Gorgeous Waterfalls in Washington State

When many people think of waterfalls they think of Hawaii, most not even realizing that beautiful waterfalls can be seen in other states as well. Take Washington state for example, most people who have not been to Washington think of it as the "rainy state" and it is but it has more than just the rain. It offers some of the United States most breathtaking parks and the waterfalls that are inside those parks make a beautiful view for all who see them. If you ever feel the need to travel so you can see the view of a waterfall, smell the water in the air, hear the sound it makes when it hit's the water below then look no farther than Washington State.

Palouse Falls State Park located on Palouse Falls Road WA 99335 it offers a one of a kind view of one of the states most beautiful waterfalls, Palouse Falls drops from a height of 200 feet into the Palouse River below. The park offers more than 105 acres of campground with fees ranging about 15- 21 dollars a campsite more or less depending on exact sites and car loads etc .. . Activities include hiking, nature watching and swimming in parts of the river.

The park itself was originally named Aputapat however later on it was changed to Palouse Falls in order to commemorate the Palouse Indian culture. There is a legend behind this river. According to the Palouse tribe four brothers were after a giant mythical beaver spearing him five times and each time he was speared he would gouge the canyon walls with his claws which in turn cause the river to bend and divide and separated the Palouse River from the snake river. Giant claw markings on the jagged wall of the canyon appear to this day.

Nooksack Falls State Park located on Mount Baker Highway in Glacier Washington 98244 just turn right on Wells Creek road. This is another one of Washington's beautiful parks. It features a stunning waterfall that drops freely from about 88 feet into a rocky river canyon that runs deep. This waterfall is not visible from below, many people have tried to get down to it by hiking their way around the trail signs and have fallen to their deaths. there are a couple different viewpoints one is wheelchair accessible. A very pretty view for anyone to see.

A fun fact about the Nooksack Falls is that they were featured in the hunting scene of the movie The Deer Hunter.

Lower Falls Lewis River Falls are located in the town of Woodland just follow highway 503 east until you get to Cougar than continue to Forrest Road #90 follow for 14 miles until you get to the recreation area, you can park just to the right of the entrance. There are many great views of this waterfall and others in the area which you can access easily from the trails all around. There are dangerous spots though so as always be careful when hiking. The drop is 43 feet high the falls are nicer to view if you can view them when the water is lower. You can camp near the recreation area and swim in designated places just do not swim right underneath the falls themselves, this is glacier water and so besides it being quite cold it has a potentially dangerous undertow that can prove very fatal.

Activities include, hiking, bird watching, camping, , fishing, swimming and mountain biking all in designated areas, standard rate fees apply but can change slightly year to year.

There is no need to travel out of the contiguous United States to see some of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. Washington State is home to many of them. A much cheaper way to travel for most and the time spent observing the falls should be well worth it. Just always remember to follow trails signs and not do dangerous.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nooksack_falls

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/palouse_falls

http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/waterfall