Are there fees or permits required for Granite Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Granite Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Granite Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Granite Falls.

Granite Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Granite Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Granite Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 6 other waterfalls also named Granite Falls, see below

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Granite Falls

Granite Falls is a scenic cascade on the South Fork Stillaguamish River just outside the town of Granite Falls, Washington. The river plunges over rugged bedrock here, creating punchy drops and a photogenic setting that draws visitors year-round. Note that, per Wikipedia, “Granite Falls” can refer to multiple places — this entry refers to the waterfall on the South Fork Stillaguamish River near the town of Granite Falls, WA. The falls are accessed via a short woodland approach that rewards hikers with close-up river views and exposed rock formations. The setting feels wild and accessible at the same time, making it a great outing for photographers and day-hikers looking for a brisk, scenic walk rather than a long backcountry trek.

The Setting

Granite Falls sits at 299 feet along the Sf Stillaguamish River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Granite Falls is an out-and-back route measuring 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain, and it is typically rated moderate in difficulty. The path follows a forested corridor down toward the South Fork Stillaguamish River; while surface and official USFS trail class/grade data aren’t provided here, the route is a maintained hiking path with some uneven and rocky sections that contribute to the moderate rating.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Granite Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Granite Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Granite Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. However, the waterfall is accessible and enjoyable year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the water as rocks can be slippery, and the currents are strong. Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago

3.31 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

SF STILLAGUAMISH RIVER NEAR GRANITE FALLS, WA

USGS 12161000

0.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 119 sq mi

Altitude: 314 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF STILLAGUAMISH RIVER NEAR GRANITE FALLS, WA (1 km away).

High confidence

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid 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 Granite Falls 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 197 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 299 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 204 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 89 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Granite Falls near Granite Falls, Washington, showing about 197 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 299 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 197 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Granite Falls is located approximately 1.5 miles from the town of Granite Falls, Washington. From the town, take the Mountain Loop Highway and follow signs to the Granite Falls Fish Ladder, which provides access to the waterfall.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the Granite Falls Fish Ladder, which serves as the primary access point to the waterfall. Parking availability may be limited during peak times.

Elevation

299 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.102879° N, -121.953465° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.

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

Turlo Campground

7.5 miles away · 18 sites

Reservable

Overview Turlo Campground is located just off the Mountain Loop Highway in the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The campground is nestled in tall firs, cedars and hemlocks, adjacent to the south fork of the Stillaguamish River. The location offers individuals and families a tranquil camping experience with plenty of opportunities to fish, enjoy the river or relax at their campsite.Recreation The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has 1,500 miles of trails, ranging from smooth paths through

Book on Recreation.gov