Olallie State Park

Olallie State Park: Cascade Waterfall Paradise with Twin Falls and Multi-Sport Recreation Near Seattle

Olallie State Park offers Washington’s premier waterfall destination in North Bend, featuring spectacular Twin Falls plunging 135 feet through a narrow rock canyon just 45 minutes east of Seattle. This 2,336-acre forested day-use park stretches along the South Fork Snoqualmie River, promising visitors access to five magnificent waterfalls, 6 miles of moderate hiking trails, world-class rock climbing at multiple crags, and the new 9.2-mile Olallie Trail for mountain biking adventures through old-growth forest and scenic viewpoints of the Cascade Mountains.

Olallie State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Olallie State Park encompasses a spectacular waterfall corridor along the South Fork Snoqualmie River on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, where five notable waterfalls create one of Washington’s most concentrated cascade experiences. The park’s crown jewel, Twin Falls, cuts through a narrow rock canyon before plunging 135 feet in a dramatic finale that draws visitors from across the Pacific Northwest. Named “Olallie” after the Chinook word for salmonberry reflecting the area’s abundant berry production, this day-use destination combines old-growth forest hiking with technical rock climbing, mountain biking, and river recreation.

This multi-sport paradise serves outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse recreation within easy reach of Seattle, offering everything from family-friendly waterfall walks to challenging technical climbing routes. The park’s design maximizes access through four distinct trailheads, each providing unique entry points to waterfalls, climbing areas, river access, and connections to the long-distance Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.

Activities & Recreation

Olallie State Park is one of 24 Washington State Parks with geocaches hidden within its boundaries, adding a treasure-hunt element to your Cascade waterfall adventure.

Facilities & Amenities

Olallie State Park provides comprehensive day-use facilities across four strategically located trailheads serving diverse recreation needs. The South Fork Picnic Area features riverside and play-field picnic areas with first-come, first-served tables and grills adjacent to Hall Creek Play Field and Snoqualmie River fishing access. Twin Falls Trailhead offers the most direct route to the park’s signature waterfall with parking and restroom facilities. Homestead Valley Trailhead provides access to rock climbing areas, Iron Horse Trail connections, and interpretive programs. Far Side Trailhead serves advanced hikers tackling Dirty Harry’s Peak and technical climbing areas. All facilities include automated pay stations, accessible restrooms, and designated parking areas.

Camping & Accommodations

Olallie State Park operates exclusively as a day-use facility with no camping accommodations available. The park closes at dusk year-round, requiring visitors to plan day trips only. Nearby accommodation options include North Bend area lodging and camping facilities at other state parks in the Cascade foothills region for those planning extended recreation in the area.

Planning Your Visit

Olallie State Park operates daily with summer hours from 6:30 a.m. to dusk and winter hours from 8 a.m. to dusk, requiring a Discover Pass for vehicle access. The park’s location just 10 minutes from I-90 makes it easily accessible but also extremely popular, particularly the Twin Falls Trail which ranks among the Seattle area’s most visited trails. Visitors should arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and avoid trail congestion. Rock climbing at Deception Crags experiences seasonal closures for Peregrine Falcon nesting protection, typically from mid-May through mid-August.

What to Bring & Know

• Sturdy hiking footwear with good traction for potentially wet and rocky waterfall approaches and forest trail conditions
• Camera equipment for capturing the dramatic 135-foot Twin Falls and multiple waterfall viewpoints throughout the park
• Washington fishing license for South Fork Snoqualmie River access, as the river offers seasonal fishing opportunities
• Rock climbing gear for accessing six separate climbing areas ranging from beginner 5.5 routes to expert 5.12c challenges
• Early arrival planning, as Twin Falls Trail popularity creates significant parking and trail congestion, especially on weekends

Final Word

Olallie State Park delivers the ultimate Cascade waterfall experience, where Twin Falls’ dramatic 135-foot plunge highlights diverse recreation just minutes from Seattle.