Are there fees or permits required for John Pierce Waterfall?

No, there are no fees required to visit John Pierce Waterfall.

Is swimming allowed at John Pierce Waterfall?

No, swimming is not allowed at John Pierce Waterfall.

Live Conditions · 1,220 ft³/s · About average

John Pierce Waterfall

Q: Are dogs allowed at John Pierce Waterfall?

Yes, dogs are allowed at John Pierce Waterfall.

Washington • North Cascades National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Ross Lake National Recreation Area NRA · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

National Park Service Public Domain · National Park Service

Steven PavlovUser:Senapa/TemplateFB CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About John Pierce Waterfall

Tucked into the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and managed by the National Park Service, John Pierce Waterfall is a small, serene cascade that rewards hikers seeking a quiet slice of the North Cascades landscape. The falls are a lesser-known gem within the North Cascades National Park area, offering a picture-perfect scene of mossy rock and forested banks that looks especially lush after rain. Its modest size and tranquil setting make it a great spot for photography, a peaceful picnic, or a short nature respite away from busier trails. The hike to the falls is short but satisfying, so it pairs well with an overnight at nearby Colonial Creek South Campground, which lies about 3.98 km away. Because the site sits within the NPS-managed Ross Lake NRA, visitors should follow park regulations and Leave No Trace principles. Expect a quiet experience most of the year—ideal for hikers who prefer solitude and a close-up look at Cascades forest character without a long, strenuous approach.

The Setting

John Pierce Waterfall sits at 1,578 feet within North Cascades National Park, fed by the Thunder Creek, in the hills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Gorge Creek Falls (242 ft) lies 6.5 miles to the west.

Gorge Creek Falls

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

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path wanders through dense forest and can become muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The trail is relatively short and finishes at the base of the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush greenery; steady hikers should find the route straightforward. There is nearby camping at Colonial Creek South Campground (about 3.98 km away) if you want to extend your visit into an overnight stay.

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 John Pierce Waterfall?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at John Pierce Waterfall?

❌ 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 more active due to seasonal rainfall.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain, so caution is advised. Avoid getting too close to the waterfall, as rocks may be unstable.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 35 minutes ago Roaring

1,220 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

793 919 1.5k 2.0k

Based on 95 years of record

9.02 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

THUNDER CREEK NEAR NEWHALEM, WA

USGS 12175500

3.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 105 sq mi

Altitude: 1,220 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge THUNDER CREEK NEAR NEWHALEM, WA (5 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

1260 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

1260 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1339 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1400 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

1411 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

1469 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

1377 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

1411 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to mid August, peaking in June.

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

John Pierce Waterfall is located near the town of Fall City, Washington. It can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on your starting point. Visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local maps for the most accurate route.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pullouts or small parking areas. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking traffic or private property.

Elevation

1,578 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.721241° N, -121.070676° W

Land Management

Ross Lake National Recreation Area NRA

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty, and consider visiting after a rainy period for the best waterfall flow.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

Colonial Creek South Campground

2.5 miles away · 94 sites

Reservable

Overview Colonial Creek South Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Colonial Creek South Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance. Campsites #64 - #95 and #116 - #164 are available for reservations 6 months in advance. Campsites #96 - #113 are available for reservat

Book on Recreation.gov