Cascade Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into the forested hills of San Juan County’s Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve. The preserve is a designated Marine Protected Area (MPA) owned by DESG and managed by OTHS, and the falls tumble through fern- and moss-lined rock into a shaded stream corridor that makes for an intimate, photogenic stop for island hikers. The approach to the falls feels like a classic Pacific Northwest forest walk — dense canopy, carpets of moss, and the steady sound of water drawing you in. The route to Cascade Falls is a relatively short outing that rewards hikers with a wooden bridge vantage perfect for photos; the trail’s moderate length and well-maintained tread make it a popular choice for visitors who want a brief but scenic hike in the preserve.
The Setting
Cascade Falls sits at 489 feet within San Juan County/Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve, fed by the Chuckanut Creek, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles round-trip, Elevation gain: ~350 feet, Difficulty: Moderate, Type: Out-and-back. The route follows a well-maintained forest path through moss-covered trees and ferns; much of the hike is singletrack with some uphill sections but no technical scrambling. A wooden bridge provides the best viewing spot of the falls. Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness — families can often manage the trail, though expect uneven footing and brief climbs.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cascade Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Cascade Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall to prevent accidents.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 16.4 miles away
1 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 4 years of record
14.06 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CHUCKANUT CREEK NEAR BELLINGHAM, WA (26 km away).
Today
Roaring
2 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
1 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
1 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
2 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid March, peaking in December.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Roche Harbor hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
3-meter lidar measures about 119 feet of descent through Cascade Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 494 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 86 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 38 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 494 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 119 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cascade Falls is located within Moran State Park on Orcas Island. To reach the park, visitors typically take a ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. Once on the island, follow signs to Moran State Park and park near the Cascade Falls trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead within Moran State Park. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
489 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.646376° N, -122.832397° W
Land Management
Managed by OTHS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during summer months to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Where to Stay
Otter's Pond Bed and Breakfast
The Landmark Inn on Orcas Island
Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping
Majestic Inn and Spa
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Blind Island
6.4 miles away · 0 sites
You made it to a designated site along the Cascadia Marine Trail, our Nation's longest recreation water trail! Blind Island is a small, three-acre marine camping park located on the north side of Shaw Island. All of the campsites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are for the exclusive use of boaters arriving by human or wind-powered watercraft. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, non-motorized boating, and wildlife watching. The BLM cooperatively manages the are
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Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Moran State Park include Mount Constitution, Mountain Lake, and Twin Lakes. The park also offers camping, picnicking, and additional hiking trails.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, birds, and other small forest animals. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and other native bird species.
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Other waterfalls named Cascade Falls
24 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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