LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Delzer Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Delzer Falls
Delzer Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into a quiet forest setting, popular with hikers who prefer a low-key outing away from crowded viewpoints. The waterfall's tranquil pool and mossy rock walls make for an inviting place to pause and soak in the scenery, especially in spring and after periods of rain when flows are fuller. The hike to reach it is short but rewarding: the established out-and-back trail covers 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate, making it a good half-day option for most fit walkers. Camping is conveniently close — Pacific Lake Recreation Site (Lakeview Ranch) lies roughly 2.33 km away, so you can easily turn a visit to Delzer Falls into an overnight trip. The setting feels intimate and restorative, ideal for photographers, birdwatchers, or anyone looking for a peaceful spot to relax in the woods.
The Setting
Delzer Falls sits at 1,532 feet along the Crab Creek, in the hills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route to Delzer Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path winds through forested terrain and follows a well-trodden natural tread; sections can be muddy or slippery in wet seasons, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The trail is straightforward and well suited to day hikers, but there is no USFS trail number or official surface-grade-class data provided in the available information.
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 Delzer Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Delzer Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is most active during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on the trail, especially during wet conditions, as it can be slippery. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid venturing too close to the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
2 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
0.40 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CRAB CREEK AT IRBY, WA (8 km away).
Today
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
2 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, patchy blowing dust (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early May, peaking in March.
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 Odessa 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 ground through the falls loses about 118 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,556 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 28 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest 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
- 1,556 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 118 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- 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 southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Delzer Falls is located near the town of Morton, Washington. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, which may be unpaved and require a high-clearance vehicle during certain seasons.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may be informal, typically along the roadside or at small pullouts near the trailhead.
Elevation
1,532 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.400179° N, -118.755147° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, especially during wet seasons, as the trail can be muddy. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty, and consider visiting during spring or early summer when water flow is at its peak.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Pacific Lake Recreation Site - Lakeview Ranch
1.4 miles away · 0 sites
Pacific Lake Recreation Site is located 1/3-mile east of the historic Lakeview Ranch barn and corrals. The recreation site provides three quiet picnic and/or camping sites (each with picnic table and fire ring) in a shrub-steppe ecosystem, and with views to columnar basalt formations rising up along the opposite lake edge. Due to a declining aquifer, Pacific Lake was completely dry from 2004 – 2016, and is again currently dry, as of 2022. Recreational activities in this area include picnicking, c
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Riffe Lake and Mount Rainier National Park, which are great for additional outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects, especially in warmer months.
Cities near Delzer Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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