Wallace Falls

in Trail of the Week — by — March 27, 2011

TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Our seasonally accessible trail information and trip report. Found online or delivered to your in box every Sunday night.

Just outside the town of Gold Bar, you’ll find treasure hidden within the folds of the Cascade Mountains. Wallace Falls is a Washington landmark renowned for its beauty and its majestic white water tucked away within the mossy woods.

From the parking lot set off onto a gravel trail that passes beneath the buzzing electrical lines. After a scenic viewpoint the trail turns left to enter a dense hemlock forest, and as you enter the dark woods you’ll soon hear the haunting echo of the rushing Wallace River. Turn right onto the Woody Trail, and follow the steps down to reach the river’s edge. Soon you will see Small Falls on your left, and if you’re up for a quick diversion, you can take the interpretative trail loop before continuing onward to the larger falls. Follow the well-maintained Woody trail as it winds through the mossy woods. Rustic wooden stairs will carry you upward onto the ravine while carefully crafted bridges will take you safely over small creeks and streams.

 

1.8 miles into the Woody tail you will come to the Lower Falls viewpoint and picnic shelter. Take some time to climb down to the falls’ viewpoint, but keep in mind that this is the smallest waterfall on the way to the top. Middle Falls is only .3 miles further and is Wallace Fall’s highest and most scenic waterfall. This waterfall plummets 265 feet into a misty stone chasm, making it the centerpiece of the infamous falls. After a rigorous .5 miles of switchbacks you will finally make it to the pinnacle of Wallace Falls, the Upper Falls. On the way down make sure to stop at the overlook perched above Middle Falls to view the Skykomish River Valley, Gold Bar, and Sultan.

 

 

Length: 2.75 miles one way

Variety: Out and back

Elevation Gain: 1570

Difficulty: My sister could do it (moderately easy)

Season:  Winter/Spring

Trail Open To: Hikers, Dogs on leash

Passes and Permits: none

Facilities at Trail head: privy and water

Maps: Green Trails No. 142; Wallace Falls Trail Map

 

Driving Directions: Follow US 2 East towards Gold Bar. Turn left onto 1st St at the sign for Wallace Falls State Park. Follow 1st St for .4 miles until you reach a four way stop. Turn right onto May Creek Road and continue for 1.5 miles to Wallace Falls State Park.

 

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Melissa was born and raised in the Northwest and grew up hiking in the Cascades and exploring the wild beaches of the San Juan Islands. Her first backpacking trip was a 10 day trek across the Olympic Mountains, following the Quinault River. During college she spent four months abroad in New Zealand studying writing and backpacking throughout the North and South islands. An avid hiker and outdoorswoman, Melissa is inspired by her outdoor adventures, whether they are bouldering, backpacking, hiking, trail running, scrambling, or simply setting up her hammock in the sun. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound in May 2010 Melissa has begun a career as a freelance writer and juggles painting, poetry, and writing a novel in her spare time.

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