White River Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Trail Length
14.0 miles
About White River Falls
White River Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Washington, known for its cascading beauty and lush surroundings. It is part of the White River, which flows through the Cascade Mountains.
The Setting
White River Falls sits at 2,178 feet within Wenatchee National Forest, in the hills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows White River (#1507), a 14.0-mile out-and-back trail over n/a.
USFS Trail
WHITE RIVER #1507
Trail Class
Class 0
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
13.91 miTrail Description
The trail to White River Falls may vary depending on the chosen route. It typically involves forested paths and may include uneven terrain. Visitors should prepare for potential changes in trail conditions due to weather or maintenance.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a picturesque waterfall surrounded by dense forest and mountain scenery. The area is known for its tranquility and natural beauty.
Accessibility
Accessibility may be limited due to uneven terrain and lack of developed facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at White River Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at White River 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.
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
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, swift water currents, and changing weather conditions. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Chiwawa River, 15.2 miles away, not on White River Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
148 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 54 years of record
4.12 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CHIWAWA RIVER NEAR PLAIN, WA (24 km away).
Today
Strong
148 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
170 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
176 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
171 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
172 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
160 cfs
6/10Wed
Strong
162 cfs
7/10Best window: Today — strong flow, patchy fog (trip score 9/10).
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 Leavenworth hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is White River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
White River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 45°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 162 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 113 feet of drop through White River Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2,190 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 41 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 69 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,190 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 113 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The waterfall is accessible via forest roads in the Cascade Mountains. Specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used. Visitors are advised to check local maps and trail guides for the most accurate route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability may vary depending on the trailhead. Some areas may have limited parking, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
2,178 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.952341° N, -120.940932° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check trail conditions before visiting, as weather and seasonal changes can impact accessibility. Bring appropriate footwear and gear for hiking.
Where to Stay
Maple Leaf Lodge by NW Comfy Cabins
Leavenworth Cabin w/ Private Hot Tub!
All About the Lake by NW Comfy Cabins
Sweet Retreat Cabin
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
Nineteenmile Campground
7 miles away · 0 sites
Located along the Chiwawa River, 22 miles from Lake Wenatchee, this campground offers river access.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints in the Cascade Mountains.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings.
Cities near White River Falls
Other waterfalls named White River Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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