The hiking trails near the Hood Canal are highly underrated -- and some, like Rocky Brook Falls, hardly require any hiking at all. This three-tiered waterfall is one of Washington's tallest, and it's a spectacular sight.
The short trail to Rocky Brook Falls is located near Brinnon on the Olympic Peninsula's Hood Canal.
From Highway 101 N, turn left on the Dosewallips Road. Drive 3 miles west and park after crossing Rocky Brook Bridge.
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At 0.3 miles in length, this is really more of a brief nature walk than a hike.
But sometimes, a little fresh air and the sound of a rushing stream are all you need.
Before you know it, you'll be at the base of this beauty.
The waterfall is part of a hydroelectric generation facility, and it almost always has a large flow.
This is one of the largest and most often visited waterfalls on the Hood Canal. In the summertime, the pool at the bottom can be used as a swimming hole.
However, if you go early on a spring morning, you might have it all to yourself.
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There's nothing like relaxing by this tranquil waterfall on a warm day.
Pack a picnic and stay awhile. After all, this is more of an experience in nature than a strenuous hike.
If you're heading to the Olympic Peninsula this summer, this spot is a definite must-see.
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.
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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.
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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!
At the peak of summer, we PNWers pack our schedules with outdoor adventures. Though our region's mountain ranges are a boon of beauty, they also translate into an abundance of grueling treks. If you're looking for an easy waterfall hike in Washington, visit Madison Falls near Port Angeles. At under one mile, it may not even be a hike, but this hidden gem is undeniably beautiful.
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Saying you're not an avid hiker in Washington is a bit like saying you don't drink coffee. It earns a person looks, perhaps even suspicion. But let's face it: not everyone is interested in a 10-mile calf burner. From having young kids to managing accessibility issues, many Washingtonians want to experience nature without clambering over miles of trail.
According to the National Park Service, Madison Falls is one of the Olympic Peninsula's most accessible destinations. If you're testing some fresh-out-of-the-box trail gear or scheduling a quick leg stretch on a road trip, it's a worthwhile attraction.
Though it's cracked and bumpy in some places, the trail to the waterfall is entirely paved. As you take off, you'll pass a large field, once the site of a 19th-century homestead. Today, this area is used seasonally for the park's horses and mules. When they're off on a job, you may spot herds of deer and Roosevelt elk.
During spring and summer, stunning wildflowers paint the pasture with bright colors.
Because this trail takes most visitors under ten minutes, you'll have plenty of moseying time to take a closer look at these delicate native species. Some plants and animals are endemic to the Olympic Peninsula, meaning they're found nowhere else in the world.
Autumn visitors will find a variety of mushrooms in lieu of flowers. Though you should only pick them with an experienced guide, mushroom harvesting in Olympic National Park is allowed. Foragers can collect one quart per person per day.
Before you know it, you'll reach Madison Falls. At 60 feet, this waterfall packs a big punch for an under-one-mile hike. Benches nearby are great spots to relax and drink in the thunderous sound of rushing water.
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If you're looking for an easy waterfall trail in Washington, I recommend visiting Madison Falls near Port Angeles. From being a beginner to having young kids, there are plenty of reasons to avoid challenging routes. Luckily for us Washingtonians, there are spots like this where we can appreciate nature without the calf burn.