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Franklin Falls via Wagon Road Trail

North Bend, Washington

4.4/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

2.07 miles

Elevation Gain

331 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Matti

Great outing for the whole family. Beautiful waterfall. Easy hike (2 miles roundtrip).

This is an easy 2 mile roundtrip hike that leads to beautiful Franklin Falls. The trail is very well maintained and is easy for even young hikers to travel. The trail goes through the forest and along a gorge as you gain 400 feet in elevation to the falls.

There are a few places you can scramble down into the gorge which has a few really small waterfalls in it. But non of these falls compare to the size and beauty of Franklin Falls. Franklin Falls leads into a river that is shallow enough to walk across. There are some nice photos to be had if you wade out into the stream to get a more direct view of the falls.

It makes for a nice and easy snowshoe during the winter (depending on recent snowfall). Of course, stay out of the water and don't get too close to the falls if you do go in the wintertime. Also keep in mind it could be a longer hike if the road to the trailhead is too snowy to drive.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Waterfall

Franklin Falls via Wagon Road Trail Reviews

3850 and 38 were closed due to snow, so we walked from Denny Creek Road to the falls (~4 miles). The steep rise in elevation doesn’t occur until the last mile, and it was a doozy. The falls weren’t frozen over when we arrived l, but a site to see nonetheless.

This is an easy short hike with a nice falls at the end but it sure is busy. Took some extended family and my kids here last spring and the hike to and from the falls was crowded to say the least compared to 10 years prior when I been here. The crowds reminded me of a theme park not what I think of when I envision getting out in nature. Shoot for mid week, early mornings, and/or poor weather conditions if you want to avoid the crowds. Minus the crowds I'd give the location and write up 5 stars.

This is a short and fairly easy hike that ends at an impressive waterfall. When I hiked it in April, the falls were pumping. You can also walk right up to the falls which is an added bonus. This is a great hike to cap off a day spent outdoors.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Snowshoe to Franklin Falls

Melakwa Lakes via Denny Creek Trail

Kaleetan Lake via Denny Creek Trail

Kaleetan Peak

Lodge Lake via PCT

Ski Tour or Snowshoe Kendall Knob