Trail Guide to Family-Friendly Twin Falls Hike in Washington

Less than an hour from Seattle, the Twin Falls hike is an amazing way to see a lush forest, hike along and listen to the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, and enjoy three waterfalls on this trail. (Yes, there are three, even if it’s called Twin Falls.)

The trail is great for families, bringing out-of-town visitors, or just scratching the itch of needing to be outside and amongst nature.

Inside, we’ll quickly go over this trail and show off some beautiful photos along the way.

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Olallie State Park: Hiking the Twin Falls Trail

My Trail Report from Twin Falls

I’ve tackled this trail now twice in my three years living in Seattle. It’s a nice fall, winter, and spring hike if the snow isn’t great at Snoqualmie Pass and you’re looking for a quick drive and hike.

The first section of the hike is a pleasant flat walk along the river, with tall trees towering over you. If you happen to get it alone, it’s a pretty serene moment.

After this flat part, you’ll have a couple of switchbacks uphill, taking you away from the water. Then, you’ll drop back down before meandering through the forest for another half mile or so. Here, you’ll have another uphill that will bring you to the waterfalls.

On your right, you can go down to the Lower Twin Falls Viewpoint or continue to the Upper Twin Falls Viewpoint.

The lower viewpoint is the classic photo seen below, which offers a lovely view of the area.

While most people stop at the bridge, you can hike past it, and it’ll take you to another waterfall viewing location. I would estimate this to be less than a quarter-mile walk.

one of the waterfalls on the twin falls hike, as seen from the lower viewpoint — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch – Lower viewpoint

a river surrounded by green lush trees and plants — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Overall, the trail is in great shape, and the Olallie State Park team does a great job maintaining the trail and area, creating a welcoming environment for all. If you’re hiking at a decent pace and don’t spend too long doddling, you can do the entire trail in under two hours.

Important things to know before you hike

You need the Northwest Discover Pass

The Northwest Discover Pass is Washington’s State Park Pass. It’s a reasonable $30 per year and grants you access to every state park. The easiest way is to buy it online.

Busy on Weekends

As with most hikes within an area of the Seattle metro area, this trailhead will fill up quickly on the weekends. It’s a beautiful hike, and people flock here to get their waterfall fix throughout the year. If you visit on a weekday, I would be shocked if you encountered anything close to a full parking lot.

If you do plan to go on a weekend, arriving earlier or later will provide more solitude on the trail.

the upper falls as seen from the bridge on the twin falls hike — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

How long is the Twin Falls hike in Washington?

The Twin Falls hike is about 2.5 miles round trip with 950 feet of elevation gain overall. You’ll gain elevation going there and back and at different points on the trail, so there’s no one big climb to worry about.

How hard is the Twin Falls Trail?

I personally would say this is an easy-moderate hike. At its distance, it’s mellow, and it’s easy to cruise along while enjoying the views. I was able to do it in the middle of cancer treatment if that helps you out.

Is the Twin Falls hike family-friendly?

This is an incredibly family-friendly hike. The trail is relatively modest overall, and a couple of uphills are spread out enough that kids won’t be overly exhausted. Plus, with the trail near water (be safe), they will have a lot to look at as you hike along.

a hiker on the trail surrounded by trees — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

a mossy tree sitting on the shores of a river — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

How long does it take to drive from Seattle?

Expect the drive to take around 45 minutes if you’re coming from the city. It’s nearly all on I-90, making it straightforward. The only traffic you’ll have is if there’s inclement weather backing up drivers from the pass

Does this area get snow during the winter?

For the most part, the Twin Falls trail is below the snowline for typical Washington winters. There are always a couple of snowstorms that will drop snow lower, but overall, don’t expect to see snow here. Anticipate wet trails from November through April, so bring shoes with grip and some waterproof/water-resistant capabilities.

a hiker walks down some stairs on the twin falls hike — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Places to eat on the way back

Here are a few spots we’ve found to be quite tasty!

Volition Brewing
North Bend Bar & Grill
Rhodies Smokin BBQ

Hiking Gear to Consider for Winter and Spring for Twin Falls Hike

Base Layers
Sun Hoodie – Men’s & Women’s
Fleece – Men’s & Women’s
Hooded Puffy Jacket 800+ down – Men’s & Women’s
Lighter Puffy Jacket, no hood – Men’s & Women’s
Beanie
Gloves
Hiking Poles
Waterproof Boots
30L+ Hiking Pack – Men’s & Women’s
Snacks while on the trail
Bear Spray
Headlamp

fog and green trees in the mountains — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Wrapping up the Twin Falls hike

This is a perfect short hiking outing from the Seattle area that will allow you to get outside, breathe in fresh air, and connect better with nature. The waterfalls are pretty cool to see – while nothing groundbreaking – and the forest will look incredibly lush if you go after a rain.

You’re in for a treat here, and I would highly recommend everyone in Western Washington do this hike at least once in their life.

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Trail Guide to Family-Friendly Twin Falls Hike Outside Seattle