Are there fees or permits required for Hidden Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Hidden Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hidden Falls.

Live Conditions · 1 ft³/s · About average

Hidden Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hidden Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Hidden Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 11 other waterfalls also named Hidden Falls, see below

San Juan County/Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve MPA · DESG

Photo Credits (4)

Northwest in Motion CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Anomieus CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Michael7070 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is a secluded cascade tucked into the forested slopes of Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve in San Juan County, Washington. Nestled within this marine-protected area (MPA), the falls sit on land managed by OTHS and owned by DESG, offering a peaceful retreat framed by dense evergreens, moss-draped rocks, and a small pool at the base. The setting feels intimate and quiet — a lovely spot for photographers and hikers looking to escape busier Puget Sound destinations. The route to the falls rewards a modest effort with tranquil, verdant scenery rather than dramatic elevation. Because the site lies inside a designated preserve, expect an experience that emphasizes natural character and low-impact visitation; visitors often describe the atmosphere as restorative and shaded, with the steady hiss of falling water underscoring the forest sounds.

The Setting

Hidden Falls sits at 719 feet within San Juan County/Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve, fed by the Chuckanut Creek, in the foothills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

2.5 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.5-mile out and back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Hidden Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.5 miles total with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. The path is generally well-maintained but can become uneven or muddy after rain, and hikers will pass through dense vegetation and moss-covered rock areas as they approach the cascade. No USFS trail name or number is listed for this route, and specific USFS surface, grade, or class data are not available for this trail; expect natural tread typical of preserve trails rather than paved or heavily engineered surfaces.

What to Expect

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 Hidden Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hidden Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. Carry a map or GPS device, and let someone know your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

Based on a USGS gauge 16 miles away

1 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 4 years of record

14.06 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

CHUCKANUT CREEK NEAR BELLINGHAM, WA

USGS 12201700

16 miles from waterfall

Altitude: 78 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHUCKANUT CREEK NEAR BELLINGHAM, WA (26 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

1 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

1 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

2 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

1 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

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 Roche Harbor 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 ground through the falls loses about 165 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 721 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 130 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 64 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hidden Falls near Roche Harbor, Washington, showing about 165 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: 721 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 165 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

Hidden Falls is located within a forested area in Washington. The exact location may vary as there are multiple waterfalls with similar names in the state. It is recommended to use GPS coordinates or consult local trail maps for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability may vary depending on the specific trailhead used to access Hidden Falls. Some trailheads may have limited parking, so arriving early is advised.

Hours

Elevation

719 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.648319° N, -122.822748° W

Land Management

San Juan County/Cypress Island Marine Biological Preserve MPA

Managed by OTHS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail may be uneven or slippery in places. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before heading out.

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With 2.5 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

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

Blind Island

6.8 miles away · 0 sites

You made it to a designated site along the Cascadia Marine Trail, our Nation's longest recreation water trail! Blind Island is a small, three-acre marine camping park located on the north side of Shaw Island. All of the campsites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are for the exclusive use of boaters arriving by human or wind-powered watercraft. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, non-motorized boating, and wildlife watching. The BLM cooperatively manages the are

Book on Recreation.gov