Where is Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park is located amongst the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The state park contains acres of dense old growth forests, several waterfalls, and several other aquatic environments including backcountry lakes, rivers, and streams. The state park is located near Gold Bar, a community in Snohomish County. The park’s location amongst the Cascade Mountains grants visitors a variety of prime outdoor recreation experiences including an array of hiking trails. Wallace Falls US State Park is located four and a half hours or 288 miles west of Spokane, Washington. The Park is also 47 miles or an hour north of Seattle, Washington. Wallace Falls is near located near great National Park too, Mount Rainier National Park.
How Large is Wallace Falls State Park
The geography of Wallace Falls State Park includes acres of riparian ecosystems and old growth forests. The overall total area of Wallace Falls State Park is 1,380 acres. The average elevation of the state park is 955 feet above sea level. Wallace Falls State Park contains three backcountry lakes and three waterfalls. The three waterfalls found throughout the park are the Upper Wallace Falls, Wallace Falls, and Lower Wallace Falls. Wallace Falls is the park’s namesake and the most impressive of the three waterfalls. The falls drop in three separate sections; the largest drop is over 265 feet. Wallace Falls State Park also contains a diverse trail system that includes twelve miles of hiking trails and five miles of biking trails.
Wallace Falls State Park Weather
The climate of Wallace Falls State Park and the surrounding area is often referred to as an oceanic climate. Locations with this climate normally experience relatively cool summers and winters. However, winters in these areas never reach lows that are often experienced at the locations of this latitude. The average summer temperatures of Wallace Falls State Park approach highs of 75 degrees and lows of 40-degree Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures in the park normally fluctuate between 25- and 50-degrees Fahrenheit. Throughout November to May, Wallace Falls State Park experiences its rainy season. Winters in the park also bring occasional snowfall and other inclement seasonal weather.
When did Wallace Falls Become a State Park
Wallace Falls State Park was purchased from the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company by the state of Washington in 1971. The park was purchased to protect the variety of wildlife and vulnerable environments found across the state park’s area. The first homesteaders to reside in the Wallace Falls State Park area were the Skokomish Tribe. The park's name is an adaptation of two famous settlers from the Skokomish Tribe. Throughout the park, visitors can also catch a glimpse of the area's history as a logging center. Old railroad ruins, trestles, and springboard notches can be found throughout Wallace Falls State Park. The park is managed and maintained by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Things to do in Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park grants visitors the opportunity to practice a variety of outdoor activities amongst its backcountry lakes, streams, and old growth forests. The park’s waterfalls and wildlife species also offer a variety of photography and viewing opportunities. The following list includes several popular and unique adventures our State Park Visitors Guide highlights in Wallace Falls State Park.
Hike the trails at Wallace Falls State Park
The trails at Wallace Falls State Park grant visitors the opportunity to walk amongst acres of old growth forests, on the shores of backcountry lakes, and across several riparian ecosystems. A popular trail found within Wallace Falls State Park is the Greg Ball Trail which takes visitors to Pebble Beach and Wallace Lake. Park trail maps and updated trail conditions can be found online through the park’s website.
Fishing on the Wallace River
The Wallace River is a popular freshwater fishing location amongst Washington state citizens. The best fishing access in or around Wallace Falls State Park is located five miles away at the Big Eddy river recreation area. Popular species targeted on the Wallace River include coho salmon, steelhead, and several species of trout. All visitors wishing to fish on the Wallace River must obtain a valid Washington freshwater fishing license prior to casting a line.
Swimming & Kayaking on the Wallace River
The Wallace Falls State Park offers visitors the opportunity to take a dip in the cool refreshing waters of the Wallace River. Visitors can best enjoy swimming opportunities found throughout the park and surrounding area during the summer months when temperatures are warmer. Visitors wishing to kayak on the Wallace River can either put in within Wallace Falls State Park or at the Big Eddy recreation area.
Waterfall Viewing in Wallace Falls State Park
The waterfalls of Wallace Falls State Park draw visitors from all around the United States to the state park. These waterfalls can be viewed from the Woody Trail and the park’s riverside picnic area. The largest waterfall in the park drops over 240 feet.
Participate in an Interpretive Program
Visitors looking to learn more about the wildlife, geologic features, or geographic features found throughout Wallace Falls State Park should look to participate in one or more of the interpretive programs offered by the state park. All interpretive programs offered by the state park operate on a rotating schedule and are led by knowledgeable park staff or experienced volunteers.
