The Newhalem Waterfall Lookout at North Cascades National Park near Newhalem, Washington is a universally-accessible roadside viewpoint that features the multi-tiered, ~600-foot tall waterfall, Newhalem Falls.
Last thing to note: the Newhalem Waterfall is best viewed during or after heavy rainfall especially after the spring snowmelt has calmed down.
No swimming: Note that visitors may want to take a dip in the Skagit River by following a super-steep scramble down from this parking turnout, but due to random and untimed releases of water from the dams upstream, the Skagit River may flood without warning. For your own safety, do not attempt to swim in the Skagit River below this lookout. There are warning signs about this at the parking turnout as a reminder.
Explore Newhalem Falls
This roadside stop, located on the south side of the North Cascades Highway is the safest way to enjoy this massive waterfall that cascades down the mountainside and into the Skagit River. From the parking turnout, you'll have spectacular views of the ~600-foot tall tiers of the Newhalem Waterfall. While the entire waterfall continues further up the mountainside, the lower three tiers of cascades are visible from the road. Please note that I write this overlook is the "safest" area to view the waterfall because just below the lowest tier sit roadblocks and warning signs that are meant to prevent visitors from reaching the base of the waterfall due to dangerous rockfall. The signs at the base of the Newhalem Waterfall would not exist if the area wasn't dangerous with unstable rockfall, so for the best and safest views of this cascade, simply follow this guide to the parking or trailhead coordinates provided.Last thing to note: the Newhalem Waterfall is best viewed during or after heavy rainfall especially after the spring snowmelt has calmed down.
Universal Access
This parking turnout should be considered universally accessible despite being a dirt lot. Note that you can also view the Newhalem Waterfall and it's ~600-feet of plummeting glory from your vehicle, so you don't necessary need to get out and walk if you don't want to, hence this roadside viewpoint is universally-accessible.Parking
Visitors will find a small parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located on the south side of the North Cascades Highway just east of Newhalem center. The turnout is large enough to fit less than a dozen vehicles as of June 2025.Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.Warning
Steep terrain: Located near the edge of the parking turnout are the best views of the Newhalem Waterfall, but this is also adjacent to a steep hillside that plummets to the Skagit River below. Be aware that not all soil is stable, so stay back from the edge for safety.No swimming: Note that visitors may want to take a dip in the Skagit River by following a super-steep scramble down from this parking turnout, but due to random and untimed releases of water from the dams upstream, the Skagit River may flood without warning. For your own safety, do not attempt to swim in the Skagit River below this lookout. There are warning signs about this at the parking turnout as a reminder.
