Falls Creek Falls: A Little Waterfall Adventure Near Winthrop

The Details

Location: Near Winthrop, Washington
Trail: Falls Creek Trail #518A
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip for the full trail
Elevation gain: Approximately 750 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Waterfalls: Four along the extended route
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Parking: No pass or entry fee listed
Facilities: Toilet at the trailhead

As always in the mountains, conditions can change, so it's worth checking current trail and road conditions before heading out.

📍 Location

Falls Creek Falls Trailhead
Methow Valley, near Winthrop, Washington

Falls Creek Falls is located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, about 12 miles north of Winthrop in the Methow Valley.

From Winthrop, take Eastside Chewuch Road north along the Chewuch River. The road eventually becomes Chewuch Road / Forest Road 51, which leads toward Falls Creek Campground and the Falls Creek trailhead.

GPS: 48.5967° N, 120.2017° W

The trailhead is located near Falls Creek Campground, making this an easy stop to combine with other adventures around the Methow Valley and the Chewuch River.

Google Maps: Falls Creek Falls Trailhead, Winthrop, WA

Just outside Winthrop in the Methow Valley, Falls Creek Falls is one of those places that makes you wonder why more people don't know about it. The first waterfall is only about a quarter-mile from the trailhead, and the path to the lower falls is paved and gently graded.

In other words, you don't have to lace up your hiking boots for an all-day adventure to enjoy this one.

But if you do want a little more adventure, Falls Creek has that covered, too.

The Easy Part

The first Falls Creek waterfall comes surprisingly quickly.

From the trailhead, it's roughly a quarter-mile to the lower viewpoint. The trail is easy and gently graded, making this a particularly good stop if you're traveling with someone who isn't interested in a serious hike—or if you're simply looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs while exploring the Winthrop area.

And the waterfall isn't just a little trickle hiding somewhere in the woods.

The creek drops over a series of rocky tiers, creating a surprisingly dramatic scene for such a short walk.

This is one of those trails where the effort-to-reward ratio is hard to beat.

But Don't Stop at the First Falls

If you're looking for more than the quick version, the trail continues.

From the lower viewpoint, a series of switchbacks climbs toward the top of the first falls. Along the way, you'll get different perspectives of the creek and another waterfall above you.

Continue farther and the character of the trail changes. It becomes narrower and steeper as it climbs through the forest. Eventually, the trail levels out again, and you'll encounter views of additional waterfalls farther up Falls Creek.

In all, there are four waterfalls to enjoy along the extended route.

The full hike is about 2.6 miles round trip with approximately 750 feet of elevation gain, making it an easy-to-moderate outing rather than simply a roadside attraction.

And that's what I like about Falls Creek Falls.

You get to decide how much adventure you want.

Want a quick waterfall stop? You can be back at the car in no time.

Want a little exercise and some time in the woods? Keep climbing.

A Good Stop Near Winthrop

Falls Creek Falls makes particular sense as part of a day exploring the Methow Valley.

Winthrop is already one of those places where the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination. The surrounding mountains, forests and open country make this a beautiful part of Washington to simply get out and explore.

Falls Creek Falls fits nicely into that kind of day.

It isn't the sort of destination that requires you to rearrange your entire itinerary. Instead, it's a stop you can add to the day—one that gives you a chance to get out of the car, walk through the forest and spend some time beside a rushing mountain creek.

And if you happen to be traveling with someone who says, “I'm not hiking today,” you have a pretty good argument.

The first waterfall is only a quarter-mile away.

Worth the Stop?

Absolutely.

Falls Creek Falls isn't going to require an expedition. That's part of its appeal.

It's a beautiful little piece of the Methow Valley that rewards almost everyone—from someone looking for a short walk and a waterfall to a hiker who wants to climb farther into the forest and explore the upper reaches of Falls Creek.

Sometimes the best discoveries aren't the ones that require the most effort.

Sometimes they're the ones that are hiding just a quarter-mile down the trail.

My Take

Effort: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Waterfall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Worth the drive: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Would I go again? Yes. Especially when I'm exploring the Winthrop and Methow Valley area. It's an easy stop to add to a day of exploring, and the fact that you can see the first falls without committing to the entire hike makes it unusually flexible.

Pro tip: If you have the time and your footing is good, don't stop at the first viewpoint. The additional waterfalls and changing perspectives are what make the longer version of this hike worthwhile.

Trail information based on the Washington Trails Association trail guide. Conditions and access can change, so check current conditions before heading out.