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Best waterfall hiking trails in Whatcom County
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Best waterfall hiking trails in Whatcom County

If the calming sound of cascading water fills your soul with joy, you're in for a treat. These waterfall trails will have you chasing misty rainbows and cooling off by nature's finest showers.

Here are some great trails to explore in Whatcom County.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Whatcom Creek Greenway and Whatcom Falls Park Loop

Whatcom County, Washington · star 5.0 (14) · 6.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 31 min

2

Difficult

Glacier View and Heliotrope Ridge Trail

Whatcom County, Washington · star 4.0 (14) · 8.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 16 min

3

Difficult

Ladder Creek Falls Trail

Whatcom County, Washington · star 5.0 (11) · 877 m · Est. 16 min

4

Medium

North Cascades Highway Loop

Whatcom County, Washington · star 5.0 (17) · 833 m · Est. 12 min

5

Easy

Racehorse Falls Out and Back

Whatcom County, Washington · star 4.0 (19) · 993 m · Est. 13 min

6

Medium

Larrabee and South Lost Lake Trail

Whatcom County, Washington · star 5.0 (13) · 12.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 35 min

7

Medium

Chuckanut Falls Trail

Whatcom County, Washington · star 5.0 (17) · 3.4 km · Est. 57 min

8

Medium

Racehorse Creek Loop

Whatcom County, Washington · star 4.0 (11) · 6.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 46 min

9

Difficult

Panther Creek Trail

Whatcom County, Washington · star 4.0 (11) · 32.8 km · Est. 2 day

10

Medium

Rufus Creek, Waterfall, Baneberry and Leila June Loop Trail

Whatcom County, Washington · star 5.0 (10) · 7.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 4 min

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Reviews for waterfall hiking trails in Whatcom County

Jeremy Nichols avatar

Whatcom Creek Greenway and Whatcom Falls Park Loop

WildernessWanderer_JN 路 reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

A nice easy trail for the most part. Most of it can be walked with a stroller or someone with limited mobility. Beautiful suburban space.

Eloy Volkman avatar

Glacier View and Heliotrope Ridge Trail

PlateauRangefinder12 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Miss Martina Braun avatar

Ladder Creek Falls Trail

JourneySprinter11 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Oswaldo Rogahn avatar

North Cascades Highway Loop

RamblerTundrarunner58 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Pres. Gale Shields avatar

Racehorse Falls Out and Back

RidgeFrontier42 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Whatcom County

What is the climate like for hiking in Washington?

In Washington, spring brings pleasant temperatures for hiking, though trails can be wet. Come summer, east Washington can be hot while west remains moderate. Fall brings stunning colors, cool temperatures, and drier trails. Winter is challenging with snowy conditions. Check Washington Trails Association for seasonal hiking suggestions.

Do I need a permit to hike in Washington?

In Washington, some hiking areas require permits. Check with specific land management agencies like National Park Service or US Forest Service for requirements. Wilderness permits can often be obtained at trailheads or ranger stations. The https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes provides comprehensive permit information.

Is wild camping allowed in Washington?

Wild camping, or dispersed camping, is permitted in certain areas of Washington, often requiring permits. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and restrictions regarding fire safety, waste disposal, and distance from water bodies. Visit the US Forest Service for details.

Are there mountain rescue services in Washington?

In Washington, dial 911 for mountain emergencies, they'll alert the appropriate services. This often involves volunteer organizations like Seattle Mountain Rescue. Before hiking, ensure you have adequate insurance as rescues can be costly. More information at the Seattle Mountain Rescue website.

Are there dangerous plants in Washington?

Washington's diverse flora is impressive for hikers. Expect western hemlock, Douglas fir, and salal in coastal regions. The alpine areas have subalpine fir, heather, and lupine. Forests transition into sagebrush in the arid eastern region. For detailed knowledge, refer to Washington Native Plant Society.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Washington?

From coastal to alpine environments, Washington's diverse fauna presents black bears, cougars, deer, and unique birds like bald eagles. Along trails, watch for insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Safe wildlife practices are essential, refer to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

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