Is swimming allowed at Silver Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Silver Falls.

Live Conditions · 86 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Silver Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Silver Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Silver Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 16 other waterfalls also named Silver Falls, see below

Wenatchee National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

thepnw4life CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

JusDaFax CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

FlyingColors (i) Contact CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

W. Tipton CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

jb10okie CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Silver Falls

Silver Falls sits within the Wenatchee National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering a peaceful cascade framed by the forested slopes of the NF. The falls are an easy, family-friendly destination where the water drops over rocky ledges into a scenic pool — a great reward after a short hike and an inviting spot for photos or a picnic. Access is via the Silver Fall National Recreation Trail (USFS Trail #1442). The full loop commonly visited by hikers measures about 3.0 miles with roughly 300 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy, making it popular for casual day hikes. If you want to extend your outing, the Silver Falls Group Site campground is very close — only about 0.53 km away — offering convenient overnight options managed within the same forest unit.

The Setting

Silver Falls sits at 2,982 feet within Wenatchee National Forest, fed by the Chiwawa River, in the hills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

3.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Silver Fall Nat'l Recreation (#1442), a 3.0-mile loop trail over n/a. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of N/A.

USFS Trail

SILVER FALL NAT'L RECREATION #1442

Surface

N/A

Avg Grade

N/A

USFS Segment

1.22 mi

Trail Description

The primary access route is the USFS Silver Fall National Recreation Trail (Trail #1442). USFS GIS records list that trail segment at 1.22 miles (Trail class: N). Surface and typical grade are not specified in the USFS data available for this trail segment. Many visitors traverse a roughly 3.0-mile loop overall to experience the falls and surrounding viewpoints; that loop records about 300 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated easy. The trail is a loop-type route through forested terrain, suitable for most hikers and day-use groups. The nearby Silver Falls Group Site campground (≈0.53 km away) provides convenient camping if you want to make this an overnight outing.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene hike through lush forest, with the sound of the rushing Ohanapecosh River accompanying them. The waterfall itself is a beautiful cascade, particularly impressive during spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Silver Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $30.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is most impressive with higher water flow. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring snow-covered scenery but could limit access.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Wenatchee National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery when wet, and the river has a strong current. Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the water's edge. Check weather conditions before visiting, especially in winter.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 1 day ago Barely Flowing

86 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

79 93 150 226

Based on 56 years of record

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.

CHIWAWA RIVER NEAR PLAIN, WA

USGS 12456500

10.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 170 sq mi

Altitude: 2,097 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHIWAWA RIVER NEAR PLAIN, WA (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

89 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

101 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

95 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

89 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

89 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

96 cfs

5/10

Wed

Moderate

99 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

99 cfs

5/10

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

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 Manson 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 271 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,008 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 102 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 369 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Silver Falls near Manson, Washington, showing about 271 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,008 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 271 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Silver Falls is located near the Ohanapecosh area of Mount Rainier National Park. Visitors can access the trailhead from the Ohanapecosh Campground or the Grove of the Patriarchs parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Ohanapecosh Campground or the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Hours

Elevation

2,982 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.961697° N, -120.532610° W

Land Management

Wenatchee National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during summer months to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy in some sections. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

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This easy 3.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

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.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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

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Nearby Campground

SILVER FALLS GROUP SITE

0.3 miles away · 1 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Silver Falls Group Campground sits in forested, mountain terrain on the banks of the Entiat River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Entiat Ranger District. The cascading water of Silver Falls is a draw for many visitors to this particular area, which is especially refreshing in the summer heat. The Silver Falls National Recreation Trail is an exceptional family hike taking you up, around and down the falls. Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains await you on the hike

Book on Recreation.gov