Waterfall

Madison Falls

Also known as: Madison Creek Falls

Madison Falls
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About This Waterfall

Madison Creek Falls can be found immediately adjacent to the Elwha Valley Entrance Station to Olympic National Park, 2 miles south of Highway 101 along Olympic Hot Springs Road.Madison Falls is the easiest waterfall to access in the Elwha River corridor. A 200 foot-long paved path leads to a porch view of the 76-foot waterfall splashing into a small pool. Park Service literature has quoted the falls at being over 100 feet tall, which is likely just a poor estimation of the falls. There is known to be a second waterfall on Madison Creek, potentially substantially taller than this one, access to which appears to be neither easy or obvious. Though up against some tough competition in Sol Duc Falls and Wolf Creek Falls, Madison Creek Falls are one of the most photogenic waterfalls on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula. During the winter months when the surrounding trees are bare, the scene doesn't present itself very well, but when the oak and maple trees around the falls have leafed out by late spring, the greenery is some of the most vibrant around.We should note that Greg Plumb's Waterfall Lover's Guide books have always referred to the falls as Madison Creek Falls, while the National Park Service recognizes the feature as just Madison Falls. Early documentation seems to favor the later name.

Waterfall Details

Waterfall Form

Horsetail

Best Time to Visit

Year Round

Total Height

76ft

Tallest Drop

76ft

Number of Drops

1

Run

20ft

Avg Width

5ft

Max Width

15ft

Pitch

81°

Magnitude

17.52

High Flow

15cfs

Low Flow

3cfs

IWC Rating:0
Feeder Stream:Elwha River Madison Creek
View on World Waterfall Database

Getting There

GPS Coordinates

48.041930, -123.588520

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Quick Facts

TypeWaterfall
FormHorsetail
Best SeasonYear Round
StatusCataloged

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Tips

📸

Best photos during golden hour or after rain.

🅿️

Parking available nearby.

Safety Info

Stay on marked trails. Rocks near waterfalls are extremely slippery.

Never swim at the top of a waterfall. Strong currents can be deceptive.

Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.