Wallace Falls Trail: Detailed Mile-by-Mile Description
Mile 0-1: Trailhead to Woody Trail Junction Flora: The hike begins at the Wallace Falls State Park trailhead, where you will see dense forests of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. Understory plants include ferns, salal, and huckleberries. Fauna: Common wildlife includes squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species such as the Steller's jay and chickadees. Seasonal Notes: Spring and summer bring lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. In fall, the forest transforms with vibrant foliage. Winter might have snow patches. Features: The trail follows the old railroad grade before splitting off to the Woody Trail.
Mile 1-2: Woody Trail Junction to Lower Falls Flora: As you continue, you'll encounter a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees. The trail runs parallel to the Wallace River, where you can find moss-covered rocks and a variety of fungi. Fauna: Look out for deer and possibly black bears. Birdwatchers might spot woodpeckers and warblers. Seasonal Notes: Spring brings abundant water flow in the river and waterfalls. Summer offers cooler, shaded hiking. Fall colors are spectacular, and winter may present icy conditions. Features: The Lower Falls viewpoint offers a stunning look at the first waterfall in the series. There are benches for a brief rest.
Mile 2-3: Lower Falls to Middle Falls Flora: The trail becomes steeper and more rugged. You'll notice an increase in moss and lichen on trees and rocks. Sword ferns and devil's club are prevalent. Fauna: Salamanders and frogs can be seen near wetter areas. Listen for the calls of the Pacific wren. Seasonal Notes: This section can be quite muddy in spring and fall. Summer provides a cooler respite, while winter conditions can make the trail slippery. Features: The Middle Falls viewpoint offers the most dramatic views, with a panoramic outlook over the valley and the powerful middle section of Wallace Falls.
Mile 3-4: Middle Falls to Upper Falls Flora: Dense forest continues, with occasional clearings providing views of the surrounding mountains. Look for vine maples and thimbleberries. Fauna: Occasional sightings of larger mammals such as elk. Birdlife includes ravens and raptors. Seasonal Notes: Upper Falls is less crowded and provides a serene atmosphere. The fall foliage here is particularly striking. Snow and ice are common in winter. Features: The Upper Falls viewpoint is the climax of the hike, offering a breathtaking view of the highest section of the falls.
Seasonal Variations Spring: High water flow, blooming wildflowers, and cool temperatures. Trail can be muddy. Summer: Ideal for hiking with clear, warm weather. The forest provides shade, making it a comfortable hike. Fall: Stunning foliage with a mix of vibrant colors. Cooler temperatures and occasional rain make for a refreshing hike. Winter: Trail can be icy and covered in snow. Fewer crowds and a peaceful, quiet forest.
Cabin Information Wallace Falls State Park offers cabins for those looking to extend their stay: Cabins: Located near the trailhead, equipped with basic amenities including heating, lighting, and sleeping areas. Restroom facilities are nearby. Reservations: Cabins can be reserved online through the Washington State Parks reservation system. They are popular, so early booking is...
Read moreSo imma say there's a lot to say about this place. Tis incredibly beautiful. The walk in however..... I'm not a fan of. No matter how beautiful of a view it is....which it is quite stunning by the way..... there are these giant thingies that all you hear is the MASSIVE electrical current on both sides of you..... So I want you to picture this. You start off with these like really totally spiffy billboard things that provide you with such useful Information. Then you come to something informing you the park closes at sunset and what time that will be that night. It let's you know how long it takes to get from halfway point basically back to parking lot. Again incredibly useful!!!! And they not only say this once but 2 times... last time being on the trail right snack in the middle so no one can miss it Perfect! Sounds like a great start..... Now the trail. You see the beautiful mountains in front of you and on each sides are lots of beautiful flowers and idk what else. But a very serene site to see. And then.... you see wires...... and giant thingies that the wires connect to. And these are on each side. So good luck trying to get a Pic of the mountain without that in front.... I tried hmmph. But not only do you have those..... but you hear these MASSIVE electrical currents going through it..... and they are SO LOUD and SO MASSIVE that I will be totally honest with you....... it makes one nervous to touch a pretty flower or anything for that matter because at least for us??? It sounds like the entire place is gonna electrocute you if you touchanything. This trail goes on for awhile until you finally make the entrance oooof the start of the trails. Now this is where it is at yall. The place it beautiful. You don't have to travel to the falls if you don't want. Or there are so many places in where you can just stand OR sit because yes there are benches in lotsa places.... but just enjoy the view..... the serenity.... the peace..... God's gift to us..... mother nature! So you can honestly just kinda enjoy yourself yalls. Walk slowly? Enjoy all 3? Enjoy only 1? 2? None? Just look at it all from a distance and just hike? Your choice. Beautiful area I could honestly spend hours in. So yes...... there may be some issues with the freaky electric beginning..... but if you can get past that yall? Tis very worth it and I highly...
Read moreThis was a beautiful sight. So beautiful that I decided to trek off the path and make my way on foot to the lake at the top. There were sparse trees and a lot of pine needles. I didn't see any animals at all and no other people either. I just climbed upwards then after about an hour of walking uphill, I started to become a little nervous. My friend was back at the truck waiting for me and I couldn't hear the water fall anymore and I wondered if I'd meet a wild animal out there. Perhaps a bear? Something told me to start back down the hill. After awhile I got back to the falls and was then approaching the parking lot at the bottom where my friend was waiting. He looked so sad in his truck. I figured maybe I'd done wrong when suddenly a Sheriff walked over to me and said my name. I said yes, it's me. And he said, your friend was really worried about you and called us to look for you. I said oh, I'm sorry I wanted to see the lake but I didn't make it. Then he said, Well I'm glad you made it back to safety and all, but unfortunately you are under arrest! It appears you have a warrant for missing a court date for a traffic violation! Well suffice to say, my friend bailed me out that same day in the evening and said he felt bad for that happening to me but that he was worried. I said no it's okay, it had to be done anyway! ...
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