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 · 4,250 ft³/s · Higher 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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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

No hiking required. Gorge Creek Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

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

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

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 28 minutes ago Low

4,250 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.8k 2.3k 3.8k 4.4k

Based on 65 years of record

84.26 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher 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

Low right now

4250 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

4250 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

4210 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

4237 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

4223 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

4518 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

4850 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

4641 cfs

5/10

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

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

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 shows Gorge Creek Falls dropping about 441 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 242 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,085 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 248 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 162 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Gorge Creek Falls near Marblemount, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Gorge Creek Falls near Marblemount, Washington, showing about 441 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,085 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 441 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

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.

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

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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