Is swimming allowed at Franklin Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Franklin Falls.

Franklin Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Franklin Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Franklin Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Franklin Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

Washington • 70 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Snoqualmie National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Frank Fujimoto CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Sean Munson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Franklin Falls

Franklin Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington. It cascades approximately 70 feet into a rocky pool and is a popular destination due to its accessibility and scenic beauty.

The Setting

Franklin Falls sits at 2,589 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, fed by the Sf Snoqualmie River, in the hills of Washington. The falls drop 70 feet.

Height: 70 feet

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 400 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Franklin Falls (#1036), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over imported compacted material. Expect 400 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

FRANKLIN FALLS #1036

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Imported Compacted Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.99 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Franklin Falls is well-maintained and winds through a lush forest along the South Fork Snoqualmie River. It features gentle inclines and is suitable for most visitors, including families with children. In winter, the trail may be icy or snow-covered, requiring extra caution.

What to Expect

The falls drop 70 feet. 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 Franklin Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Franklin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the waterfall at its fullest flow. Winter visits offer a unique experience with snow and ice, but require proper gear.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. In winter, icy conditions can make the trail hazardous. Always check weather and trail conditions before visiting.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF SNOQUALMIE RIVER AB ALICE CREEK NEAR GARCIA, WA (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

24 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

27 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

27 cfs

6/10

Sun

Low

26 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

27 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

30 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

30 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

35 cfs

4/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early 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 Snoqualmie Pass 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 189 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 70 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 2,609 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 130 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 146 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Franklin Falls near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Franklin Falls near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, showing about 189 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 2,609 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 189 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

Franklin Falls is located off Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass. From Seattle, take I-90 East to Exit 47 (Denny Creek/Tinkham Road). Follow signs to the Franklin Falls Trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Overflow parking may be available along the road.

Elevation

2,589 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.424834° N, -121.432872° W

Land Management

Snoqualmie National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail can be muddy or slippery. In winter, bring traction devices for icy conditions. Be cautious near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 2.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

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

Denny Creek Campground

1 miles away · 43 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Situated near the south fork of the Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Denny Creek Campground offers visitors stunning scenery and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities in the Northern Cascade Range. Campsites sit beneath a canopy of forest, and a few are sprinkled at the banks of Lodge Creek, which flows into the Snoqualmie.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fal

Book on Recreation.gov