Washington is known around the world for its forests, lakes and waterfalls, and not many places showcase these icons as majestically as Wallace Falls State Park.

A hiker's paradise, Wallace Falls offers 12 miles of glorious foot trails. Let your feet (or snowshoes) take you up the Wallace River to powerful Wallace Falls, with its three tiers of water rushing over rock and timber. Along the way, climb the trail to the lower, middle and upper viewpoints, and watch the waterfall tumble into the clear pools below. Up for a longer hike? Either head down an old logging road, or follow the Greg Ball Trail over several miles and junctures to Wallace and Jay lakes.

Have gear and craving more fresh air? Stay overnight in one of two private first-come first-served, walk-in tent sites, or reserve one of the park's five comfy cabins. Backpacking equipment, stamina and a permit from park staff open other exciting options: two lakes, 5 and 6 miles from the trailhead, offer quiet backcountry camping.

PARK FEATURES

Wallace Falls State Park is a 1,380-acre camping park with shoreline on the Wallace River, Wallace Lake, Jay Lake and Shaw Lake. Located on the west side of the Cascades, the park features a 265-foot waterfall, old-growth coniferous forests and fast-moving rivers and streams. The area offers a rock-climbing wall 8 miles east near Index. Swimming access is 5 miles east at Big Eddy along the Skykomish River.