LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Drury Falls
Washington • 620 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Drury Falls
Tucked into the Cascade peaks of Washington and managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Wenatchee National Forest, Drury Falls is a remote, dramatic cascade plunging roughly 620 feet. The falls are best appreciated from distance where the steep amphitheater and rushing water read like a classic mountain spectacle; getting up close demands route-finding and a willingness to tackle rugged terrain. Despite its remoteness, the setting rewards visitors with dense forest, seasonal flow variation, and a true backcountry feel that hikers and photographers prize. Locally, approaches are typically treated as a moderate outing rather than an easy roadside stop: the commonly used route is about 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Camping is available nearby — Icicle Group Campground sits about 7.23 km from the falls — making it possible to combine an overnight stay with an early or late visit when lighting and water levels are often best. Note that while viewpoints are reachable on the established approach, reaching the waterfall’s base requires off-trail travel and steep scrambling, so plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace principles.
The Setting
Drury Falls sits at 4,626 feet within Wenatchee National Forest, fed by the Icicle Creek, in the mountains of Washington. At 620 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.
Height: 620 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Approach: approximately 2.4 miles (out-and-back) with ~350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. Reported waterfall height is about 620 feet. The available USFS data do not list a specific trail name or number for a maintained route directly to the fall, nor do they specify surface, grade, or formal trail class for the final descent. Hikers can expect forested mountain terrain on the approach within Wenatchee National Forest; getting to the base of the falls requires off-trail navigation through steep, rugged slopes and is not recommended for most visitors.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 620 feet.
Accessibility
Drury Falls is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no established trails or facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Drury Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Drury Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Drury Falls, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Wenatchee National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The terrain around Drury Falls is steep and rugged. Visitors should not attempt to hike to the base without proper experience and equipment. Parking along Highway 2 can be hazardous due to traffic, so exercise caution.
Current Water Conditions
145 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 67 years of record
3.48 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ICICLE CREEK ABOVE SNOW CREEK NEAR LEAVENWORTH, WA (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
145 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
148 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
151 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
161 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
151 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
144 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
148 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Leavenworth 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 648 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. It lines up with the 620 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 4,626 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 82 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 771 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,626 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 648 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Drury Falls is located near the town of Leavenworth, Washington, along Highway 2. The waterfall is visible from the highway, but accessing it up close requires navigating rugged terrain and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available along Highway 2, but there is no designated parking lot for Drury Falls. Visitors should exercise caution when parking along the highway.
Elevation
4,626 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.636779° N, -120.746600° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a better view of the falls from the highway. Avoid attempting to hike to the base unless you are an experienced off-trail hiker with proper equipment.
Where to Stay
FairBridge Inn & Suites Leavenworth
Linderhof Inn
Bavarian Lodge
Enzian Inn
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
ICICLE GROUP CAMPGROUND
4.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Nestled in a forest canopy of pine and fir on the banks of Icicle Creek, Icicle Group Campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a peaceful setting for groups and large gatherings.Recreation Icicle Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, bike and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. This campground has plenty of trails to explore by bike. Anglers may want to cast a line into the deep pools at nearby Toke
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Wenatchee, Washington on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed town, is located nearby and offers various recreational and dining options. The Wenatchee River and other hiking trails in the Cascade Mountains are also in the area.
Wildlife
The area around Drury Falls is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other larger animals in the region.
Cities near Drury Falls
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