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Franklin Falls Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,324 Google reviews · Running trail in North Bend, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Franklin Falls Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Easy hike amid forested mountains leading to a waterfall that's especially refreshing on hot days.
What runners say about Franklin Falls Trailhead
“Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the trail ends at Franklin Falls, which is impressively tall and absolutely worth the effort.”
“Franklin Falls is a beautiful and relatively easy hike with a stunning payoff at the end—a gorgeous waterfall!”
If you're in Washington and want a hike that delivers without destroying your knees, you have to check out Franklin Falls Trail. It’s a pretty easy trail, which is fantastic because it's super family-friendly (and pet friendly!) but the best part, it’s not just a flat boring walk!
Easy to get to, not complicated. I recommend getting there early so you dont struggle with parking (like by 9am lol). You can easily buy a $5 day pass at a machine to put on your dashboard. (YES! they give tickets). There is a couple sites for restrooms BEFORE you start the hike.
4.2 miles round trip and worth it! Extremely beautiful waterfall that's a 135 foot drop. Make sure to put Franklin Falls Parking Lot as your destination though, unless you have a handicap sticker, then you can park at the trailhead 😊. America the Beautiful pass is accepted here.
Fairly easy hike to a pretty waterfall. There is a large lot (you'll need a NW Forest Pass or Sno-Parks permit) with rustic bathrooms (bring your own hand cleaner). The trail head is close by. It follows a river gradually uphill through a moderately thick canopy with many wildflowers.
Trail conditions & character
“Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the trail ends at Franklin Falls, which is impressively tall and absolutely worth the effort.”
“Make sure to put Franklin Falls Parking Lot as your destination though, unless you have a handicap sticker, then you can park at the trailhead 😊.”
“There is a large lot (you'll need a NW Forest Pass or Sno-Parks permit) with rustic bathrooms (bring your own hand cleaner).”
“There were some stairs throughout and portions of the trail was wet and mildly muddy (so you are forewarned if it has been rainy, what to expect).”
“It was nice and easy, a little steep on some areas but still doable for kiddos 🥰 Waterful was BEAUTIFUL!”
“It’s a pretty easy trail, which is fantastic because it's super family-friendly (and pet friendly!”
“You walk through peaceful forest scenery, and then the view of the waterfall at the end is absolutely worth it.”
Plan your run at Franklin Falls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 800-627-0062
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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