Waterfall

Newhalem Falls

Newhalem Falls
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About This Waterfall

Drive to Newhalem along US 20 (in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area), and turn right at the street next to the general store, then turn left at the last street before the river. Park just before the entrance of maintenance yard. The falls descend into the Skagit river immediately across from you. You can climb down the river bank to obtain better views of the falls.This pretty waterfall is located practically in the middle of the small town of Newhalem. The falls drain an extremely small area, and rely solely on melting snow and rain for fuel, so they are usually not more than a trickle by May, and dry completely by June (though the occasional rainstorm may rejuvenate the falls for a few hours). Best time to view the falls, which slide about 280 feet down the mountainside and drop straight into the Skagit River, though only about half of the drop can be clearly seen. The fallsflow best between February and late April, when low elevation snow is melting off the mountainside, and again for a brief period in early May, when higher elevation snow is melting off. The falls deserve a lower rating when streamflow is lower.This waterfall is not known to have an official name, but the locals apparently have referred to it as Newhalem Falls more than not. Bob Mooers' book "Waterfall Finders Guide: Western Washington Series 1" calls it Newhalem Town Falls.

Waterfall Details

Waterfall Form

Horsetail

Best Time to Visit

Runoff

Total Height

280ft

Number of Drops

1

Avg Width

5ft

Pitch

77°

Magnitude

15.8

High Flow

5cfs

IWC Rating:0
Feeder Stream:Skagit River Unnamed
View on World Waterfall Database

Getting There

GPS Coordinates

48.672620, -121.239430

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Quick Facts

TypeWaterfall
FormHorsetail
Best SeasonRunoff
StatusCataloged

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Tips

📸

Best photos during golden hour or after rain.

🥾

A hike may be required to reach the falls.

🅿️

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.