Ladder Creek Falls Trail in North Cascades National Park

Ladder Creek Falls Trail

This historic scenic loop trail leads to a popular waterfall and the public garden belonging to the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.

Plan Around Ladder Creek Falls Trail

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Ladder Creek Falls Trail Details

The paved trail begins at an old suspension bridge behind the still-active Gorge Powerhouse, and climbs a hillside to a viewpoint over the third tier of the roaring, misty Ladder Creek Falls. You can return the same way and stop to explore the beautifully planned company gardens that date back to the 1930s. Unlike most waterfalls, Ladder Creek Falls are visible and enjoyable any time of day. When Seattle City Light developers "discovered" the falls in the early 1920s, they wanted to showcase the natural beauty and built a nighttime light and sound show that has been restored for modern visitors. The show is free and runs year-round. The trailhead is on State Route 20 at milepost 120, just east of Newhalem.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

0.4 miles

Estimated time

30 minutes

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Ladder Creek Falls Trail

Compare nearby parks around Ladder Creek Falls Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

1.3 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

107.8 mi away

Olympic

National Park · WA

132.5 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

294.1 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

331.4 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

401.5 mi away

Crater Lake

National Park · OR

Nearby Points of Interest Around Ladder Creek Falls Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Ladder Creek Falls Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.2 mi away

Newhalem, Wash.

Newhalem is an unincorporated community along the Skagit River, and is a popular destination for park visitors.

0.3 mi away

Skagit General Store

Skagit General Store in historic downtown Newhalem was established in 1922 as supply store for the employees of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project.

0.3 mi away

Skagit Information Center

The Skagit Information Center, in Newhalem is geared toward illustrating the Skagit Project dams and hydroelectric power.

0.9 mi away

"To Know a Tree" Nature Trail

This family-friendly interpretative nature trail teaches park visitors about the most common ecosystem of the North Cascades.

0.9 mi away

Linking Trail

This short, accessible, forested trail connects Newhalem Creek Campground to the Rock Shelter Trail and Newhalem Powerhouse.