Picturesque Wallace Falls

The perfect hike

...by Debbie Stone

Wallace Falls offers hiking trails leading to three different views of the falls and rewards hikers with dramatic outlooks. Photos by Debbie Stone.

Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in our region, and we’re fortunate to have incredible access to nature. Within easy reach are many hiking trails leading through verdant forests, along rushing rivers, to dramatic waterfalls, hidden lakes and dramatic vistas atop craggy peaks.

Wallace Falls, located within Wallace Falls State Park, is a good choice for a moderate hike that can be done year-round. You’ll reach the trailhead off Highway 2, just northeast of the town of Gold Bar, and soon find yourself amid a lush paradise.

Though there’s some elevation gain with this hike, your efforts will be well-rewarded with views of a stunning, three-tiered waterfall, the Skykomish River and the distant Olympic Mountains. And oh, the green! Picture trees dripping with moss and ferns on steroids.

The hike offers set junctures at the Lower, Middle and Upper Falls, allowing you to determine your distance – and amount of effort. One-way, the mileage for the Lower Falls is 1.8 with 500 feet of elevation; Middle, 2.1 with 800 feet of elevation; and Upper, 2.75 with a total 1200 feet of elevation. Each point provides a different view of the falls, which makes it interesting if you decide to experience the full range of options.

After starting in a wide-open area, the trail narrows and eventually turns to the left, where hikers are met with an apropos Wordsworth quote carved into a signpost. Its message serves as a reminder that we can learn much from nature.

You’ll continue along the river and then take a fork to the right to follow the Woody Trail. The path eventually begins to climb towards the Lower Falls for your first view. A sheltered picnic area makes for a nice place to grab a snack.

About another half a mile you’ll come to Middle Falls, where the views are breathtakingly enhanced. This spot is often considered the best place to see the falls in all their glory. If the sun’s out, you might be treated to a rainbow or two, upping the ante for that magical, pinch-me moment. Many hikers choose to turn around here, but if you’re game to head on to Upper Falls, prepare for the steepest section of the trail.

As you trek the seemingly endless stair climber, navigating the various switchbacks, you’ll gain not only elevation but—with fewer people—more solitude. Before getting to the top, make sure to take the little path to the right for a prime overlook of the Skykomish River Valley and, if it’s clear, the Olympics on the horizon.

Take a deep breath and give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back when you reach Upper Falls. Then revel in the mesmerizing scene and stand in awe of the power of water as it drops from a height of 265 feet.

As this is the Northwest, sun is not a guarantee. But rest assured, the falls and its surrounds are equally as impressive when skies are gray. And the mist gives it a moody feel, with a primordial cast to the scene.

Wallace Falls is one of several hikes in the state park. Push on from Upper Falls to Wallace and Jay Lakes, or return another day to explore more of this hiker’s utopia. ❖

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precinct to respond to all police calls in that area.”

The next day, September 12th, Officer Messmer was assigned to the World Trade Center site where he remained on duty until April, 2002. His work included security in the vicinity of Ground Zero. “Monitoring who was coming in and out (of Ground Zero) was a high priority,” he said. “I remember escorting a widow into the site so she could lay flowers at the location of where they had recovered her husband. He was a member of the city fire department who was killed on 9/11.” Security was also needed for vehicles of people who were killed.

Officer Messmer estimates he worked about 450 hours in the vicinity of Ground Zero.

Like others, he learned of St. Paul’s Chapel and their services through word of mouth. “Many first responders went to St. Paul’s. Police, firemen and any workers associated with the rescue and recovery at the Trade Center site sought help at St. Paul’s.”

St. Paul’s Chapel was untouched by the blast and in close proximity to Ground Zero.

“I remember the volunteers at St. Paul’s being very kind. I went to this location to rest and get some food.” He added, “St. Paul’s was a good example of support for first responders. The Salvation Army was another, as were local businesses.”

Officer Messmer knows people who worked at Ground Zero and have health issues from the toxins it produced.

“Some of my friends died that day and another died from cancer. I consider myself a fortunate person among many who were not so fortunate.”

He wants people to know that this day, September 11, 2001, should never be forgotten.

“Innocent lives were lost by the acts of terrorists,” he says, adding, “People performed acts of heroism knowing that they, themselves, would not survive.”

Rescue efforts by first responders, construction workers and volunteers lasted throughout the night of September 11th. They pulled 18 survivors from the rubble. The final survivor, Port Authority secretary Genelle Guzman-McMillan, was rescued the afternoon of September 12th. ❖