Are there fees or permits required for Ladder Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Ladder Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Ladder Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ladder Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,230 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Ladder Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ladder Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Ladder Creek Falls.

Washington • North Cascades National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Ross Lake National Recreation Area NRA · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Adventures with E&L CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

palbion CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jimculp@live.com CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Ladder Creek Falls

Ladder Creek Falls tumbles just outside Newhalem, Washington, within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the broader North Cascades National Park Complex. Managed by the National Park Service, the falls spill from Ladder Creek — a tributary of the Skagit River — into a series of picturesque cascades and viewing platforms. The site is especially famous for its nighttime illumination, when colorful lights bathe the falls and create a magical, almost theatrical atmosphere for evening visitors. The approach is short and rewarding, making Ladder Creek Falls a popular stop for families and day-hikers exploring the North Cascades. The maintained trail and a suspension bridge offer scenic river crossings and multiple viewpoints of the falls. If you want to camp nearby, the Lower Goodell Group Campground sits only about 1.23 km away, making an overnight stay convenient for those who want to enjoy the park beyond the day visit.

The Setting

Ladder Creek Falls sits at 495 feet within North Cascades National Park, fed by the Skagit River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Gorge Creek Falls (242 ft) lies 2.8 miles to the northeast.

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

The trail to Ladder Creek Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path is well-maintained and begins near the Gorge Powerhouse, taking hikers across a suspension bridge over the Skagit River and up a series of steps to established viewpoints of the falls. The trail is graded for moderate hiking effort (steady inclines but no technical scrambling) and is lit at night, enhancing the falls’ famed colorful illumination and making evening visits accessible for those prepared with proper footwear and lighting.

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 Ladder Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ladder Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is during the evening in spring, summer, or fall to experience the illuminated waterfall. However, the falls can also be enjoyed during the day year-round.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Use caution when crossing the suspension bridge and walking near the falls. Stay on designated paths to avoid accidents.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 18 minutes ago Barely Flowing

2,230 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

82.92 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

SKAGIT RIVER AT NEWHALEM, WA

USGS 12178000

0.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,175 sq mi

Altitude: 406 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SKAGIT RIVER AT NEWHALEM, WA (0 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

2240 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

2240 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

2627 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

2723 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

2794 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

2575 cfs

6/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

2278 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

2246 cfs

4/10

Best window: Sat — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

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

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

Ladder Creek Falls is located behind the Gorge Powerhouse in Newhalem, Washington. Visitors can access the falls by crossing a suspension bridge over the Skagit River from the parking area near the powerhouse.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Gorge Powerhouse in Newhalem. The parking area is free and typically has ample space.

Elevation

495 feet above sea level

Coordinates

48.670126° N, -121.249846° W

Land Management

Ross Lake National Recreation Area NRA

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the evening to enjoy the illuminated waterfall display. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Bring a flashlight if visiting at night, as some areas may be dimly lit.

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. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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

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Nearby Campground

LOWER GOODELL GROUP CAMPGROUND

0.8 miles away · 2 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Lower Goodell Group Campground requires reservations when the campground is open from late May to early September each year. Reservations can be made 12 months in advance. Lower Goodell Group Campground is comprised of 2 group sites, each with 5 individual areas for tents or small RVs, near the town of Newhalem, along the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forest and is situated on the banks of Goodell Creek. It is private and secluded, yet the town of Newhalem, North Cascades Visitor Cen

Book on Recreation.gov