Day 12-Let's Go Hiking!

Okay, so I am a bit burned out on my "31 Days" series, so I am going to post a hike today!  Yay!

Today I will take you on our journey to Wallace Falls in Goldbar WA.  We have done this hike probably 5-6 times.  It is a very well known and popular hike so be prepared to have company.  This hike is very kid-friendly with a well maintained and wide trail.  The trail is 5 1/2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1300 feet.

The first 1/4 mile you will hear the buzzing of power lines which is not so pleasant but all of a sudden the odd buzz disappears and the sound of the Wallace River takes its place.  You can stop at the river and let your dog drink or let your kids get wet.

At about a mile in, the trail becomes a bit steep.  When we went, there were a few big blowdowns that didn't touch the trial but the kids enjoyed climbing on.

Continue your hike through the forest and you will begin your ascent that will bring you to the lower falls viewpoint.  There is a picnic bench and shelter where you can stop for a snack and a great view.  You won't want to wait long, though, since you can get a glimpse of what is to come.

We saw this chipmunk at the picnic area.  I didn't snap the picture fast enough to get his face :)

At 2.2 miles, you will reach the middle falls with the most spectacular views of the Skykomish River Valley and the Olympic Mountains.

If you want to go all the way to the top and the upper falls, you will continue another 1/2 mile.  The views are not as great as at the middle falls, but you will want to go all the way to the top.

There are actual bathroom facilities at the trailhead and the parking lot is quite large.  You will need a Discover Pass to park at the trailhead.

To get here, take Highway 2 east to Gold Bar. Take a left on 1st Street (you will see a sign for Wallace Falls State Park). Continue .4 miles to a 4-way stop and take a right on May Creek Road.  Drive 1.5 miles to the Wallace Falls State Park trailhead.