Is swimming allowed at Wildcat Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wildcat Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wildcat Falls near Eatonville, Washington, showing about 230 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Wildcat Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wildcat Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wildcat Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Wildcat 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 the trailhead.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Wildcat Falls, see below

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Wildcat Falls

Wildcat Falls is a scenic Washington waterfall tucked into a forested ravine where water tumbles over rocky ledges to create a peaceful, photogenic setting. The outing is best known for its quiet atmosphere and classic Pacific Northwest evergreens, making it a lovely half-day trip for hikers and photographers alike. The route to the falls is an out-and-back of about 4.5 miles round-trip with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate — expect steady uphill sections that reward you with the sound and spray of the falls at the end. The trail weaves through dense forest and can be especially lush and mossy after wet weather; surfaces vary with seasonal conditions, so waterproof shoes and traction can be helpful. If you want to camp nearby, the closest developed option is Big Creek Campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, approximately 26.3 km (about 16 miles) away, making Wildcat Falls a great day hike from that basecamp.

The Setting

Wildcat Falls sits at 1,007 feet along the Ohop Creek, in the foothills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

4.5 mi distance 800 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back trail, 4.5 miles round-trip, 800 feet cumulative elevation gain; rated moderate. The route follows a well-defined forest trail through dense timber with steady climbs rather than technical obstacles. Trail tread conditions vary with weather—sections may be muddy, slippery, or root- and rock-strewn after rain—so plan for variable footing. No USFS trail number is provided in the available listing; prepare for typical single-track forest hiking and moderate grades rather than Class 3/4 scrambling.

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 Wildcat 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 the trailhead.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wildcat Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

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 winter may bring snow and ice, making access more challenging.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and stay on marked trails to avoid accidents. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain or snow can make the trail more hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 7 17 31

Based on 70 years of record

1.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

OHOP CREEK NEAR EATONVILLE, WA

USGS 12088000

1.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 35 sq mi

Altitude: 518 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OHOP CREEK NEAR EATONVILLE, WA (3 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

7 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

7 cfs

6/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

7 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

6 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to late January, peaking in January.

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 Eatonville 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 ground through the falls loses about 230 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,032 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 50 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 90 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,032 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 230 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; 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 southwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Wildcat Falls is located within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington. Access is typically via forest roads, and visitors should check road conditions before traveling.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at a nearby trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,007 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.881771° N, -122.241780° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather and trail conditions before heading out.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.5 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

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.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

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

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA)

16.3 miles away · 29 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated in the vicinity of majestic Mount Rainier, Big Creek is a family campground nestled among Douglas firs, hemlock, alders and maples. The lush vegetation offers plenty of privacy between sites. The sites at Big Creek form a loop, with only a handful of sites sitting along the banks of Big Creek. Open from mid-May through late September, Big Creek provides an alternative to the campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park, which can get very crowded during the summer. Recreation Angl

Book on Recreation.gov