Wallace Falls State Park - Washington

Park Overview

The Wallace Falls State Park Management Area is a 4,735-acre camping park with shoreline on the Wallace River, Wallace Lake, Jay Lake, Shaw Lake and the Skykomish River. Located on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, the park features a 265-foot waterfall, old-growth coniferous forests, and fast- moving rivers and streams. Opportunities to view local wildlife, including cougar near Wallace Falls, and peregrine falcons inhabit the rock cliffs of the Index Town Wall.

History

The lake, falls and mounts are named "Wallace," after the name "Kwayaylsh." Joe and Sarah Kwayaylsh, members of the Skykomish tribe, were the first homesteaders in the area.

Park Features

The scenery is outstanding in this park, which includes numerous waterfalls, three back-country lakes and a river. Wallace Falls drops from a height of 265 feet. The park offers a rock-climbing wall eight miles east near Index. Atop Mount Pilchuck, 60 miles away, a fire lookout provides a spectacular, panoramic view. Swimming access is five miles east at Big Eddy.

Interpretive opportunities

Mount Pilchuck, managed by Wallace Falls State Park, is approximately 50 miles north of Wallace Falls and features a historic fire lookout. Mount Pilchuck features a series of interpretive panels that explain the history of the lookout and the names of the surrounding peaks. Wallace Falls State Park offers a one-quarter mile interpretive trail.

Physical Features

Wallace Falls is a dramatic display of the power of water to erode rock.

Address

14503 Wallace Lake Road, Goldbar, WA 98251

Directions

Located two miles northeast of Gold Bar, Wash. in Snohomish County.

From the west:

Take U.S. Hwy. 2 (Steven's Pass Highway) east 12 miles from Monroe to Gold Bar. Once in Gold Bar, follow the signs two miles northeast to the park.

From the east:

Take U.S. Hwy. 2 west about 43 miles from the summit of Steven's pass to the town of Gold Bar. From town, follow the signs two miles northeast to the park.

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