Twin Falls Hike: Stunning Waterfall close to Seattle

Posted On November 13, 2019

Last Updated on December 9, 2024

At 3 miles round trip and with about 500 feet of elevation gain, the Twin Falls hike is a good half day hike option close to Seattle with a stunning waterfall you get to see from a distance as well as up close. This is one of the best waterfall hikes near Seattle.

This hike is more than a beautiful waterfall – you have a beautiful forest, including some old growth trees and a beautiful river. This hike has so much to love!

Twin Falls is on the homeland of the Snoqualmie People.

Parking Pass: Discover Pass

Dog Friendly: yes, on leash

Cell phone coverage: Good

Restrooms: There are two pit toilets in the parking lot at the trailhead.

Accessibility and Mobility: This trail is steep in places, but overall it is well maintained. There are sections of rock and mud.

Related: What to wear day hiking in the Pacific Northwest, What to bring for a day hike in the Pacific Northwest

A wide and high waterfall cascades over a vertical rock face. There are trees and green shrubs around it

Is the Twin Falls hike right for me?

This hike is an excellent choice for a cloudy or rainy day since you don’t need clear weather for sweeping views. It’s also a good hot day hike when you can dip your feet in the river! There is a bit of elevation gain, but it’s never a lot at one time and there’s lots to look at every time you want to stop for a break.

This is an excellent hike for kids, as there are logs and rocks to climb on, a river to play by and a waterfall that isn’t too far from the parking lot. This hike has some stairs to reach the best view point, something important to know for anyone for whom stairs don’t work. It’s short distance from Seattle makes it a good half day option.

When is a good time for the Twin Falls hike?

Playing along the river is a great activity along the way on the Twin Falls hike on a hot day, however this trail is extremely crowded in the summer. I prefer to save this hike for late fall, winter and early spring when you have a chance of finding a parking spot!

Where is it?

The Twin Falls hike is located close to I-90 in the town of North Bend, about 30 miles east of Seattle. To get there, take I-90 east to exit 34 and turn right. In a short distance, turn left on SE 159th St and it dead ends in the parking lot. You need a Discover Pass to park here (there’s a machine to purchase one!) and there is an outhouse. Google maps works great to get here, put in “Twin Falls Trailhead”.

Trail Description

Starting off from the parking lot, you will parallel the river for the first part of the hike which is a beautiful forest walk.

Moss covered trees in the foreground next to a rocky river. The river is winding through the evergreen forest on the Twin Falls hike.
The forest and river dominate the first half of the hike

Then, you’ll head up a couple of switchbacks to two benches that overlook the falls in the distance at about the halfway point. This is a great place to take a break for a minute! After this, the trail winds down a bit and then back up. In this area you will encounter a few old growth trees! (more ideas for seeing old growth trees in and near Seattle here).

An old growth douglas fir evergreen tree in a fern filled forest. A person is standing next to the tree with their arms above their head on the bark of the tree. The person is wearing an orange hat, a blue jacket, black pants, hiking shoes and a blue backpack
One of the old growth Douglas Fir trees along the Twin Falls hike

Continuing on a bit further, you’ll see a sign and stairs going down to the right. I suggest passing them first and going a very short distance ahead to the bridge over the falls. Once you take in that view, head back the way you came and go down the stairs (which will be on your left now). You’ll go down the stairs, just beyond where you can see, and come to an impressive platform that gives you a view straight into spectacular Twin Falls! Give yourself some time to soak this in, before heading back up the stairs to the trail, turning left and returning to your car the way you came.

Bakeries and Breweries near Twin Falls

Try Pioneer Coffee in North Bend and Volition Brewing. If you’re looking for a meal, try the North Bend Bar and Grill or Twede’s Cafe. The North Bend Bakery is also amazing!

Electric Vehicle Charging

There is fast charging available at the North Bend Outlet Mall (walk to Pioneer Coffee!).

A wide and high waterfall cascades over a vertical rock face. There are trees and green shrubs around it. Text reads: Twin Falls. Short hike near seattle to a stunning waterfall

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Jennie Flaming
Hi! I'm Jennie. I’m a fourth generation Seattleite. I lived in Alaska for many years and I still spend lots of time there every year visiting friends and working as a tour director. I've been a guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington, contribute to the Milepost and host the Alaska Uncovered Podcast about Alaska Travel as well as the Washington State Hiking Podcast. I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. I’m so glad to have you here!