Nooksack Falls

Nooksack Falls is a thundering 88-foot plunge on the North Fork Nooksack River near Mount Baker, where the full volume of the glacier-fed river drops over a basalt ledge into a deep, mist-filled gorge. The falls are deceptively powerful — the glacial meltwater from Mount Baker carries tremendous force, and the spray from the impact rises high above the rim of the gorge. The surrounding forest of old-growth western red cedar and Douglas fir gives the falls a primeval atmosphere, especially on the frequent misty days.

The viewing platform is just a few hundred feet from the parking area along a short, flat trail, making Nooksack one of the easiest major waterfalls to visit in Washington. The fenced overlook provides a direct view into the gorge and the falls, though the perspective is from above rather than the base. The raw power of the falls is impressive at any time of year, but particularly so during spring snowmelt when the river runs at full capacity.

Located along the Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) just 7 miles east of the town of Glacier, Nooksack Falls makes an easy stop on the way to Artist Point or the Mount Baker Ski Area. The falls are free to visit and accessible year-round, though the viewing platform can be icy in winter. Combine with a drive to the end of the highway for spectacular Cascade views.