Did you know Grays Harbor County is home to almost 30 waterfalls? However, not all of them are accessible to the public. From small but picturesque waterfalls to mighty drops from great heights, it’s easy to spend a weekend – or even a week – exploring all the beautiful trails in Grays Harbor leading to these natural wonders. Here is where to see waterfalls in Grays Harbor.

Large Waterfalls in Grays Harbor

These larger waterfalls in Grays Harbor have at least a 40-foot drop and are impressive to view. The larger waterfalls have a purple icon on the Google Map below.

Spoon Creek Falls

This waterfall in Grays Harbor has 4 drops totaling 93 feet in the Chehalis River. You can get to the Spoon Creek Falls through the Spook Creek Falls trailhead off NFR-23.

Gatton Creek Falls

The Gatton Creek Falls are impressive but difficult to view. You can get a partial view of the waterfall, which has a total drop of 88 feet through 4 drops, by heading to the trailhead on South Shore Road across from the Gatton Creek Campground. This trail is very muddy when it rains.

Noname Falls

With an 85-foot drop, these impressive falls should definitely be on your list – and you can even see them from your car if you just want to do a drive-by on your way to other falls. Just take the NFR-2312 heading up the Wynoochee River Calley from Wynoochee Lake.

Clark Creek Falls

The Clark Creek Falls in the Chehalis River features a 49-foot drop surrounded by foliage and moss-covered rocks that makes it a perfect picture spot. Head North on NFR-2312 towards Wynoochee Lake. Make a left on Road 2270. You will see the falls on the left when you hit the bridge crossing Clark Creek.

Merriman Falls

The Merriman Falls are a popular hike in the Lake Quinault area. With their 40-foot drop, they are beautiful to look at as the water plays over rocks and logs on its way down. Head to the bridge over Merriman Creek on South Shore Road. Park in the turnout next to the bridge to get a great view from the road.

Smaller Waterfalls in Grays Harbor

These waterfalls have less than a 40-foot drop, and/or are unnamed. Check out the Google map of waterfalls at the end of this article for precise location coordinates. These smaller waterfalls have the blue icon on the map.

Wynoochee Falls

This picturesque fall gets 40 feet wide in some places with 2 drops totaling 38 feet. The beautiful pool below makes this a great photo op. To get to the Wynoochee Falls, Take NFR-2312 north towards Wynoochee Lake for about 8 miles. Park in the large pullout and follow the trail.

Syliva Falls

Just below Lake Syliva is a pretty, 30-foot drop waterfall. There is a trail from the day-use parking area for the dam that gives partial views.

NOTE: Lake Sylvia will be closed through September 2024.

Cascade Falls

Located in the Quinault River, the Cascade Falls feature a 20-foot drop and is located near eight other waterfalls, making it easy to see a lot of the lesser waterfalls in Grays Harbor in one day. Park at the downstream side of the Falls Creek Bridge to access the trail to Cascade Falls.

Perfection Falls

The Perfection Falls are another small, but popular waterfall in Grays Harbor that splits as it spills into the Humptulips River with a 19-foot drop. Take Donkey Creek Road to where you can see the falls partially from the road, park and look for the path, which is sometimes hard to spot.

Willaby Creek Falls

Located in the Quinault River. The Willaby Creek falls is a 15-foot drop in tiered plunges. Head to the Rainforest Nature trail, on the west bank of Willaby Creek. If you use the footbridge across the creek, you will have the best views of the falls.

Falls Creek Falls

With a drop of just 12 feet, Falls Creek Falls is not very big, but it is beautiful as it plunges into a deep pool. On South Shore Road, there is a parking area at the bridge with a trail that leads down. You can also access it from the Falls Creek campground.

Maidenhair Falls

Although Maidenhair Falls has just a 13-foot drop in the Chehalis River, it is absolutely stunning and worth the time. Off Highway 12, take the Devonshire Road exit. Follow until it turns into Wynoochee Valley Road, which will then become NFR-2312. Keep going to the North end of Wynoochee Lake and turn left at the first major intersection. After you cross the Wynoochee River, park near Road 2385 or at the parking lot a bit further up. Find the trailhead for the Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail.

Finding Other Waterfalls in Grays Harbor

There are quite a few unnamed waterfalls in Grays Harbor as well as named ones that have not been measured for drop height, etc. If you are looking for more adventure, these waterfalls are also on the Google Map below, they are marked with orange icons.

Additionally, if you would like a brochure with some of these waterfalls and more, you may request an Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail map by calling 360.482.2651. Please specify your request and leave a mailing address.

Visiting Grays Harbor Waterfalls

Keith Alholm, public affairs specialist for the USDA Forest Service reminds everyone to leave no trace when hiking to any of the falls and remember trail etiquette, including yielding to others. Bikers and hikers must yield to equines, and bikers must yield to hikers. Wear bright hunting orange during hunting season.

Dogs are allowed on these trails, but Alholm reminds owners to pick up after them and keep them on leash. “Many trailheads have waste receptacles, but if they do not then you must transport it back out of the Forest along with your regular garbage,” he adds.

Camping in Grays Harbor with horses? Some of these trails are accessible by horse. Check out this map about which ones are equine-friendly.

Tempted to dip your toes in that fresh, clear waterfall? Alholm says you can, but cautions that the water is extremely cold and can cause hypothermia no matter the time of year.

When is the best time to visit the falls? Alholm says anytime! “Many trails are difficult to access during the winter due to snow, and obstructions from downed trees or washouts,” he advises. “The Quinault area waterfalls are normally easily accessible via car and a short hike and the trails are well maintained. During spring you get roaring waterfalls due to snow melt and the amount of rain. There is a tremendous amount of water that falls in the Olympic National Forest so most of the falls are well fed throughout the year. As we get deeper into the summer months of July and August, they subside a bit. But the weather is also incredible during that time.”

Where to Stay in Grays Harbor when Chasing Waterfalls

If you are spending a weekend in Grays Harbor looking for waterfalls, you have plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. For those looking to stay in comfort, the Quinualt Lodge is a great choice, because it’s close to many of the waterfalls and offers wi-fi, fireplaces, lake and dock access, a lounge and bar, arcade room, indoor swimming pool and much more. It’s also open year-round, when campsites may be closed.

Of course, there are many campgrounds that are also close to the waterfalls, many with dry and RV Hook ups. Some choices near the falls are the Gatton Creek Campground, Coho Campground and Satsop Center Campground. Before traveling to Grays Harbor, check the websites for closures and if you need to make reservations. Don’t forget your Discover Pass!

Sponsored