Crystal Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in northeastern Washington, near the town of Metaline Falls. It is part of the Crystal Falls State Park Heritage Site and is easily accessible, making it a popular stop for travelers in the area. The waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff surrounded by lush forest, offering a serene and scenic view.
The Setting
Crystal Falls sits at 2,795 feet within Crystal Falls, fed by the Colville River, in the hills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Crystal Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The trail to Crystal Falls is extremely short and easy, as the waterfall is visible from the parking area. A short path leads closer to the falls for better views. The trail is flat and suitable for all visitors.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Crystal Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Crystal Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions that create a unique, frozen landscape.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery. During winter, icy conditions may make the area hazardous. Always supervise children and pets near the water.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 19.4 miles away
59 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 102 years of record
5.18 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 COLVILLE RIVER AT KETTLE FALLS, WA (31 km away).
Today
Low
67 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
64 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
60 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
59 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
63 cfs
3/10Thu
Barely Flowing
61 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, patchy frost then sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid June, peaking in April.
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 Colville 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 131 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,838 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 80 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,838 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 131 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Crystal Falls is located along Highway 20, approximately 6 miles south of Metaline Falls, Washington. The waterfall is visible from the road, and there is a small parking area nearby for visitors.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A small parking area is available near the waterfall, just off Highway 20. Parking is free, but space may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,795 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.512190° N, -117.656788° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer weekends. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk closer to the falls, as the ground may be wet and slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Colville
Mistequa Casino Hotel
Selkirk Motel
Columbia Point Resort
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
LAKE GILLETTE CAMPGROUND
8.8 miles away · 14 sites
Overview Lake Gillette campground lies on the east shore of Lake Gillette, a popular spot for boating and fishing.Recreation With plentiful trails, visitors to the area will enjoy hiking and bicycling and those looking for water recreation can access swimming and boating in nearby Gillette Lake.Facilities Lake Gillette campground has 14 campsites, vault toilets, drinking water and a bear proof garbage containers. The campground offers paved interior roads and parking spurs.Natural Features Lodgep
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Sullivan Lake, Gardner Caves, and the town of Metaline Falls, which offers additional outdoor activities and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area around Crystal Falls is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the nearby river.
Cities near Crystal Falls
Other waterfalls named Crystal Falls
8 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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