Photo Credits (1)
Trail Length
0.8 miles
About Gibson Falls
Gibson Falls tumbles into a fern-lined canyon within the Mt. Baker National Forest, offering a peaceful, less-crowded waterfall experience. The approach follows the U.S. Forest Service Huckleberry Mountain Trail (Trail #780) and winds through classic Cascade forest on native tread; because the site is managed by the USFS, signage and the trail corridor are maintained to Forest Service standards. The hike is commonly done as an out-and-back and rewards visitors with a quiet, photogenic cascade framed by old-growth trees. The route is moderately rated and features some steeper pitches, so hikers should arrive prepared for uneven, native-surface footing. If you’re camping, the Suiattle Guard Station campground sits about 1.26 km from the falls, making Gibson Falls an easy addition to an overnight trip. Bring sturdy shoes and expect a tranquil forest setting rather than a heavily developed viewpoint.
The Setting
Gibson Falls sits at 1,171 feet within Mt. Baker National Forest, fed by the Downey Creek, in the foothills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Huckleberry Mtn (#780), a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
HUCKLEBERRY MTN #780
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.64 miTrail Description
USFS Trail: HUCKLEBERRY MTN (Trail #780). Trail type: out-and-back; total route length: 2.4 miles; elevation gain: ~350 feet; difficulty: moderate. USFS GIS mapped segment: 0.64 miles. Surface: NAT (native material). Typical grade: 12–20%. Class: 3. The tread is primarily native forest floor with moderate to steep pitches and short sections of class-3 terrain—expect uneven footing, roots, and rock; suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate grades and occasional scrambling.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Gibson Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gibson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Baker National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
95.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DOWNEY CREEK AT MOUTH NEAR DARRINGTON, WA (8 km away).
Today
Low
34 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
33 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
33 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to mid July, 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 Darrington 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 231 feet of descent through Gibson Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,182 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 257 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 128 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls 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
- 1,182 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 231 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
The exact location and access details for Gibson Falls are not well-documented. Visitors may need to consult local hiking resources or maps for directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. It is recommended to check with local resources or visitor centers for updated information.
Elevation
1,171 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.255112° N, -121.332612° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check local conditions and trail reports before visiting. Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked.
Where to Stay
Glacier Peak Resort and RV Park
Riverside Retreat on Skagit River
PNW River Cabin
New Sauk River Retreat Concrete Wa
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
SUIATTLE GUARD STATION
0.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Set near the Suiattle River and surrounded by mountain peaks and old-growth forest, the Suiattle Guard Station (pronounced "Sue-attle") is a historic log cabin that was constructed in 1913 by Tommy Thompson, Assistant Ranger of the Suiattle-Finney District, to house a forest guard. Because of budget limitations at that time, the Forest Service often relied upon rangers to construct their own stations. It is a testament to Ranger Thompson’s skill that the cabin survives to this day as one
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Other waterfalls and hiking trails in the region may be worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Pacific Northwest wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Gibson Falls
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LiDAR
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