Wallace Falls State Park

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

Washington is known around the world for its forests, lakes and waterfalls, and not many places showcase these icons as majestically as Wallace Falls State Park.

A hiker's paradise, Wallace Falls offers 12 miles of glorious foot trails. Let your feet (or snowshoes) take you up the Wallace River to powerful Wallace Falls, with its three tiers of water rushing over rock and timber. Along the way, climb the trail to the lower, middle and upper viewpoints, and watch the waterfall tumble into the clear pools below. Up for a longer hike? Either head down an old logging road, or follow the Greg Ball Trail over several miles and junctures to Wallace and Jay lakes.

Have gear and craving more fresh air? Stay overnight in one of two private first-come first-served, walk-in tent sites, or reserve one of the park's five comfy cabins. Backpacking equipment, stamina and a permit from park staff open other exciting options: two lakes, 5 and 6 miles from the trailhead, offer quiet backcountry camping.

Park features

Wallace Falls State Park is a 1,380-acre camping park with shoreline on the Wallace River, Wallace Lake, Jay Lake and Shaw Lake. Located on the west side of the Cascades, the park features a 265-foot waterfall, old-growth coniferous forests and fast-moving rivers and streams. The area offers a rock-climbing wall 8 miles east near Index. Swimming access is 5 miles east at Big Eddy along the Skykomish River.

Automated pay station: This park is equipped with an automated pay station for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass.

Please note: Parking is limited at Wallace Falls. Please see the fact sheet (PDF) for details.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. Maps

ADA amenities/facilities

  • Campground
  • Hiking trail

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.

Picnic & day-use facilities 
The park provides two kitchen shelters without electricity, plus five sheltered and five unsheltered picnic tables. Both are available first come, first served. Picnic tables are all first come, first served. The park is extremely busy on summer days. Parking usually fills by 11 a.m. on the weekends.

Activities

Trails

  • 12 miles of hiking trails
  • 5 miles of biking trails

Water activities & features

  • Boating
  • Freshwater fishing
  • Swimming
  • White-water kayaking

Other activities & features

  • Amphitheater
  • Bird watching
  • Mountain biking
  • Mountain climbing
  • Rock climbing
  • Snow play
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife viewing

Interpretive opportunities

Mount Pilchuck, managed by Wallace Falls State Park, is approximately 50 miles north of Wallace Falls and features a historic fire lookout. Mount Pilchuck features a series of interpretive panels that explain the history of the lookout and the names of the surrounding peaks. Wallace Falls State Park offers a one-quarter mile interpretive trail.

Additional iformation

  • Fishing, rafting, kayaking, canoeing and swimming are popular at Big Eddy, a satellite park five miles east.
  • A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Rock climbing is possible at the Index Town Wall, 12 miles east of Wallace Falls. A variety of mountain-climbing and winter activities are available for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at Mount Pilchuck, 60 miles northwest of the park. Be prepared for hiking by bringing proper gear, including:
    • Compass or GPS
    • Current map
    • Extra clothing
    • Flashlight
    • Food
    • Good socks and footwear
    • Water
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).