Is swimming allowed at Keekwulee Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Keekwulee Falls.

Live Conditions · 63 ft³/s · About average

Keekwulee Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Keekwulee Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Keekwulee Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Keekwulee Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Snoqualmie National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

shutr_abuse CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

kirknelson CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

orkybash CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Keekwulee Falls

Keekwulee Falls is a stunning waterfall located near Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. It is part of the Denny Creek Trail and features a multi-tiered cascade that is especially impressive during spring and early summer when snowmelt increases water flow.

The Setting

Keekwulee Falls sits at 3,071 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, fed by the Sf Snoqualmie River, in the mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Franklin Falls (70 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the east.

Franklin Falls

Trail & Hike Details

4.5 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Denny Creek (#1014), a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

DENNY CREEK #1014

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.83 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Keekwulee Falls is part of the Denny Creek Trail. It begins with a gentle ascent through a forested area, crossing Denny Creek via a bridge. The trail then climbs steadily, offering views of the surrounding mountains and forest. The falls are located approximately 2.25 miles from the trailhead.

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 Keekwulee Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Keekwulee Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Keekwulee Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring snow-covered scenery.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Snoqualmie National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. During winter, the trail may be icy or snow-covered, requiring additional gear such as microspikes. Always check weather and trail conditions before your visit.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 35 minutes ago Strong

63 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

29 34 95 188

Based on 64 years of record

9.69 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SF SNOQUALMIE RIVER AB ALICE CREEK NEAR GARCIA, WA

USGS 12143400

6.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 42 sq mi

Altitude: 1,442 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF SNOQUALMIE RIVER AB ALICE CREEK NEAR GARCIA, WA (10 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

67 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

67 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

69 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

66 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

76 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

80 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

93 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

94 cfs

6/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to late 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 Snoqualmie Pass 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 Keekwulee Falls dropping about 243 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 3,138 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 164 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 137 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Keekwulee Falls near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, showing about 243 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,138 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 243 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; 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 south).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Keekwulee Falls is accessed via the Denny Creek Trailhead, located off Exit 47 on Interstate 90. Follow the signs to the Denny Creek Campground, where the trailhead is located.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Denny Creek Trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park here.

Elevation

3,071 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.430668° N, -121.453150° W

Land Management

Snoqualmie National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring trekking poles if needed for stability. Check trail conditions before heading out, as snow or ice may be present in winter and early spring.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.5 miles and 800 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

Denny Creek Campground

1.4 miles away · 43 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Situated near the south fork of the Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Denny Creek Campground offers visitors stunning scenery and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities in the Northern Cascade Range. Campsites sit beneath a canopy of forest, and a few are sprinkled at the banks of Lodge Creek, which flows into the Snoqualmie.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fal

Book on Recreation.gov