Malachite Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
8.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
2 ft
About Malachite Falls
Malachite Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington. It cascades down a rugged cliff face near Malachite Lake, offering a picturesque view for hikers who venture into this remote area. The falls are fed by snowmelt and are most impressive during the spring and early summer months.
The Setting
Malachite Falls sits at 3,967 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, fed by the South Fork Skykomish River, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard hike follows Malachite Lake (#1064.1), a 8.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 2 feet of elevation gain with grades of 20-30%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
MALACHITE LAKE #1064.1
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.16 miTrail Description
The trail to Malachite Falls follows the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, which is known for its steep and challenging terrain. Hikers will pass through dense forest, cross streams, and encounter rocky sections. The trail offers views of other waterfalls and lakes along the way, including Trout Lake and Copper Lake. Malachite Falls is located near Malachite Lake, requiring a short detour from the main trail.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Malachite 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 Malachite Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Malachite Falls is late spring through early summer when the water flow is strongest and the trail is more accessible. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage.
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
The trail can be challenging and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Be prepared for steep sections, stream crossings, and potential wildlife encounters. Always check trail conditions before heading out, and carry the Ten Essentials.
Current Water Conditions
173 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 9 years of record
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FORK SKYKOMISH RIVER AT SKYKOMISH, WA (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
206 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
226 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
207 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
184 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
181 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
237 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
240 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Skykomish 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 83 feet of drop through Malachite Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 3,952 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 73 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 105 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,952 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 83 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Malachite Falls is accessed via the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, which begins at the West Fork Foss River Trailhead. The trailhead is located off Foss River Road (Forest Road 6835), near Skykomish, Washington.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the West Fork Foss River Trailhead. The lot may fill up quickly during peak hiking seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
3,967 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.607333° N, -121.328987° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles for stability on steep and rocky sections. Start early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can be unpredictable.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This challenging 8.0 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Where to Stay
Snoqualmie Inn by Hotel America
Moon River Suites #5
Luxury A-Frame with Hot Tub, Fireplace & Firepit
Moon River Suites #3
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Money Creek Campground
9.2 miles away · 24 sites
Overview Situated on the banks of the South Fork Skykomish River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Money Creek campground offers some of the most stunning scenery in the northern Cascade Range in Washington. Scattered beneath a towering canopy of old-growth forest, the sites in this campground are widely spaced and several are at the river's edge, making it an ideal setting for visitors wanting to camp in a private, rustic setting.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Trout Lake, Copper Lake, and Big Heart Lake, all accessible via the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and birds. Be cautious and carry bear spray if hiking during active bear seasons.
Cities near Malachite Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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