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.
ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES
Campground
Hiking trail
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
BOATING FEATURES
There is a boat ramp at Big Eddy, a satellite park five miles east, for put-in or take-out on the Skykomish River
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
The park has two walk-in tent sites and two restrooms close by. There are two showers that campers can use, however, fees are required. The camping sites are 20 to 50 feet in from the parking area. Sites are very private, with picnic tables and campfire rings. Both campsites are first come, first served.
Backcountry camping: Overnight permits are required for Jay Lake and Wallace Lake. Please call the park office to acquire a permit prior to arrival at 360-793-0420. There is a maximum of 5 persons per campsite. Camp only at designated campsites.
