Wilson Creek Falls waterfall

Wilson Creek Falls

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
1.
william couch CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
2.
Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr
3.
Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr
4.
Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr
5.
Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

About Wilson Creek Falls

Wilson Creek Falls sits tucked into Washington’s lush Wilson Creek drainage, offering a peaceful destination for hikers who appreciate quiet forest scenery and the soothing sound of falling water. The route to the falls is a moderately paced outing — a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain — that rewards visitors with a shaded, nature-rich setting ideal for photography, birding, or a tranquil picnic near the stream. Trail access is straightforward but not heavily developed; the nearest developed camping is about 29.43 km away at Pacific Lake Recreation Site – Lakeview Ranch, so plan day-use trips accordingly. While there isn’t a published USFS trail number or detailed federal trail listing available for this route, the hike’s moderate rating makes it a good fit for intermediate hikers and anyone comfortable on uneven natural trails.

The Setting

Wilson Creek Falls sits at 1,693 feet along the Wilson Creek, in the hills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. No official USFS trail name or number and no formal USFS trail surface/grade/class data were provided for this route. Available information describes a moderate, 2.4-mile out-and-back hike through forested terrain with a modest climb; hikers should expect natural tread and typical backcountry conditions (roots, rocks, variable footing). Bring sturdy footwear, water, and a map or GPS for navigation, as wayfinding and formal trail infrastructure are limited.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with the sound of cascading water. The area may feature dense vegetation and wildlife typical of Washington's forests.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wilson Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wilson Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is likely to have the highest flow due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WILSON CREEK BELOW CORBETT DRAW NEAR ALMIRA, WA (2 km away).

High confidence
Barely Flowing right now
0 cfs
↓ Falling
0000000TodayTomorrowSunMonTueWedThu

Today

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, patchy blowing dust (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late May, peaking in April.

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 Almira 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.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 103 feet through Wilson Creek Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,707 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 96 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 60 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wilson Creek Falls near Almira, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wilson Creek Falls near Almira, Washington, showing about 103 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
1,707 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 103 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northeast
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

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

Wilson Creek Falls is located in Washington state, but specific directions to the trailhead or parking area are not well-documented. Visitors are encouraged to consult local maps or trail resources for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors should expect limited parking near the trailhead or along nearby roads.

Elevation

1,693 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.650387° N, -118.913366° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and bring a map or GPS device, as trail conditions and signage may be unclear. Check weather conditions before visiting.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Pacific Lake Recreation Site - Lakeview Ranch

18.3 miles away · 0 sites

Pacific Lake Recreation Site is located 1/3-mile east of the historic Lakeview Ranch barn and corrals. The recreation site provides three quiet picnic and/or camping sites (each with picnic table and fire ring) in a shrub-steppe ecosystem, and with views to columnar basalt formations rising up along the opposite lake edge. Due to a declining aquifer, Pacific Lake was completely dry from 2004 – 2016, and is again currently dry, as of 2022. Recreational activities in this area include picnicking, c

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other natural attractions in the area may include hiking trails, forests, and scenic viewpoints.

Wildlife

The area may be home to deer, birds, and other wildlife typical of Washington's forested regions.

Cities near Wilson Creek Falls

Writing about Wilson Creek Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.

← → walk · Esc to stop