There’s a waterfall in Washington State very close to Seattle that freezes every winter, attracting thousands of visitors to witness its beauty. In this post, I’ll share all the details you need to know about the hike, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.
If you follow me on my social channels like YouTube and Instagram, you know how much I love waterfall hikes. And Franklin Falls, despite being so close to Seattle, is one I was saving for winter because of how beautiful it becomes with the frozen icicles and surrounding Cascade Mountains.
Where is Franklin Falls?
Franklin Falls is located right next to I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass. The waterfall cascades down 70 feet and standing next to it feels surreal; the light mist on the face is incredibly refreshing.
The waterfall trail is very close to the popular Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort and offers multiple routes depending on how far you want to hike. This is an easy day hike with a mix of open trails by the river and paths through old-growth forest along the South Fork Snoqualmie River.
It’s beginner-friendly and dog-friendly, with only 400 feet of elevation gain. Highlights include the flowing river on one side and beautiful snow-covered peaks on the other. Franklin Falls is ideal for both summer and winter, but in the winter months, it turns into a wonderland unlike any other waterfall this close to Seattle.
How to Get to Franklin Falls Trailhead
Driving is the only way to reach Franklin Falls, as there’s no public transit to this area. If you’re staying at the Summit at Snoqualmie resort, you can simply walk to the trailhead.
There are three trailheads in total, I’ll share more details below. We parked near the ski resort and used the trail from the resort’s undesignated overflow parking. I’d recommend trying the resort’s main parking first; if it’s full, park here instead.
Alternatively, if you’re coming from Seattle, take I-90 east to Exit 47 (Denny Creek), turn north over the freeway, right at the T, then left onto Forest Service Road 58. Northwest Forest Pass is required for day use, and the cost is $5 per vehicle.
Our Franklin Falls Hiking experience
As I mentioned earlier, we parked near the ski resort, and our trail started right from that point, basically the same road that you reach when exiting the lower parking lot in summer. The trail was entirely covered in snow, mostly fresh and not icy at all. However, we did need spikes and hiking poles to keep from slipping.
I started my journey with a nice fall, and my camera got covered in snow. But thankfully, it wasn’t too bad, and I completed the entire hike without any more scratches 😂.
Delicious chai & sandwich by my friend Ankita 🙂
The trail is mostly flat, with a slight elevation drop halfway and some stairs to climb down near the falls. The stretch by the falls was a bit dangerous, with most of the staircases covered in ice. This route was 90% open air and 10% through the forest as we got closer to the falls, so watch the weather before heading out.
On the way back, the entire walk was uphill but with gradual, easy elevation gain, so it didn’t take too much effort.
Other trails:
- Franklin Falls Winter Trailhead – This is a 7.1-mile-long out-and-back with 853 feet elevation gain. The trail is long but not too strenuous. Keep in mind to pace your hike properly with food and water breaks in between. [Parking, Trail map]
- Franklin Falls Summer Trailhead – The trail is shorter from this parking with just 2 miles out and back trail and 337 ft elevation gain. [Parking, Trail map]
Tips for Your Franklin Falls Hike
Here are some key things to know and tips to plan your day at Franklin Falls.
- Check the weather before heading to the trailhead. Weather near Snoqualmie Pass can be unpredictable, and hiking during rain or snowfall is not recommended.
- The trail doesn’t have many seating options or designated picnic areas, so be prepared to stand the whole time. Plus, there are no trash cans around, so pack your trash and bring it back.
- Rain gear for mist, micro spikes in winter, hiking poles, and swim gear for summer pools are a must.
- Expect parking lots to be full, especially on weekends and holidays, so arrive early to snag a spot.
- The trails don’t have restrooms, so use one before starting, the closest to our trailhead was the ski resort public restroom.
My overall thoughts about Franklin Falls
This was my first-ever winter hike, so I didn’t know what to expect, and I can proudly say I had absolute fun! It was easy, the views were magical, and the waterfall itself was worth every bit of effort.
I highly recommend heading to Franklin Falls, especially in winter if you’re looking for easy waterfall hikes near Seattle. Don’t forget to watch my Franklin Falls YouTube video, where you’ll see how amazing the whole place becomes in winter.
