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 · 449 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 Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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

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

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 about 2 hours ago Strong

449 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

266 338 655 937

Based on 95 years of record

7.57 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

Strong right now

449 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

512 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

474 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

425 cfs

10/10

Mon

Roaring

461 cfs

6/10

Tue

Roaring

447 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

461 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

447 cfs

6/10

Best window: Sun — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

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

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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 589 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 1,587 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 421 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 358 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around John Pierce Waterfall near Marblemount, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around John Pierce Waterfall near Marblemount, Washington, showing about 589 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,587 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 589 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

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.

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