Waterfall Hikes Near Olympia, WA

210,877 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
14 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Capitol State Forest starts just southwest of Olympia, and Mima Falls is its steady walk, 6.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of gain and dogs allowed. Deschutes Falls out in the Bald Hills takes a half mile. Kennedy Falls is the commitment here, 9 miles round trip with 800 feet of climbing. Victor Falls, 70 feet high, rewards a tenth of a mile. Lilliwaup Falls up Hood Canal carries a name worth the drive on its own. Fourteen in all.

Located at 47.0417°N, -122.8959°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Olympia

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

14 of 14 gauged

6 of 14 waterfalls near Olympia are flowing strongly today

Cedar Creek Falls Strong Chenuis Falls Barely Flowing Ipsut Falls Barely Flowing Ranger Falls Barely Flowing Deschutes Falls Barely Flowing Fisk Falls Strong Willapa Falls Strong Kennedy Falls Strong Lilliwaup Falls Moderate Little Mashel Falls Moderate McKenna Falls Strong Mima Falls Roaring Wildcat Falls Moderate Victor Falls Low

Updated 37 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Today

Mostly Sunny · 72°F

Tod 72°F Mostly Sunny Best
Sat 73°F Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sun 74°F Mostly Sunny
Lab 72°F Partly Sunny
Tue 74°F Partly Sunny
Wed 80°F Sunny
Thu 77°F Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain

Flowing best right now near Olympia

Updated about 1 hour ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Mima Falls Roaring · 299 cfs 100th percentile
  2. 2 Cedar Creek Falls Strong · 414 cfs 89th percentile
  3. 3 Fisk Falls Strong · 64 cfs 87th percentile
  4. 4 Willapa Falls Strong · 64 cfs 87th percentile
  5. 5 Kennedy Falls Strong · 35 cfs 81st percentile
  6. 6 McKenna Falls Strong · 4 cfs 80th percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Olympia

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Olympia (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Olympia (7 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Kennedy Falls waterfall

Kennedy Falls

45.4 miles away
Washington
Moderate
9.0 miles 800 ft
Mima Falls waterfall

Mima Falls

35.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
6.5 miles 500 ft
Deschutes Falls waterfall

Deschutes Falls

21 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Victor Falls waterfall CC

Victor Falls

5.6 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 14 Waterfalls Near Olympia

Kennedy Falls waterfall

Kennedy Falls

45.4 miles away
Washington
Moderate
9.0 miles 800 ft
Mima Falls waterfall

Mima Falls

35.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
6.5 miles 500 ft

McKenna Falls

12.8 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Lilliwaup Falls waterfall

Lilliwaup Falls

17.9 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Deschutes Falls waterfall

Deschutes Falls

21 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Victor Falls waterfall CC

Victor Falls

5.6 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Wildcat Falls

13.5 miles away
Washington
Moderate
4.5 miles 800 ft
Little Mashel Falls waterfall

Little Mashel Falls

13.8 miles away
Washington
Moderate
5.3 miles 600 ft
Cedar Creek Falls waterfall

Cedar Creek Falls

16.1 miles away
Washington
Easy
2.2 miles 300 ft

Fisk Falls

35.3 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
Ranger Falls waterfall

Ranger Falls

24.9 miles away
In Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Moderate
4.0 miles 500 ft
Chenuis Falls waterfall

Chenuis Falls

25 miles away
In Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Moderate
8.4 miles 300 ft
Ipsut Falls waterfall

Ipsut Falls

26.5 miles away
In Mount Rainier National Park
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Willapa Falls waterfall

Willapa Falls

16.6 miles away
Washington
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Olympia

Are there free waterfalls near Olympia?

There are 7 free waterfalls near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Olympia?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Olympia?

There are 7 dog-friendly waterfalls near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Olympia?

There are 10 kid-friendly waterfalls near Olympia, including Cedar Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Olympia?

The shortest waterfall hike near Olympia is Cedar Creek Falls at 2.0 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Olympia?

The tallest waterfall near Olympia is Victor Falls at 70 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Olympia require permits?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Olympia require a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Olympia?

Yes, 9 waterfalls near Olympia have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Olympia?

The closest waterfall to Olympia is Kennedy Falls, approximately 11.5 miles away.

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Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Olympia, Washington

Green River Soda Spring

59.1 mi 86°F

Green River Soda Spring produces 86-degree carbonated water at 1,644 feet elevation, flowing 37.5 degrees above ambient tempera...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Olympia, Washington on SoakingSprings.

Explore Washington springs

Where to Stay

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