Are there fees or permits required for Sunset Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Sunset Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Sunset Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sunset Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,160 ft³/s · About average

Sunset Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sunset Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sunset Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (3)

Eric Friedebach CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

-Reji CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.1 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Sunset Falls

Sunset Falls is the dramatic final drop on the South Fork Skykomish River, plunging 104 feet through a long, narrow chute that channels the river at high speed. The chute runs nearly 300 feet, concentrating the flow into a powerful cascade that Wikipedia notes can push the river at speeds up to about 60 km/h; in high water the falls’ potholes can even hurl water jets as far as 30 feet. That raw power and the falls’ sculpted, narrow drop make Sunset Falls a striking subject for photographers and a memorable stop for anyone exploring Washington’s river corridors. The falls are often experienced as a focused outing rather than a long backcountry trek: the established route to the viewpoint is an out-and-back covering 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Hikers should respect the force of the water and keep to established viewpoints and trails, especially during high flows when spray and downstream currents intensify the danger. The combination of accessible viewing and dramatic hydraulics gives Sunset Falls a big- scenery payoff for a moderate hike.

The Setting

Sunset Falls sits at 597 feet along the Skykomish River, in the foothills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wallace Falls (265 ft) lies 6.7 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Bridal Veil Falls (100 ft, 1.3 mi).

Wallace Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Sunset Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

The approach to Sunset Falls is an out-and-back trail totaling about 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; the route is rated moderate. The trail provides a relatively short but steady climb to viewpoints overlooking the long, narrow chute of the falls. No USFS trail number, surface, grade, or class was provided in the supplied data; hikers should plan for a moderate, well-marked hiking route and bring appropriate footwear and caution near exposed viewpoints.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sunset Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sunset Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Sunset Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the water. The currents in the river can be strong, so avoid getting too close to the edge. Always supervise children and pets.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

1,160 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

494 579 1.6k 3.4k

Based on 97 years of record

5.28 ft

Water depth at gauge

53°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 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.

SKYKOMISH RIVER NEAR GOLD BAR, WA

USGS 12134500

5.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 535 sq mi

Altitude: 213 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SKYKOMISH RIVER NEAR GOLD BAR, WA (10 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

1160 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

1160 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1194 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

1203 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

1293 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

1305 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

1376 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

1497 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early July, peaking in June.

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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 147 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 601 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 148 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sunset Falls near Baring, Washington, showing about 147 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 601 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 147 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; 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 northwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Sunset Falls is located near the town of Index, Washington. It can be accessed via Sunset Falls Road, which is off Highway 2. The falls are situated within a short distance of the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available near the falls. Visitors should be cautious as parking may be along the roadside.

Elevation

597 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.803994° N, -121.548997° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the water, especially during wet conditions.

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

Money Creek Campground

8.3 miles away · 24 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated on the banks of the South Fork Skykomish River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Money Creek campground offers some of the most stunning scenery in the northern Cascade Range in Washington. Scattered beneath a towering canopy of old-growth forest, the sites in this campground are widely spaced and several are at the river's edge, making it an ideal setting for visitors wanting to camp in a private, rustic setting.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking

Book on Recreation.gov