Nooksack Falls
Washington • 88 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Nooksack Falls
Nooksack Falls plunges a dramatic 88 feet along the North Fork of the Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington, tumbling freely into a deep, rocky river canyon. The falls sit tucked into a narrow, forested valley and are most often admired from the tree-lined cliff edge above the gorge. Situated just a short 2/3-mile drive off the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542), the cascade’s raw power and spray make it a favorite stop for photographers and day-trippers exploring the Mount Baker corridor. Despite its wild appearance, the falls are very accessible — a well-placed viewing area allows visitors to experience the roar and scale of the canyon without a long hike. If you want to extend your outing, there are nearby camping options: the Excelsior Group Camp is about 1.03 km away, making Nooksack Falls an easy highlight of an overnight stay in the area.
The Setting
Nooksack Falls sits at 1,519 feet along the Nf Nooksack River Bl Cascade Creek, in the hills of Washington. The falls drop 88 feet.
Height: 88 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Stapley Creek Falls (164 ft) lies 7.2 miles to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Nooksack Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There are two ways most visitors experience Nooksack Falls. For a quick visit, park at the small lot off SR 542 and follow the very short, unpaved footpath to a formal viewing area; this approach is relatively flat and reaches the cliff-edge overlooks within minutes. For hikers seeking a longer walk, the route that serves the area is an out-and-back trail totaling about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. The longer trail climbs and descends through mixed forest and terrain, so expect unpaved surfaces and some steeper sections, while the final approach to the viewpoint remains the easiest, most level stretch.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 88 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nooksack Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nooksack Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer offer the most dramatic flow due to snowmelt. Fall provides vibrant foliage, and winter offers a unique view if the area is accessible.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Stay behind the fenced viewing area for safety, as the rocks near the falls are slippery and dangerous. Exercise caution on the gravel road leading to the falls, especially in winter or after heavy rain.
Current Water Conditions
507 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
2.80 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NF NOOKSACK RIVER BL CASCADE CREEK NR GLACIER, WA (3 km away).
Today
Roaring
578 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
543 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
507 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
548 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
568 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
568 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
568 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Glacier 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 Nooksack Falls dropping about 170 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 88 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,519 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 27 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 175 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, 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
- 1,519 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 170 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Nooksack Falls is located off Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542). From the town of Glacier, drive approximately 7 miles east, then turn onto Wells Creek Road (Forest Road 33). The falls are a short drive down this gravel road, with a small parking area nearby.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Parking is free.
Elevation
1,519 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.905343° N, -121.808838° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Be cautious near the viewing area, as the terrain can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Where to Stay
Riverbend Guest House
Comfort Inn
Mountain Retreat with Views, Hot Tub, Games & AC
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Chilliwack East an IHG Hotel
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
Excelsior Group Camp
0.6 miles away · 2 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Mount Baker Ski Area, Picture Lake, and Artist Point, all offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears in the region and store food properly.
Cities near Nooksack Falls
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