Is swimming allowed at Mima Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mima Falls.

Nearby gauge (Chehalis River) · 715 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Mima Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mima Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Mima Falls.

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

Yes, there is a fee of $30.00. A permit is also required. A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead. The pass costs $30 annually or $10 for a day pass.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) State Resource Management Area SRMA · SDNR

Photo Credits (5)

oblomberg CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

ScottElliottSmithson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Gexydaf CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

6.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Mima Falls

Mima Falls sits on the upper course of Mima Creek in Thurston County, Washington, tucked into land managed as a State Resource Management Area by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (managed by SDNR). The falls are part of Mima Creek, a tributary of the Black River, and carry a quiet, downstream feel reflected in the name “Mima,” a Native American word often rendered as “a little further along” or “downstream.” The setting feels intimate rather than dramatic—a mossy cascade framed by the kind of green, shaded forest that Washington is known for. The route to the falls is a favorite for hikers seeking a moderate day outing. The trail delivers peaceful forest scenery and a close-up of the creek where it tumbles over rocksteps; it’s a great pick for photographers and anyone who enjoys listening to water in a quiet valley. Nearby land is managed by the Washington State DNR as an SRMA, so visitors should follow posted rules and Leave No Trace practices while exploring this accessible slice of Thurston County nature.

The Setting

Mima Falls sits at 400 feet within Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) State Resource Management Area, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

6.5 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 6.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 6.5 miles round-trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The path is generally well-maintained and mostly shaded, winding through dense stands of Douglas fir and ferns. Expect gentle, steady climbs rather than steep pitches, with a few sections that can become muddy in wet weather. The trail is non-technical—suitable for typical day-hiking footwear—and offers easy creekside access where Mima Creek drops to form the falls.

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 Mima Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00
Permit required
A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead. The pass costs $30 annually or $10 for a day pass.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mima Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest after seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery sections, especially after rain. Carry a map or GPS, as cell service may be limited in the forest.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Chehalis River, 9.7 miles away, not on Mima Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

715 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

494 796 3.4k 5.9k

Based on 98 years of record

129.93 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

CHEHALIS RIVER NEAR GRAND MOUND, WA

USGS 12027500

9.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 895 sq mi

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHEHALIS RIVER NEAR GRAND MOUND, WA (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

715 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

772 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

744 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

816 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

911 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1048 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

1025 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

1213 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, cloudy (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late January, peaking in December.

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 Rochester hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Mima Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Mima Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 45°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 750 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.

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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 108 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 400 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 99 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 72 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mima Falls near Rochester, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mima Falls near Rochester, Washington, showing about 108 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 400 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 108 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

Mima Falls is located in Capitol State Forest, approximately 15 miles southwest of Olympia, Washington. The trailhead can be accessed via Waddell Creek Road SW. Follow signs for the Mima Falls Trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the Mima Falls Trailhead. Parking may be limited during peak times, especially on weekends.

Elevation

400 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.911209° N, -123.087921° W

Land Management

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) State Resource Management Area SRMA

Managed by SDNR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy in places. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.

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With 6.5 miles and 500 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.