Hiking Guide: Wallace Falls & Wallace Lake
Enjoy trekking to a thundering waterfall and placid lake.
Distance: Wallace Falls 5.5 miles round trip, Wallace Lake 8.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet/ 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Season: Year-round
Pass Needed: Discover Pass
Notes: Dogs must be leashed; no parking along road leading to the park.
An iconic landmark along the Stevens Pass Highway, Wallace Falls is the centerpiece of a 4,735-acre state park. Most park visitors hike to the falls: nine in all, two that are stunning and one—the tallest at 265 feet—that’s absolutely spectacular! But if you’re looking for a more tranquil spot and a far-less busy hike, head to Wallace Lake. Strong hikers can combine the two for a satisfying loop. The falls can be busy on summer weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday or during the wetter months when they are far more spectacular thanks to the Pacific Northwest’s famous fall and winter rains.
Wallace Falls: Head up the main trail and soon come to a junction. The trail to the left utilizes an old logging railroad grade and makes for a nice loop option to the falls adding about a mile. The more popular and direct Woody Trail heads right through dark forest to the edge of Wallace River. The way then climbs, coming to a junction at 1.4 miles. Left heads to the Railroad Grade Trail and the Greg Ball Trail. Proceed straight, crossing the North Fork Wallace River before beginning a short and steep climb to the Lower Falls Viewpoint and Picnic Shelter. At 2.2 miles reach the viewpoint for Middle Falls, the park’s highest and the ones you can see from US 2. The Upper Falls are another half mile and 500 vertical feet beyond.
Wallace Lake: Take the Railroad Grade or Woody Trail to the Greg Ball Trail. Ascend wooded slopes on a good grade along the cascading North Fork of the Wallace River reaching a gravel road. Head right on the road for 0.1 mile to an old road taking off left. Then follow this near level forested way for 0.5 mile to Wallace Lake coming to its outlet and a bridge. Explore more of the lake by following an old road, now a trail left. Head right across the bridge for backcountry campsites (acquire permit from park ranger).
Other Nearby Trails
Hike a trail north from Wallace Lake for another half mile to secluded Jay Lake with its backcountry campsites (acquire permit from park ranger).
Hiking
Some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the Northwest are found in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains in Snohomish County.
Upper Sky Valley
Tucked between the majestic Cascade Mountains and the serene waters of Puget Sound, Sky Valley is a true hidden gem- offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm.
Outdoor Activities
Bordered by the cool waters of the Salish Sea, the crisp call of the Cascade Mountains and your own curiosity.
