Sunday Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Trail Length
0.5 miles
About Sunday Falls
Tucked into the towering evergreens of Mount Baker National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Sunday Falls is a quiet, forested cascade that rewards hikers looking for a peaceful dose of Pacific Northwest scenery. The waterfall is most commonly reached via the USFS Glacier Basin Trail (Trail #719), and the approach threads through native-forest singletrack and mossy understory—an inviting spot for those who prefer less-crowded routes and a close-up of temperate-forest habitat. The hike to Sunday Falls is considered moderate: the full out-and-back route measures about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The USFS lists Glacier Basin Trail #719 (GIS length 0.48 miles on its maps) and records the trail as Class 3 with a natural (NAT) surface and typical grades between 12–20%, so you should expect some short, steeper pitches and uneven footing as you approach the falls. Bring good footwear and a steady pace to fully enjoy the tranquil setting managed by the USFS.
The Setting
Sunday Falls sits at 3,005 feet within Mt. Baker National Forest, fed by the South Fork Sultan River, in the mountains of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Glacier Basin (#719), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
GLACIER BASIN #719
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.48 miTrail Description
Trail: Glacier Basin Trail (USFS Trail #719) Type: Out-and-back Length: ~2.4 miles (round-trip) Elevation gain: ~350 feet Difficulty: Moderate USFS trail class: 3 Surface: NAT (native material) Typical grade: 12–20% USFS GIS length (listed): 0.48 miles The route follows native-surface singletrack with some steeper sections; Class 3 rating indicates short segments that may require careful footing. Expect uneven, natural trail tread and grades up to about 20% in places—good hiking shoes and steady footing are recommended.
What to Expect
Expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Washington.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sunday Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sunday Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is likely to have a stronger flow due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Baker National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Trails may be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 34 years of record
8.20 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
WarmVery comfortable
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. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
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 SOUTH FORK SULTAN RIVER NEAR SULTAN, WA (18 km away).
Today
Moderate
7 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
7 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
7 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
7 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
8 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
8 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
8 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early 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 Baring 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 192 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,009 feet.
The ground changes about 288 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 57 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,009 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 192 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact directions to Sunday Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or maps for the most accurate route information.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.
Elevation
3,005 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.981774° N, -121.391497° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails can become slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
PNW River Cabin
Pacific Bin - Hot Tub, Secluded Forest Getaway
Cozy Darrington Cottage w/ Grill, Near Trails
Sauk River Cabins - Hot tub - Firepit
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
San Juan Campground
6.5 miles away · 0 sites
A nice combination of sun and shade, this campground offers exploration of the North Fork of the Skykomish river when you're not sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows.
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Wildlife
The area may feature typical Pacific Northwest wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
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