LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Reiser Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Reiser Falls
Reiser Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into the forests of Washington, favored by visitors who appreciate quiet, lush scenery over crowds. The falls are reached via a compact out-and-back route, making it an appealing half-day destination for hikers and photographers looking for an easy escape into nature. The trail winds through verdant forest and runs alongside the Beckler River, offering serene river views and shaded stretches beneath the canopy. Because it’s a lesser-known spot, Reiser Falls often feels like a rewarding private discovery; bring sturdy shoes and water, and enjoy the short ramble that culminates in a tranquil waterfall setting.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail follows the Beckler River through forested terrain, offering shaded river views and a generally moderate grade. Tread can be natural and uneven in places, so hikers with moderate fitness and proper footwear will find the approach straightforward and rewarding.
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 Reiser Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Reiser Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Reiser Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
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 waterfall. Check weather and road conditions before visiting, as forest roads can become impassable during heavy rain or snow.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Crab Creek, 9.2 miles away, not on Reiser Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
0.40 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
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 CRAB CREEK AT IRBY, WA (15 km away).
Today
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
1 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
1 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early May, peaking in March.
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 Krupp hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Reiser Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Reiser Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 67 feet through Reiser Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,657 feet.
Water arrives on almost flat ground and leaves through a ravine that loses about 65 feet in the first 500 feet below the falls. 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
- 1,657 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 67 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
Reiser Falls is located near the town of Skykomish, Washington, along the Beckler River. Access is typically via forest roads, which may require a high-clearance vehicle depending on conditions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may be located along the roadside or at small pullouts near the trailhead.
Elevation
1,650 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.493658° N, -118.860149° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or early summer for the best water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy, especially after rain. Check road conditions before heading out, as forest roads can be rough or closed during winter.
Where to Stay
Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort
The Willows Motel
Eight Bar B Motel
Ala Cozy Motel
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
Pacific Lake Recreation Site - Lakeview Ranch
8 miles away · 0 sites
Pacific Lake Recreation Site is located 1/3-mile east of the historic Lakeview Ranch barn and corrals. The recreation site provides three quiet picnic and/or camping sites (each with picnic table and fire ring) in a shrub-steppe ecosystem, and with views to columnar basalt formations rising up along the opposite lake edge. Due to a declining aquifer, Pacific Lake was completely dry from 2004 – 2016, and is again currently dry, as of 2022. Recreational activities in this area include picnicking, c
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Beckler River, Skykomish town, and other hiking trails in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in the area.
Cities near Reiser Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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