Winter Activities in the Park
Wallace Falls State Park provides winter visitors of the park with access to a variety of additional seasonal activities. Popular outdoor recreation activities practiced during the winter season include snowshoeing, winter walks, and cross-country skiing. Occasionally winter weather the area can close park facilities and roads. Visitors traveling to Wallace Falls State Park in the winter should check the local weather forecast.
Wildlife Viewing in the Park
Wallace Falls State Park nourishes and protects a variety of wildlife species. The species most commonly spotted throughout the state park are squirrels, raccoons, peregrine falcons, and the occasional mountain lion or black bear. Visitors are also likely to spot a variety of resident and migratory woodland songbirds throughout Wallace Falls State Park.
Camping in Wallace Falls State Park
The campsites at Wallace Falls State Park are dispersed between two walk-in front country campsites and several backcountry sites at Jay Lake and Wallace Lake. The state park also manages several cabins that can be reserved for overnight stays by visitors. The cabins contain covered porches, lights, a barbeque stand, and bunk beds. Reservations for these cabins can be made online through the park’s website and reservation portal.
When to Visit Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park can be visited throughout the entire year. Visitors looking to hike throughout the park or recreate on or in the Wallace River will most likely wish to visit the park during the summer when temperatures in the park are warmer and more conducive to aquatic recreation. Visitors looking for prime camping weather should look to visit the park in late spring or early fall. Wildlife in the park is most prevalent during the spring season, whereas the winter brings the highest chance of snowfall and freezing rain.
Must Have Items to Bring to Wallace Falls State Park
A trip to Wallace Falls State Park will require visitors to undergo a little packing and planning. Visitors looking to camp within the park will need to bring along additional equipment and supplies. The following list of items includes essential items and several items that will make your trip to Wallace Falls State Park that much more enjoyable.
Water & High Energy Snacks
List of Parks advises that water is essential for every outdoor recreation trip. Visitors hiking and otherwise recreating throughout Wallace Falls State Park will also want to bring along several energy filled snacks that can provide a needed boost after a long day or trail. Campers staying overnight in the park will want to bring additional quantities of water and snacks with them.
Layers of Clothing
Temperatures in Wallace Falls State Park fluctuate frequently. The best way for visitors to be prepared for all of the temperatures they could experience while camping or recreating in the park is through the use of several layers of clothing.
Comfortable Hiking Boots
The trails at Wallace Falls State Park will require visitors to be equipped with a sturdy and comfortable pair of hiking boots. These trails traverse a variety of terrain that can become unstable and slippery after a rainstorm or winter weather event. Visitors hiking near Wallace Falls and near the Wallace River will also want to be careful to avoid slipping on the rocks commonly found throughout those areas.
Digital Camera
A digital camera is one of the best ways to create long lasting memories that you can look back on for years to come. The falls and variety of other spectacular scenes found throughout Wallace Falls State Park also offer great opportunities for nature photographs. Make sure your camera’s battery is charged before arriving at the park.
Camping Supplies
A camping trip requires a vast array of outdoor equipment. The best way to keep track of and account for all of this camping equipment is through the use of a camping checklist. Visitors packing for the trip can use this list while loading their car.
Firewood & Ignition Source
Visitors camping in Wallace Falls State Park will also want to bring firewood and an ignition source with them to the park to enjoy evenings around the fire. The state park does not operate any firewood sales. However, several local roadside firewood stands can be found near Wallace Falls State Park.
Field Guides & Park Maps
Wildlife field guides are certainly not required for any trip to Wallace Falls State Park. However, wildlife enthusiasts and younger children may find these guides useful and educational. Visitors can obtain a Wallace Falls State Park map from the park’s automated entrance station or online through the park’s website.
Where to Stay in Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park offers visitors the opportunity to reserve several cabins found throughout the park for their overnight stay. These cabins can be reserved online through the park’s website and reservation portal. Visitors wishing to camp in the park should arrive early in the day to ensure availability. The surrounding area of Wallace Falls State Park also contains several hotels, lodges, and motels visitors can stay at during their trip.
Food Near Wallace Falls State Park
The closest food to Wallace Falls State Park can be found in Gold Bar and the rest of Snohomish County. A variety of convenience stores and gas stations can also be found near Wallace Falls State Park. Visitors looking for a larger city containing more restaurants can make the hour drive to Seattle.
Airports Near Wallace Falls State Park
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the closest international airport to Wallace Falls State Park. The airport is about 54 mile and an hour drive away from the state park. The next closest international airports to Wallace Falls State Park are located in Portland, Oregon and Spokane, Washington.