Crown Point Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (Stehekin River) · 384 ft³/s · About average

Crown Point Falls

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Wenatchee National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
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Harold Litwiler, Poppy CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr
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Trail Length

1.1 miles

About Crown Point Falls

Crown Point Falls is a lesser-known waterfall tucked inside Washington’s Wenatchee National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The cascade offers a peaceful, scenic stop for hikers who prefer quieter trails — it’s most commonly reached via the USFS Crown Mine Trail (Trail #1256.51), which provides a compact outing through forested public land. Follow signage for Crown Mine/Trail #1256.51 on USFS maps, and plan for a moderate-paced outing to enjoy the falls without a long drive back to trailheads or camp.

The Setting

Crown Point Falls sits at 5,167 feet within Wenatchee National Forest, in the high mountains of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Crown Mine (#1256.51), a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail over n/a.

USFS Trail

CROWN MINE #1256.51

Trail Class

Class 0

Surface

N/A

Avg Grade

N/A

USFS Segment

1.11 mi

Trail Description

USFS-designated route: Crown Mine (Trail #1256.51). USFS data classifies the trail as Class: N; surface and typical grade are not specified in the USFS record. Difficulty is generally rated moderate. Hikers should expect a short, moderate climb and a straightforward out-and-back route on USFS-managed land within Wenatchee National Forest.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with views of the waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Crown Point Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Crown Point Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Wenatchee National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the waterfall edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Stehekin River, 13.1 miles away, not on Crown Point Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

384 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Based on 103 years of record

18.95 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 12451000
13.1 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 321 sq mi
Altitude: 1,099 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge STEHEKIN RIVER AT STEHEKIN, WA (21 km away).

Moderate confidence
Roaring right now
384 cfs
↑ Rising
100100100100100100100TodayTomorrowFriSatSunMonTue

Today

Roaring

384 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

393 cfs

8/10

Fri

Roaring

428 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

447 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

418 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

393 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

393 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in June.

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 Darrington hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Crown Point Falls Frozen?

Updated about 4 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately 2 more freezing days forecast

Crown Point Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 27°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing
2 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
2 of the next 7
Flow
241 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.

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.

1-meter lidar measures about 300 feet of descent through Crown Point Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 5,183 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 22 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 426 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Crown Point Falls near Darrington, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Crown Point Falls near Darrington, Washington, showing about 300 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
5,183 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 300 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
East
Catches soft morning light.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Crown Point Falls is located in Washington state, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or trail resources for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited parking options and consider arriving early during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,167 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.198362° N, -120.895985° W

Land Management

Wenatchee National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for potentially muddy or uneven trails. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain may make trails slippery.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Nineteenmile Campground

12.8 miles away · 0 sites

Located along the Chiwawa River, 22 miles from Lake Wenatchee, this campground offers river access.

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other waterfalls and hiking trails in Washington state parks or national forests may be nearby.

Wildlife

The area may feature typical Pacific Northwest wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.

Cities near Crown Point Falls

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