Franklin Falls

We went on this hike during the wintertime a couple weeks ago and it was very icy and the snow had become very slippery. We had to park pretty far away on the side of the road because the roads were covered with snow where the usual parking lot was so overall it was about a 2 mile walk to get to the entrance of the hike. once we arrived at the waterfall… it was difficult to get down to the base of the waterfall… Its pretty dangerous so be careful if there is snow and ice.

[Hiked on 01/​14/​16] This hiking trail was my first snow hike as well as my first snow experience. I moved to WA recently from Hawaii so I wanted to try something different.
First off, let me say that if you’re gonna come here during the winter, definitely use a car that can drive through snow or at least have chain for your tires. Of course the idiot island girl would drive her front-​wheel drive car in the snow. LOL. Long story short, I got stuck in the snow but people hiking the trail was kind enough to help me push my car out the snow. Now I know…
Anyways, this hike was fairly short. Since there was snow, we actually had to hike to the trail head. About a mile to the trail head and a mile to the falls. All-​in-​all, this hike is fairly easy. I was unprepared to hike in the snow (I wore jeans and knock-​off Timberlands haha). I honestly thought there wasn’t going to be much snow b/​c I left home on a really sunny day probably at mid-​50 degrees so I didn’t think much of suiting up for the snow. I’ve never been to Snoqualmie area either so of course I didn’t think much of it. Boy was I wrong. I’m glad that there was a guy (the one who helped me push my car out the snow) actually had extra spikes for my boots so it made hiking in snow sooo much easier. He recommended REI for my hiking needs especially when it comes to hiking in snow.
The trail was beautiful. I felt like I was in a winter wonderland. There were cottages along the trail buried in snow; it was perfect for photo ops. The falls are beautiful! There were huge icicles that surrounded the falls. I can’t imagine how that place would look during the summer time.
If you’re looking for a short & easy hike but with a big reward, this hike is for you!

Annemarie managed to convince me that it would be a good idea to go hiking in the winter, somehow. I’m still not sure how it happened but one sunny Sunday morning, after brunch, I found myself suddenly dressed in winter gears (all hers) and off we went on this 2-​mile hike. It was relatively easy, even for a house cat like me. It was the start of winter and it had been snowing, so everything was covered in fluffy white, powdery snow and it was a beautiful winter wonderland. With my snow boots, it was actually easy to walk in the snow (and thankfully my boots are waterproof and I would highly recommend waterproof boots and jacket). I saw families with kids and small dogs (although a couple small dogs had to be carried). I love hikes that have a clear end and beginning (did I just use the words love and hike in the same sentence?!), and this is definitely one of those. This hike ends with a beautiful waterfall that I think is more gorgeous in the winter.
It can be a bit tough to find the trailhead and also to find where to park, but otherwise, short hike + big reward = my kind of hike.

Came here on a late November afternoon for a short hike. The road getting here was so icy we almost died at least twice. We thought about turning around but I’m so glad we made it! (Shoutout to the nice driver behind us who helped push our car and explained to us newbie Californians how to deal with ice on the road!)
This 2-​mile roundtrip trail runs alongside a creek with gorgeous colors in the water when the sunlight hits it just right. It is a fairly easy and dog-​friendly hike. However, the trail is mostly covered and it was about 27 degrees out when we went, so there were definitely some icy patches on the stairs (be careful)! But the formations of the frozen patches of the water, the icicles along the side of the trail, and the rushing water of the falls at the end were so worth it! Definitely recommend!

