As we enter another chilling Washington winter, it’s tempting to hang up our hiking boots and stay inside until spring. But if you do that, you’ll be missing out on some of our most beautiful scenery, including frozen waterfalls. Just looking at these incredible photos might make you decide to bundle up and brave the elements.

Franklin Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington and Franklin Falls in winter is even more spectacular!

The hike to Franklin Falls in winter is longer than it is in the summer (4 miles round trip starting from Snoqualmie Pass and 8 miles round trip starting from Denny Creek). You will have to park at Denny Creek starting point and begin your hike from there.

The hike is easy, there is very little elevation gain. But it can be really exhausting in winter so make sure to carry enough water and food. We visited in December 2nd week and the total distance was approx 8.5 miles round trip as we had to park well ahead of Franklin Fall trailhead due to road closure.

The trail is pretty paved with ample number of rest points. Feel free to take kids and leashed pets with you to this hike. The snow on the sides of paved trail can be knee deep so make sure to wear snow proof boots and clothes. We also carried micro spikes and it really helped us all along the way.

There are some steps on the trail part of the hike to Franklin Falls, and the last part of the trail is VERY slippery and icy in winter when ice covers the rock steps and rocky area at the base of the falls. You can see the waterfall well without going down on the treacherous rocks!

Although if you manage to get down safely, this is the view you get! Like layers of unfurled white tulle, this waterfall is absolutely dripping in glittery elegance. Sometimes you’ll forget that water is still lightly flowing beneath the ice. Other times, the veil-like ribbons continue to gush, paying no mind to the ice crowding in from the sides.

Franklin Falls was amazing, and it was just as we see in some movie. We were so excited for this snowy hike to Franklin falls as it was our first and we were really overwhelmed with it’s beauty. We cannot wait to hike to more frozen waterfalls.

Any trip with you favorite travel partner is the best one! We enjoyed jumping on the snow, did all the crazy stuff, made snow hearts and snow balls. And how can we not make a snowman in this lovely snowfall season.

---

We tried to include all the details you need to explore Franklin Falls. If you have any questions, you can post them in comments on our Facebook page or email us and we will try to answer as soon as we can. Happy Exploring!! 🙂