Are there fees or permits required for Gorge Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Gorge Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Gorge Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Gorge Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 3,170 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Gorge Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Gorge Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Gorge Creek Falls.

Washington • North Cascades National Park • 242 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Ross Lake National Recreation Area NRA · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

brewbooks CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

kewing CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Ron Schott CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

LDELD CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Gorge Creek Falls

Gorge Creek Falls drops a dramatic 242 feet into a narrow gorge in the North Cascades region, offering one of the more memorable cascades along the Skagit River system. Nestled within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service, the falls are a rewarding destination for hikers and sightseers who want a striking waterfall without a full backcountry trek. The scene—white water plunging into a steep, rocky chasm—makes for excellent photos and a refreshing roadside stop on clear days. The trail to the falls is a popular moderate hike rather than a simple viewpoint-only stop, and nearby camping at Gorge Lake Campground sits about 4.6 km away for those who want to make an overnight trip of it. Trails in this part of the North Cascades often feel remote despite being accessible, so plan for changing weather, bring layers, and allow time to enjoy the viewpoints and the sound of the gorge below.

The Setting

Gorge Creek Falls sits at 1,089 feet within North Cascades National Park, fed by the Skagit River, in the foothills of Washington. At 242 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.

Height: 242 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The official route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate in difficulty. The trail climbs through forested sections before opening to viewpoints overlooking the 242-foot Gorge Creek Falls and the deep channel it has carved. Surface, grade, and technical class details are not provided in the available data; expect a maintained hiking trail with some uphill stretches and typical mountain trail footing. Managed as part of Ross Lake National Recreation Area by the National Park Service, the trail is suitable for most hikers who are comfortable with a moderate, short mountain hike.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 242 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 Gorge Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Gorge Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. However, the falls are accessible and beautiful year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with North Cascades National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the gorge. Exercise caution during winter months when paths may be icy.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

3,170 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.5k 3.2k 4.7k 6.7k

Based on 65 years of record

83.61 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

SKAGIT RIVER AT NEWHALEM, WA

USGS 12178000

2.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,175 sq mi

Altitude: 406 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SKAGIT RIVER AT NEWHALEM, WA (4 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

3170 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

3170 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

2949 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

2957 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

3044 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

2885 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

2830 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

2767 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, smoke (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to mid February, peaking in January.

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 Marblemount hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Gorge Creek Falls is located along the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near the Gorge Lake Overlook. The falls can be accessed by a short walk from the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the Gorge Lake Overlook, which provides easy access to the falls.

Elevation

1,089 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.701516° N, -121.210401° W

Land Management

Ross Lake National Recreation Area NRA

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views. Be cautious near the edges of the gorge and stay on designated paths.

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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. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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.

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

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

Nearby Campground

Gorge Lake Campground

2.9 miles away · 8 sites

Reservable

Overview Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground with 8 sites. The campground is set on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake. The sites are small and do not accommodate large RVs or trailers. There is an accessible boat ramp at the lower end of the campground. Recreation The campground has an accessible boat launch and small dock. This boat launch is not recommended for large powerboats. Ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small power boats. Practice boating safety while

Book on Recreation.gov