When planning my trip to Seattle, and my trip was only a quick three day trip, I still wanted to incorporate some nature into it. This hike was perfect. It wasn’t too far of a drive away from the city (about an hour away). The hike wasn’t strenuous at all, there were group of elementary school aged kids that I saw during the hike. Also good to bring dogs along too. And the site was amazing. Be mindful that you will need to have cash and a pen to fill out the parking pass for the day, which seems more of an honors system than anything. For summer early morning probably around 7 – 8 am there were a lot of cars already parked at the parking lot. The fall itself is so beautiful. I recommend visiting if you haven’t yet :)

Easy two miles roundtrip! Great for kids, as well.
Along the Snoqualmie region and NW Forest Pass is required.
Perfect hiking trail for any hiker looking for something easy and breathtaking!
Coming from Denny Creek Campground, it should be on the left side of the area.
You will see an entrance, and it’s to the right heading up. (No sign of Franklin Falls)
The falls itself is so beautiful – there’s a log where you just sit and just watch and listen to the falls. You can take a dip but the water was freezing cold!
There’s a parking lot that can hold up to 15 cars, so come early to ensure a parking spot!
Coordinates: 47.4130,-121.4416

Easy hike at 2 miles RT, but the waterfall is worth the drive out east. I can imagine it getting really busy on the weekends because the lot was already packed on a Friday morning.
If you’re not afraid of the cold, you can go into the water for a dip, but the falls come down strong so be careful if you want to go closer to the falls.
The views around are scenic and beautiful. Perfect for a picnic or just a quick stop for a photo opportunity.

According to the Washington Trails Organization they say this is a kid friendly/​beginners hike. I’m going to call BS because getting to the falls at the end is no easy task and it maybe a little challenging for the little ones, your 5ft tall or less girlfriend/​wife or vertically challenged boyfriend/​hubby, the elderly, and ya’ll nasty-​ass smokers!
Let’s start with getting to Franklin Falls from I-​90 in Snoqualmie. After getting off I-​90 your going to take a paved road that is going to be extremely narrow.
I highly recommend that you take this very slowly because of on-​coming traffic and blind turns. The person is who is responsible behind the wheels is going to face on-​coming traffic and will have to drive as close as possible to the side of the road to prevent side swiping the on-​coming vehicle. Just don’t get to close to the edge coming back up from hiking later. There are drop offs! So just take it nice and slow!
Kinda wish ya’ll people with «short people syndrome» and your «sky-​high» lifted trucks wished you had taken your Prius instead huh?
If you see the camp site on your right side and or you come to a reddish brown wooden/​steel bridge you’ve passed the starting point of the trail or the parking area. Turn around and you’ll see the sign. There are no signs posted directing you when coming down the narrow paved roads. Parking is very limited and it’s a single narrow off road area with a lot of pot holes so go slow with your Prius. I guess you should have brought the truck instead? You just can’t win!
A Discovery Pass is required. It’s $ 30 for a year pass or $ 11.50 for a Day Pass. You can get a pass at most location that sells the Discovery Pass. I get mine at my local Fred Meyers. The Washington State Rangers and wardens are highly active in this particular location due to it’s popularity, the current improvements made to the hiking trail, and the lurkers/​car break-​ins. Just be sure not to leave any valuables in plain site when parking your vehicle. Secure everything inside your car trunk or out of sight after leaving your vehicle. Don’t be leaving your IPOD in plain site you numb-​nuts!
The hike is almost 80% incline so your little person (small children or your vertically challenged girlfriend who is below 5ft with her little short legs) is going to have to deal with the high steps that is created by the WTA. Some of these steps are no joke! There are some off great locations off the trail to take a break and get some great pics of the riverbeds and flowing water at the starting of the trail. There is a great spot off the trail with the flowing river bed! You’ll see it! Also as you get more up in the trail there is a large rock great for a quick selfie! Can’t miss the big rock! It’s the size of your mother-​in-​law!
As you make your way towards the falls it starts to get real! The incline hike isn’t bad but you may have to start hauling your little ones. If you want to know how it feels get yourself a 40lb bag of rice and carry it around or just lift up your 5ft tall GF and walk around the house. She might get offended if you start to huff and puff after a few minutes because she’ll think your saying to yourself that she’s a fatty. She probably is but it’s not my problem. Maybe you should stick with the bag of rice and stop smoking.
As you make your way to the end of the hike getting to the falls the last part of
the hike is going to be challenging for some especially for young children and people with balancing issues. The last part of the hike involves getting close to a stone rock wall with jagged edges. The walk way is extremely narrow and uneven. It can be intimating. So take it easy and you’ll get thru it! Go slow! Keep close to the wall. Watch your steps!
Who knows… your 5ft GF with her little legs may show you what’s up!
At the end of the hike you are rewarded with a great view of Franklin Falls!
Overall, about 2.2 miles round trip but your going to get a workout trying to get to the other end with the increasing incline. Coming back it’s all down hill and you are rewarded at the end of the trip with split shines. Yay!
Recommendations: Arrive early for the best parking spots! When passing other hikers stay to your right and allow faster moving hikers to pass you by stopping and moving to your right to allow them to pass. Dogs are allowed. Don’t be bringing your pet iguana aiight? Leave your weird stuff at home! Bring plastic baggies to store your trash. Don’t be that one guy who litters and messes it up for the rest of us. Don’t forget your Discovery Pass!
Pros: Great experience! Great views! Easy hike for those who are experienced.
Cons: Death like narrow roads getting to the trail! Bad parking! Limited signs. Somewhat of a challenge for the little ones, your short legged GF or vertically challenged BF. Not recommended for ya’ll people with balancing issues or the elderly because you might bust yo hip trying to get up the steps or fall over the edge.

