Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Spokane, Washington is known for its natural beauty, and some of the most spectacular sights in the area are its waterfalls.
These cascading streams of water provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making them the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
If you’re staying in Spokane or even if you’re visiting Seattle, a four-hour drive away, the following waterfalls will give you a great excuse to spend the day in nature.
Palouse Falls
One of the most well-loved waterfalls near Spokane is Palouse Falls.
Located about two and a half hours southeast of the city, this 198-foot-tall waterfall is the official state waterfall of Washington.
The falls are located within Palouse Falls State Park and can be viewed from several lookout points, including one at the top of the falls and another at the bottom.
The park also offers popular hiking trails, fishing, and camping.
Minnehaha Falls
Another waterfall worth visiting is the Minnehaha Falls, located just outside of Spokane in the city of Liberty Lake.
The falls are only 20 feet tall but it is unique for their series of small, cascading steps rather than one big drop.
It’s a great spot for picnics, fishing, and swimming during the summer.
Green Bluff and Clover Creek Falls
If you’re looking for a waterfall that is a little more off the beaten path, consider checking out Dishman Hills Natural Area.
Located on the southeast side of the city, this area is home to several awesome waterfalls, including Green Bluff and Clover Creek Falls.
The area is popular for hiking and mountain biking and is a good spot for bird watching and spotting different wild animals
If you’re looking for a more secluded waterfall, consider visiting the Bowl and Pitcher, located in Riverside State Park. This waterfall is located in a narrow canyon and is only accessible by hiking a trail.
The hike is a bit challenging, but the waterfall is well worth the effort, as it provides a calming and tranquil ambiance.
Sullivan Falls
On the more adventurous side, there’s Sullivan Falls, located in Sullivan Creek Canyon. It’s a bit of a hike to get to the falls, but the journey is well worth it.
The Sullivan Creek Trail offers challenging climbs and descents and panoramic views of the waterfall.
The trail ends in the middle of the falls, where visitors can swim in the cold, clear water.
Snoqualmie Falls
Located about 30 miles east of Seattle, this waterfall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
It’s a 268-foot-tall waterfall that is visible from a viewing platform, and also can be reached by a short hike to the foot of the falls.
The falls are surrounded by beautiful, lush forests, and visitors can also take a guided tour of the area, including the hydroelectric power plant.
Wallace Falls
If you’re looking for a waterfall that is a bit more out of the way, consider visiting Wallace Falls.
This waterfall is located about an hour and a half outside of Seattle, in the Wallace Falls State Park.
The park features several hiking trails, including one that takes you to the top of the falls, where you can get a dazzling view of the waterfall and the encompassing forest.
Adams Glacier Falls
For those who love a bit of adventure, there’s the Adams Glacier Falls located in the North Cascades National Park.
The hike to the falls is an experience in itself as the trail takes hikers through a rugged and remote area.
The waterfall is visible from the trail and it’s one of the most scenic natural features in the state.
Spray Falls
For waterfall lovers, there’s Spray Park. located in the Mount Rainier National Park.
Spray Park is a subalpine meadow filled with wildflowers and a sequence of small cascading waterfalls.
The area is accessible by a hiking trail, which makes it a bit more secluded and peaceful than some of the more popular waterfalls in the state.
Whatcom Falls
Located in Whatcom County, Whatcom Falls is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
The waterfall is located in Whatcom Falls Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children.
The waterfall is a series of cascading waterfalls, the tallest of which is 26 feet.
The park is open all year round and is a great spot for swimming in the summer and viewing the changing leaves in the fall.
Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is located in the Snoqualmie National Forest, about an hour east of Seattle.
This waterfall is a bit more remote than Whatcom Falls, but the journey to get there is well worth it.
The waterfall drops 120 feet into a pool of cold, clear water and it’s an idyllic spot for swimming and picnicking during the summer.
There’s also a trail that leads to the top of the falls, which offers a superb view of the waterfall and the surrounding area.
Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls is located in Olympic National Park and it’s a hidden gem that many tourists miss.
The waterfall is located in a beautiful forested area, and the hike to get there is relatively easy. It is a 90 feet waterfall that cascades in a narrow canyon and is surrounded by rich vegetation.
Visitors can take the trail from the parking lot to the waterfall and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Panther Creek Falls
You will find Panther Creek Falls in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about two hours south of Seattle.
The waterfall is located in a remote area and it’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the journey is well worth it.
It is an astonishing, multi-tiered waterfall that drops 100 feet into a deep pool of water.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and picnicking at the site.
All of these beautiful waterfalls are delightful in their own way and provide a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful picnic spot, there is a waterfall near Spokane that is perfect for you.
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