Is swimming allowed at Snowshoe Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Snowshoe Falls.

Live Conditions · 26 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Snowshoe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Snowshoe Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Snowshoe Falls.

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

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at most trailheads in the area.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Snowshoe Falls, see below

Snoqualmie National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Rainhead CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

kirknelson CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Snowshoe Falls

Tucked into the verdant slopes of the Snoqualmie National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Snowshoe Falls is a peaceful, lesser-known cascade that rewards hikers with a quiet rainforest atmosphere and lush undergrowth. The waterfall is commonly accessed via the Denny Creek Trail (USFS Trail #1014), and while the official USFS GIS segment for the trail is recorded as 0.83 miles, the route most hikers follow is an out-and-back of roughly 4.0 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Expect the soothing roar of falling water through a canopy of evergreens as you approach.

The Setting

Snowshoe Falls sits at 3,593 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, fed by the Sf Snoqualmie River, in the mountains of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Franklin Falls (70 ft) lies 1.2 miles to the southeast.

Franklin Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Denny Creek (#1014), a 4.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 800 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

DENNY CREEK #1014

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.83 mi

Trail Description

Follow Denny Creek Trail (Trail #1014) on a native-material tread; the USFS lists the trail surface as NAT (native material) and records a GIS length of 0.83 miles for the managed trail segment. The path is class 4 in sections with a typical grade of 12–20%, so you’ll encounter some steeper, more rugged stretches that may require careful footing and occasional use of hands on rooted or rocky sections. The commonly used route to Snowshoe Falls is an out-and-back about 4.0 miles round trip with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate in difficulty. For campers, Denny Creek Campground lies approximately 2.65 km from the trailhead, making overnight access convenient.

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 Snowshoe Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at most trailheads in the area.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Snowshoe Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Hikers should be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carry a first aid kit and let someone know your plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

26 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

28 34 92 144

Based on 64 years of record

9.39 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.

SF SNOQUALMIE RIVER AB ALICE CREEK NEAR GARCIA, WA

USGS 12143400

6.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 42 sq mi

Altitude: 1,442 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF SNOQUALMIE RIVER AB ALICE CREEK NEAR GARCIA, WA (10 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

26 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

26 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

28 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

29 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

28 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

28 cfs

5/10

Thu

Low

29 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

27 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to late 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 Snoqualmie Pass 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 275 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 3,547 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 230 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 172 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Snowshoe Falls near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Snowshoe Falls near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, showing about 275 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,547 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 275 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Snowshoe Falls is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead near the Stevens Pass area, though specific directions may vary depending on the trail chosen.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at nearby trailheads, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should check local trailhead information for updates.

Elevation

3,593 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.434279° N, -121.455094° W

Land Management

Snoqualmie National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail may be uneven or muddy in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider starting early to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before heading out, especially in spring and fall when rain is common.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.0 miles and 800 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.

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.

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.

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

Denny Creek Campground

1.6 miles away · 43 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Situated near the south fork of the Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Denny Creek Campground offers visitors stunning scenery and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities in the Northern Cascade Range. Campsites sit beneath a canopy of forest, and a few are sprinkled at the banks of Lodge Creek, which flows into the Snoqualmie.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fal

Book on Recreation.gov