What a fun summer hike!
I’ll be the first to admit I’m out of shape and I’ve just gotten back into the hiking game after having a spinal surgery and a foot surgery. Ugh! But I was able to complete this hike with no issues and it was gorgeous along the way!
It’s 1.2 miles each way and there’s only about 400 feet elevation gain, so it’s great for beginners or those with pets or children. I saw a lot of both on the trail. **Be cautious for sharp, uneven rocks on some parts.
The falls at the end are absolutely gorgeous and we happened to be there when the water was really low, so there’s a ton of rocks you can sit on and enjoy a picnic lunch. Most of the trail is shaded so it’s cool even on a hot day.
Even though it’s not a long, steep trail, I still think it’s a gorgeous place that almost anyone would enjoy!

Franklin Falls is an amazing, easy day hike. It’s so great for beginners, families, etc.
This was my third time going, and it was great to actually go when the place isn’t frozen completely over (that’s how it was the last time I was here). The trail is very clean, fairly easy, but it does get packed on these summer weekends for sure.
The water is FREEZING. My sister and I did our best to try and get in, but we couldn’t make it past our waist! So many people were swimming full on, and I commend them for that. Impressive, to say the least.
Along the way, you get to see some pretty awesome views of the creek down below that provide a lot of cool picture stops.
Word of advice: get here early, because I parked about a half a mile away due to how many people were there and how small the parking lot is.

Family friend hike to an amazing waterfall. The trail head is located off exit 47 on I90 in the Denny Creek campground. The trail can get packed but there is sufficient parking. 2 mile round trip with some elevation gain to the bottom of the waterfall. Doable for all ages and dogs as well. Unlike Snoqualmie which is viewed from the top, here you walk to the base of the waterfall. There are options to walk down to the creek as well. Highly recommended.

This is a really neat hike. Supppper easy, not too long, and a beautiful waterfall at the end. Depending on the weather, the parking can be a little hectic but you’ll eventually find some. Make sure to park in a spot with room so another car doesn’t back into yours and not leave a note!
The trail is well maintained and follows the creek/​river so a lot of places to stop and either play in the water or get good pictures. At the end of the hike is the waterfall. We have taken a packed lunch and sat on the big rocks at the end in the sunlight and enjoyed lunch by the waterfall. It was a good weekend excursion not too far from home.
It is pretty shady and follows the water so if it’s not too hot out, keep that in mind.