LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Union Creek Falls
Washington • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Union Creek Falls
Union Creek Falls is a roughly 50-foot drop into a plunge pool on Union Creek, just off State Route 410 east of Cayuse Pass in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Two short viewpoint trails branch off Union Creek Trail #956 about a quarter mile from the trailhead. Beyond the falls the trail climbs steeply into the Norse Peak Wilderness.
The Setting
Union Creek Falls sits at 3,530 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, in the mountains of Washington. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
West Quartz Creek Falls (126 ft) lies 10.9 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Union Creek (#956), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over n/a.
USFS Trail
UNION CREEK #956
Trail Class
Class 0
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
6.79 miTrail Description
Union Creek Trail #956 starts at the Union Creek Trailhead on SR 410 and reaches the two Union Creek Falls viewpoint trails in about a quarter mile, for a round trip of roughly half a mile. A steep, rough path leads down toward the base. Past the falls the trail climbs toward the Pacific Crest Trail at Crown Point, and WTA reports post-fire washouts between 1.3 and 1.6 miles that may make it impassable.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Union Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on Union Creek Trail, but dogs are not allowed on groomed ski trails in winter.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at trailheads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Union Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.
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
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a first aid kit. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on American River, 9.5 miles away, not on Union Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
33 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
71.88 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 AMERICAN RIVER NEAR NILE, WA (15 km away).
Today
Moderate
36 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
37 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
36 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
40 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
39 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
38 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Cliffdell hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Union Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 13 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Union Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 30°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 33 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 254 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 50 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 3,573 feet.
The ground changes about 232 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,573 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 254 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
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
From Naches, take US 12 west 4.4 miles, then SR 410 west about 38 miles to the Union Creek Trailhead at milepost 78.6. From Cayuse Pass, drive SR 410 east 12.7 miles and turn left at the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The Union Creek Trailhead has about five parking spots plus limited shoulder parking, a vault toilet and no potable water. Day use costs $5 per vehicle, or display a Northwest Forest Pass or interagency pass; from December 1 through March 31 the lot is a Sno-Park and needs a Washington Sno-Park permit.
Elevation
3,530 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.936488° N, -121.360862° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail can become slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Crystal Mountain Hotels
Lafa Cabin - Luxe A Frame Retreat with Hot Tub, Sauna, Firepit- 5 Min to Mt Rainier
Tiny Timber
Green Hill at Rainier Lodge (0.4 miles from the entrance)
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
HELLS CROSSING CAMPGROUND
4.9 miles away · 18 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Union Creek Trail continues to the Pacific Crest Trail at Crown Point in the Norse Peak Wilderness, and Cayuse Pass at the edge of Mount Rainier National Park is about 13 miles west on SR 410.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and practice proper food storage.
Cities near Union Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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