Franklin Falls — Attraction in North Bend

Winter update: You need snow park permit per day $25 and seasonal till march 1st is $50. Trails are groomed and in good condition but take a microspikes or traction for shoes.

Here's a comparison between the Franklin Falls Wagon Trail and the Franklin Falls Trail with details on restrooms, mileage, elevation gain, water features, and ice climbing opportunities:

Franklin Falls Trail (Trail No. 1036) Trailhead Location: The main trailhead is located off Exit 47 on I-90, near Denny Creek Campground. Mileage: Approximately 2 miles round trip. Elevation Gain: About 400 feet. Restrooms: There are restrooms available at the trailhead near the Denny Creek Campground. Water Features: The trail follows the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and leads to Franklin Falls, a stunning 70-foot waterfall. Ice Climbing: In winter, Franklin Falls can freeze over, creating opportunities for ice climbing, but conditions vary, so it's important to check ahead and ensure proper safety equipment. End Approach: The approach to Franklin Falls is straightforward, with a well-maintained trail. The final descent to the base of the falls can be icy and slippery in winter, requiring caution.

Franklin Falls Wagon Road Trail Trailhead Location: This trail also begins off Exit 47 on I-90 but follows an old wagon road along the river. Mileage: Slightly longer than the main trail, about 2.5 miles round trip. Elevation Gain: Similar to the main trail, with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Restrooms: Access to restrooms is similar, as this trail intersects with the main Franklin Falls Trail near the trailhead. Water Features: This trail offers a more scenic route, following the river with multiple viewpoints and small waterfalls along the way. Ice Climbing: Similar opportunities for ice climbing exist, as the trail merges with the main Franklin Falls Trail near the falls. End Approach: The final approach to Franklin Falls via this trail is the same as the main trail after the trails converge.

Comparison and Recommendation Restrooms: Both trails have access to restrooms near the Denny Creek Campground trailhead. Mileage: The Wagon Road Trail is slightly longer, offering a bit more time in nature. Elevation Gain: Both trails have minimal elevation gain, making them accessible for most hikers. Scenic Value: The Wagon Road Trail provides a more varied and scenic approach with additional small waterfalls and historical context. Ice Climbing: Both trails lead to the same falls, where ice climbing can be pursued during the winter season. End Approach: Both trails merge before reaching the falls, with a final approach that requires caution during winter due to ice and slippery conditions.

If you're looking for a slightly longer and more scenic route, the Franklin Falls Wagon Road Trail is a great option. However, if you prefer a shorter, more direct hike, the Franklin Falls Trail is ideal. Both provide beautiful views and lead to the impressive...

This is an amazing place to go. 20-25 minunte drive up the pass from North Bend, WA and is a Great place for Families, lots of tent camping sites and hammock friendly The only downside is a bit of traffic noise but the river carving out through the rocks more than makes up for it. Here you can feel and smell the presence of the forest. If you camp in the spring you may still get to enjoy the snow. There are two short but outstanding hikes nearby and always a must for our family: The Denny Creek Trail and the Franklin Falls Trail. Its is a busy spot. *Franklin Falls ROCKS.. you are actually able to access the falls itself, which mists you constantly from afar (or drenches you, depending on how close you get). There are no barriers! Best times to visit is between April and July when the snow is melting, but no matter when you visit, it's still a 70 foot falls. In actuality, they are 135 total feet, but the largest drop is visible from this hike. Franklin Falls * A Northwest Forest Pass is required since it's within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest boundaries. I recommend bringing singles or purchasing a pass online at...

So this was our very first hike ever. Initially we were looking for keekwulee falls and ended up on Franklin falls trail so we just went with it. The hike wasn't bad at all. We started from the what I believe was the middle. Their was a parking lot that was full so a ton of cars parked on the shoulder. The hike to the waterfall and back was about 3 miles. If you start from the bottom it may be 4 or 5 miles. But then again this was our first hike so we don't know lol the air was so fresh and calming. The scenes were so beautiful. There was so many different kinds of mushrooms everywhere lol there was a few mini waterfall streams along the way. Then the top. Oh my. The top was everything we imagined it would look and feel like. You do get wet (not drenched just like mist), obviously but it's so worth it. It was our very first hike and we couldn't have had a more perfect experience. There were other hikers there but it didn't feel crowded at all. The way the GPS dirrecter us to Franklin falls was almost to the high way exit so we stopped to take pictures of the beautiful view, then had to drive back down to...