Franklin Falls

Franklin Falls is a 70-foot plunge tucked into a forested canyon just west of Snoqualmie Pass, where Denny Creek drops over a basalt ledge into a boulder-strewn pool surrounded by old-growth forest. The falls are wider than they are tall, with the water spreading across the rock face in a broad curtain during high flow and narrowing to a single column in late summer. The forested setting and the mist rising from the base create an intimate, grotto-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the interstate rumbling overhead.

The 2-mile round-trip trail follows the old wagon road that once carried settlers over the Cascades, making for a gentle, mostly flat approach through towering Douglas fir and western hemlock. The trail crosses Denny Creek on stepping stones before arriving at the base of the falls. In summer, the pool at the base is a popular swimming hole, though the water is bracingly cold. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for families.

Located just off Exit 47 on I-90, Franklin Falls is one of the most accessible mountain waterfalls in the Seattle area — the trailhead is less than an hour from downtown. Visit in late spring for peak flow, or summer for swimming. Snow covers the trail from November through May, making it a popular snowshoe destination in winter. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.