Are there fees or permits required for Olney Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $10.00. A permit is also required. A Discover Pass is required for parking at Wallace Falls State Park.

Is swimming allowed at Olney Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Olney Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Olney Falls near Startup, Washington, showing about 254 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing west

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Olney Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Olney Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Olney Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Loth59 LOTH · CITY

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

5.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,300 ft

About Olney Falls

Olney Falls is a picturesque cascade along the Wallace River set within the Wallace Falls area on city-managed land (land unit Loth59, designation LOTH). Nestled among mossy cliffs and dense evergreens, the falls are most often visited as part of the larger Wallace Falls trail network and offer a quieter counterpoint to the park’s more heavily trafficked viewpoints. The waterfall sits on the Wallace River, a medium-sized tributary of the Skykomish River. According to Wikipedia, the Wallace River runs about 15 miles (24 km) and drains roughly 30 square miles (78 km²) before joining the Skykomish near Sultan — giving Olney Falls a lively, forested watershed and pleasing river views upstream from the more popular Wallace Falls.

The Setting

Olney Falls sits at 348 feet within Loth59, fed by the Wallace River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wallace Falls (265 ft) lies 3.2 miles to the east. Also nearby: Bridal Veil Falls (100 ft, 9.3 mi).

Wallace Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Trail & Hike Details

5.5 mi distance 1,300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 5.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The route to Olney Falls is an out-and-back roughly 5.5 miles in length with about 1,300 feet of elevation gain; the route is generally rated moderate. The trail begins at the main Wallace Falls trailhead and follows a well-maintained path through dense forest, with steady uphill sections that reward you with views of the Wallace River and several smaller cascades along the way. Olney Falls sits upstream from the better-known Wallace Falls and is typically visited as a segment of the same trail system.

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 Olney Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
A Discover Pass is required for parking at Wallace Falls State Park.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Olney Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides drier trail conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and stay on designated trails. Carry a map or GPS as cell service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 31 minutes ago Moderate

13 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

17 21 113 220

Based on 59 years of record

1.74 ft

Water depth at gauge

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.

About This Gauge

WALLACE RIVER AT GOLD BAR, WA

USGS 12135000

1.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 19 sq mi

Altitude: 206 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WALLACE RIVER AT GOLD BAR, WA (3 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

15 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

15 cfs

8/10

Sun

Low

15 cfs

6/10

Mon

Low

16 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

16 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

16 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

14 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid 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 Startup 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 Olney Falls dropping about 254 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 356 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 67 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 173 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 356 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 254 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

Olney Falls is located within Wallace Falls State Park, which is near the town of Gold Bar, Washington. The park is accessible via Highway 2, and visitors can follow signs to the park entrance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Wallace Falls State Park trailhead. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Elevation

348 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.878992° N, -121.717618° W

Land Management

Loth59 LOTH

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. A Discover Pass is required for parking, so make sure to purchase one in advance or at the park.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 5.5 miles and 1,300 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.

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.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

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

Boardman Group Camp

13.3 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Boardman Group Campground is located about 8 miles east of the Verlot Public Service Center along scenic Mountain Loop Scenic Byway through Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The campground is located on the banks of the tranquil Stillaguamish River, in close proximity to several wilderness areas.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowshoeing in the wi

Book on Recreation.gov