LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Florence Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
There is no developed viewpoint of Florence Falls; the gorge below Lake Dorothy's outlet is reached only off-trail.
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
800 ft
About Florence Falls
Florence Falls is a series of steep cascades on the East Fork Miller River just below the outlet of Lake Dorothy, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness south of Skykomish. Lidar puts the total drop at about 275 feet over 1,000 feet of channel, ending in a 68-foot drop. The falls sit in a narrow bedrock gorge with no developed viewpoint.
The Setting
Florence Falls sits at 2,070 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, in the hills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Lake Dorothy (#1072), a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
LAKE DOROTHY #1072
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.29 miTrail Description
Lake Dorothy Trail #1072 starts at the end of Miller River Road and follows the East Fork Miller River, crossing Camp Robber Creek on a bridge at about 1 mile and reaching Lake Dorothy at about 1.9 miles with about 800 feet of gain. Florence Falls lies in the gorge below the lake outlet, and no official trail leads to a viewpoint of it.
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 Florence Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Lake Dorothy Trail.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Florence Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
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
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Check trail conditions before visiting, especially during winter or after heavy rain, as the trail may become hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork Skykomish River, 7.1 miles away, not on Florence Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
633 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 10 years of record
18.01 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 SOUTH FORK SKYKOMISH RIVER AT SKYKOMISH, WA (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
635 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
673 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
666 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
746 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
724 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
779 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
730 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Skykomish hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Florence Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Florence Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 41°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 472 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 62 feet of drop through Florence Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2,072 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 48 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 21 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,072 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 62 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From US 2 between mileposts 45 and 46, turn south on the Old Cascade Highway toward Money Creek Campground, drive about 1.1 miles, and turn right onto Miller River Road (FR 6410). Follow it about 9.5 miles to its end at the Lake Dorothy Trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Lake Dorothy Trailhead at the end of Miller River Road, which has a toilet but no water. A Northwest Forest Pass or interagency pass is required.
Elevation
2,070 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.610110° N, -121.391209° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven and muddy in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 3.8 miles and 800 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.
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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Where to Stay
Snoqualmie Inn by Hotel America
Moon River Suites #5
Luxury A-Frame with Hot Tub, Fireplace & Firepit
Moon River Suites #3
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
Money Creek Campground
8.3 miles away · 24 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Bear Lake and Deer Lake lie beyond Lake Dorothy on the same trail, and Money Creek Campground is near the start of Miller River Road.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, birds, and other forest wildlife. Be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in remote areas.
Cities near Florence Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Florence Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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