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 · 3 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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Eagle Falls, see below

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

Easy

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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 easy hike follows Heybrook Lookout Trail (#1070), a 0.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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 short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

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

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 2 hours ago Low

3 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

4 6 32 62

Based on 62 years of record

0.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Warm

Very comfortable

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 a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water. 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 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 5 sq mi

Altitude: 1,839 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FORK TOLT RIVER NEAR INDEX, WA (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

3 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

3 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

4 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

3 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

3 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

3 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

4 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

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

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 Baring 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 94 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 694 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 82 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 130 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Eagle Falls near Baring, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Eagle Falls near Baring, Washington, showing about 94 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 694 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 94 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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.

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

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

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