Are there fees or permits required for Eagle Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Eagle Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Eagle Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Eagle Falls.

Live Conditions · 29 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Eagle Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Eagle Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Eagle Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Snoqualmie National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

kirknelson CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Gene1138 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

takenji1989 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Eagle Falls

Eagle Falls is the uppermost waterfall on the South Fork Skykomish River, located downstream from the town of Baring. The falls plunge about 25 feet in a broad, high-volume cascade that carves through densely forested slopes, creating an often-photogenic ribbon of roaring water framed by old-growth trees. Nestled within the Snoqualmie National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Eagle Falls is a compact but dramatic river attraction that rewards a short hike with a powerful view of the Skykomish watershed.

The Setting

Eagle Falls sits at 682 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, fed by the South Fork Tolt River, in the foothills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wallace Falls (265 ft) lies 8.2 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Bridal Veil Falls (100 ft, 2.5 mi).

Wallace Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Heybrook Lookout Trail (#1070), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HEYBROOK LOOKOUT TRAIL #1070

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

1.12 mi

Trail Description

The usual approach is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty is rated moderate. The access follows the USFS Heybrook Lookout Trail (Trail #1070), which is recorded in GIS at 1.12 miles. The Forest Service lists the trail as Class 3 with a NAT (native material) surface and a typical grade of 12–20%, so expect natural tread, some uneven ground, and short steep pitches. Sturdy footwear is recommended for this relatively brief but occasionally rugged hike.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Eagle Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Eagle Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is strongest during this period. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a quieter experience, though conditions can be icy.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Snoqualmie National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution near the water, as the rocks can be slippery and the currents are strong. Avoid swimming or wading in the river. Be mindful of traffic when parking and walking along the highway.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

29 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

35 43 111 142

Based on 62 years of record

1.29 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect crystal clear visibility.

Water Quality

0.0 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SOUTH FORK TOLT RIVER NEAR INDEX, WA

USGS 12147600

7.3 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 5 sq mi

Altitude: 1,839 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Eagle Falls is located off Highway 2, approximately 2 miles west of the town of Index, Washington. The falls are easily accessible from the road, with a short walk required to reach the best viewing areas.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited roadside parking available near the falls. Visitors should exercise caution when parking and walking along the highway.

Elevation

682 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.795661° N, -121.513995° W

Land Management

Snoqualmie National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Be cautious near the water, as the rocks can be slippery, and the currents are strong. Avoid swimming in the area due to safety concerns.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Money Creek Campground

6.7 miles away · 24 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated on the banks of the South Fork Skykomish River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Money Creek campground offers some of the most stunning scenery in the northern Cascade Range in Washington. Scattered beneath a towering canopy of old-growth forest, the sites in this campground are widely spaced and several are at the river's edge, making it an ideal setting for visitors wanting to camp in a private, rustic setting.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking

Book on Recreation.gov