Waterfall Hikes Near Olympia, WA

210,877 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
14 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Capitol State Forest starts just southwest of Olympia, and Mima Falls is its steady walk, 6.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of gain and dogs allowed. Deschutes Falls out in the Bald Hills takes a half mile. Kennedy Falls is the commitment here, 9 miles round trip with 800 feet of climbing. Victor Falls, 70 feet high, rewards a tenth of a mile. Lilliwaup Falls up Hood Canal carries a name worth the drive on its own. Fourteen in all.

Located at 47.0417°N, -122.8959°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Olympia

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

14 of 14 gauged

1 of 14 waterfalls near Olympia is flowing strongly today

Cedar Creek Falls Low Chenuis Falls Moderate Ipsut Falls Moderate Ranger Falls Moderate Deschutes Falls Barely Flowing Fisk Falls Moderate Willapa Falls Moderate Kennedy Falls Low Lilliwaup Falls Moderate Little Mashel Falls Barely Flowing McKenna Falls Moderate Mima Falls Barely Flowing Wildcat Falls Barely Flowing Victor Falls Roaring

Updated 32 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Mostly Sunny · 80°F

Tue 78°F Mostly Sunny
Wed 76°F Partly Sunny
Thu 80°F Mostly Sunny Best
Fri 80°F Mostly Sunny
Sat 82°F Partly Sunny
Sun 82°F Partly Sunny
Mon 78°F Slight Chance Light Rain

Flowing best right now near Olympia

Updated about 1 hour ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Victor Falls Roaring · 842 cfs 90th percentile
  2. 2 Lilliwaup Falls Moderate · 124 cfs 58th percentile
  3. 3 McKenna Falls Moderate · 5 cfs 49th percentile
  4. 4 Chenuis Falls Moderate · 273 cfs 34th percentile
  5. 5 Ipsut Falls Moderate · 273 cfs 34th percentile
  6. 6 Ranger Falls Moderate · 273 cfs 34th percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Olympia

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Olympia (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Olympia (7 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Kennedy Falls waterfall

Kennedy Falls

16.1 miles away
Washington
Moderate
9.0 miles 800 ft
Mima Falls waterfall

Mima Falls

9.6 miles away
Washington
Moderate
6.5 miles 500 ft
Deschutes Falls waterfall

Deschutes Falls

36.2 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Victor Falls waterfall CC

Victor Falls

28.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 14 Waterfalls Near Olympia

Kennedy Falls waterfall

Kennedy Falls

16.1 miles away
Washington
Moderate
9.0 miles 800 ft
Mima Falls waterfall

Mima Falls

9.6 miles away
Washington
Moderate
6.5 miles 500 ft

McKenna Falls

24.1 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Lilliwaup Falls waterfall

Lilliwaup Falls

40.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Deschutes Falls waterfall

Deschutes Falls

36.2 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Victor Falls waterfall CC

Victor Falls

28.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Wildcat Falls

39.6 miles away
Washington
Moderate
4.5 miles 800 ft
Little Mashel Falls waterfall

Little Mashel Falls

39.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
5.3 miles 600 ft
Cedar Creek Falls waterfall

Cedar Creek Falls

28.4 miles away
Washington
Easy
2.2 miles 300 ft

Fisk Falls

22.4 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
Ranger Falls waterfall

Ranger Falls

41.3 miles away
In Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Moderate
4.0 miles 500 ft
Chenuis Falls waterfall

Chenuis Falls

41.4 miles away
In Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Moderate
8.4 miles 300 ft
Ipsut Falls waterfall

Ipsut Falls

42.9 miles away
In Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Willapa Falls waterfall

Willapa Falls

28.1 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Olympia

Are there free waterfalls near Olympia?

There are 7 free waterfalls near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Olympia?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Olympia?

There are 7 dog-friendly waterfalls near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Olympia?

There are 10 kid-friendly waterfalls near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Olympia?

The shortest waterfall hike near Olympia is Cedar Creek Falls at 2.0 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Olympia?

The tallest waterfall near Olympia is Victor Falls at 70 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Olympia require permits?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Olympia require a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Olympia?

Yes, 9 waterfalls near Olympia have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Olympia?

The closest waterfall to Olympia is Kennedy Falls, approximately 11.5 miles away.

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Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Olympia, Washington

Green River Soda Spring

59.1 mi 86°F

Green River Soda Spring produces 86-degree carbonated water at 1,644 feet elevation, flowing 37.5 degrees above ambient tempera...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Olympia, Washington on SoakingSprings.

Explore Washington springs

Where to Stay

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