Maple Creek Falls Hike

Maple Creek Falls hike at Maple Creek Park in Maple Falls, Washington is an easy 0.6-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the scenic Maple Creek Falls and its lush fern-filled ravine.

Hike to Maple Creek Falls

This hike begins at the main trailhead for Maple Creek Park. Hikers will follow the trail as it leads downhill, past a Lord of the Rings-styled roadside tree with a large hollowed-out root system before crossing a footbridge that spans Maple Creek. From the footbridge, you'll find scenic views of the water as it passes underneath. Just beyond the footbridge, you'll take a right-hand turn to head south along the Bay to Baker Trail. Once you're on the Bay to Baker Trail, the forest's vegetation becomes more lush and you'll be surrounded by a fern-filled forest with moss-covered trees. While this scenery can be found in many places around Washington State, it's a beautiful place to enjoy the forest with very-few people around.

Turn to Maple Creek Falls - Mile 0.2

At mile 0.2, you'll find a trail sign posted at a trail junction labeled "Maple Creek Falls -->". Take this right-hand turn to follow the skinny dirt path down to the ravine where lower and upper Maple Creek Falls cascades down.

Lower Maple Creek Falls - Mile 0.25

This route keeps left once on the dirt path first which leads to Lower Maple Creek Falls. The path to reach it is a bit steep in one area, so trekking poles and proper footwear are recommended. You'll reach the viewpoint for Lower Maple Creek Falls around mile 0.25 where you'll find slippery rocks of the Maple Creek ravine surrounded by fern and moss-covered cliffs. Maple Creek Falls tumbles its way down the ravine in a series of cascades and is approximately 9-feet tall in total.

Upper Maple Creek Falls - Mile 0.32

After exploring the lower section of Maple Creek Falls and its ravine, you may want to explore Upper Maple Creek Falls. Simply hike back uphill and then keep-left at the trail junction which will lead north through the forest. The path then dips down again to reach Upper Maple Creek Falls where you'll find a different perspective of the waterfall. Here, you'll be standing at the top of the highest cascade you saw from the lower falls section, with moss and fern-covered cliffs overhead. Just upstream is the scenic, but short 7-foot tall multi-tiered Upper Maple Creek Falls that swoops through the ravine, passing lush vegetation on its way downhill. Sit around and enjoy the waterfall, but watch your step as the rocks are slippery when wet and can be very dangerous.

Hiking Out - Mile 0.32 to 0.6

After exploring the tumbling cascades of Maple Creek Falls, the hike back to parking follows the same route. Hop back on the Bay to Baker Trail and head north. Cross the footbridge and the LOTR-styled roadside tree to reach parking at mile 0.6.

Parking

Hikers will find a small parking lot at the coordinates provided on the east side of Silver Lake Road in Maple Falls. The parking lot appears to be shared with a church, but parking is available for hikers regardless. The lot is large enough to fit about a dozen vehicles as of June 2025.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Seclusion

This hike is relatively quiet compared to other hikes in the area, so you may not see many people here. It's a great spot to explore if you want to get away from the crowds of areas like Mt. Baker.

Warning

Slippery rocks: This hike leads to a ravine with very-slippery rocks that sit next to moving water of Maple Creek Falls. It's best to stay back from the water's edge at all times in case you accidentally slip. One false move might mean you hit your head on a rock and slide into the creek, which would ultimately lead to drowning. Play it safe and keep back from the rushing water.