peak Loop is rated as easy to moderate, making it a great choice for families, beginner hikers, and anyone looking for a leisurely autumn hike. The loop can be completed in around 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery (and trust us, you’ll want to stop frequently!). It’s well-marked, and while there are some slight inclines, the path is relatively gentle. Just remember that fall in Washington can bring cool, unpredictable weather, so layers are key for staying comfortable.
Mount Rainier National Park charges an entrance fee, which varies depending on how you arrive —whether by car, motorcycle, bike, on foot, or even on horseback. Be sure to check the latest fee structure on the National Park Service website for specific details: Mount Rainier National Park Fees.
Naches Peak Loop is a slice of heaven during the fall season. Between the golden-hued meadows, crystal-clear alpine lakes, bright red autumn foliage, and panoramic views of Mount Rainier, this trail encapsulates everything magical about fall in Washington State. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful autumn escape, Naches Peak Loop will leave you in awe. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your camera, and prepare to immerse yourself in one of the best fall hikes Washington has to offer!
Need some new boots for the hike? I love the options at REI. Need more autumn foliage in your life? Try the Artist Ridge Trail.
