Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer
Snowfields to cross and icy sections
9 this month · 68 reports
Central Cascades
Today, October 28, 2026, Wallace Falls State Park offers a mostly snow-free experience with all roads reportedly suitable for all vehicles. Hikers have noted the trail is in good condition, though some mention an increase in exposed rocks and roots, particularly as you gain elevation toward the upper falls. Water flow at the falls is described as good, even better than earlier in the summer. A significant concern reported recently is a bee nest located on the ground near the top of the upper falls, which caused issues for one hiker on October 23. Additionally, tent caterpillars have been observed on the trail as of September 16. Parking can be competitive, with the lot being half full around noon on a Monday in October and even fuller on Saturday mornings by 11 am, necessitating parking down the road on August 8. A discovery pass is required for parking.
Generated from 166 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Yes, there is a reported bee nest on the ground near the top of the upper falls, as of October 23. One hiker experienced a swarm and multiple stings. Hikers are advised to be careful and consider skipping the upper falls if concerned. Warnings about a bee/wasp hive have also been posted between the lower and middle viewpoints as of September 16 and September 3, though not all hikers encountered them.
The trail is generally in good condition and well-maintained. However, exposed rocks and roots are noted, especially on the upper sections, as of October 18. Some hikers recommend wearing hiking shoes to navigate these. One report from October 5 mentioned a first footbridge appearing to be rotting in the center and suggested it might need repairs.
The water volume at the falls is reported to be good, with some reviewers noting it was better than expected in October and gushing more than earlier in the summer. Even at the end of summer, lingering groundwater discharge ensured the falls were scenic.
Snowfields to cross and icy sections
9 this month · 68 reports
Fall colors are peaking, enjoy a unique view
6 this month · 77 reports
Lake level is very low, revealing extensive shoreline
5 this month · 114 reports
Lingering fall color, tunnels to explore
5 this month · 57 reports
Trail has lost many stairs to landslides
4 this month · 203 reports
Autumn colors are still popping
4 this month · 98 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
This is a great fitness hike and very beautiful in places, both looking at the falls and the scenic overlooks higher up. I arrived to--at most--a parking lot half full around noon on this variably dri...
Beautiful wide trail. I loved it
BEES! What was a nice, really pretty but challenging hike with my pup turned into a scene from My Girl we got swarmed by bees, and had to run down the hill. Pup had multiple stings and multiple bees b...
I arrived at the trailhead around 12:20pm and there were maybe 5 spots open in the parking lot. The trail is in great condition, just more roots as you get higher, and the steps do get tall. I picked ...
A great, short-ish day hike from Seattle. Our group took 4 hours, but only because we were stopping every corner to take photos. The trail follows the river with minimal elevation till you get towards...
I was needing a peaceful walk amongst the trees today and that is exactly what I got. The weather was sunny, not too cool. Once you get past the power lines, all you hear is nature: water, birds, chip...
I took the Next Generation of Hiker in my family on a little day hike to Wallace Falls. We didn't quite make it to the lower falls but that really wasn't our intended destination, anyway. We just want...
Trying to get an after-work hike in here and there while there's still daylight available. I reached the parking lot at 3:45pm, finding it about half full. Despite that I didn't encounter very many pe...
With the rain, I decided it was a good day for a waterfall. I worried that Cherry Creek Falls would be soggy and swampy, while Wallace Falls would be lacking its usual crowds. We got there at 9:20, an...