This is a waterfall on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River. The falls are a short distance from Snoqualmie Pass. They are between the north and south lanes of Interstate 90. Franklin Falls consists of three falls that total about 135 feet. The first drop is a scenic 15-foot block-shaped fall. The second drop is a 25-foot fanning cascade. The final drop begins as a 25-foot slide, bends to the right then plunges over the final 70-foot drop.

To make this trail a loop, return on the Wagon Road Trail.

Distance: 2 miles

Destination: Franklin Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 200 feet

Getting there: I-90 to exit 47 (Asahel Curtis/Denny Creek). Turn left and proceed to a “T” intersection. Turn right and travel a quarter-mile to Denny Creek Road (FSR 58). Turn left on FSR 58 and drive 2.5 miles. Turn left off the paved road after passing Denny Creek Campground. The trailhead is just before you cross the bridge.

The Trek: After signing the log book at the trailhead, set out across a small footbridge. The trail is a mix of gravel and natural puncheon. The gravel is where the trail has been washed out and repaired.

Make your away above the waters of Denny Creek, passing old-growth timber. A dry streambed boasts a forest worth of devil’s club. Now rock and root strewn, the trail begins to climb. The creek’s once thunderous roar is now dulled as it rages below. A break in the thick canopy allows for views of the raging waters.

Continuing uphill, reach a precarious section of trail. This section has been washed out. What remains clings to the hillside by very little. A misstep here means a tumble and a splash. Steps should be chosen carefully.

After passing that section of trail, cross another footbridge and venture upon boardwalk. Head up a wooden staircase, passing some sections of trail with split rail fence running alongside. While these areas are fenced off, there are several spur trails leading to precipices that are not. The terrain is steep. It’s best to stay on the main trail.

A massive cedar is soon reached on the right. While the top of the giant has long since been removed by Mother Nature, its impressive base remains intact.

Continue uphill on some impressively engineered trail. It’s taken a lot of volunteer hours to place the cribbed steps that make up the path.

Small falls can be seen cascading below. They are a precursor to what lies ahead.

The trail soon becomes wedged between the hillside and fence. Trekking on, a road appears on the right. Cross another footbridge and descend slightly. Another footbridge spanning a babbling brook leads to another ascent.

Some trees have plaques attached to them. Keep a sharp eye out for them.

Devil’s club, skunk cabbage and large cedars soon border the trail.

Reaching a junction, continue straight. To the right is the return route on the Wagon Road Trail.

The trail now runs along an exposed cliff face. Franklin Falls can be seen through the trees.

A rock staircase leads to a rather precarious route along a cliff face. Bending around a corner, one is greeted with the majesty of Franklin Falls.

Make your way along the rock face and scurry down to the creek. Hop over the rocks to reach the falls.

You are met by a rather odd scene — cars roaring high above on the westbound lanes of the I-90 bridge. The structure is not the least bit distracting.

The area is bathed in spray from the falls. It’s an impressive sight.

After taking it all in, retrace your steps to the Wagon Road Trail. Proceed left.

Wagon Road Trail is a remnant of the Snoqualmie Pass wagon road dating from the 1860s.

There are numbered stakes along its length, but no pamphlets coinciding with the stakes could be found. So it is up to the hiker to figure out what each stake highlights.

The trail has a downward grade as it makes its away along the historic route.

The trail makes several sharp bends before a footbridge is reached. Pine needles cushion each step between several more footbridges. Cross a dry streambed and reach post No. 9 — at an old timber plank.

A low-lying, swampy area is soon encountered. Once again, skunk cabbage is in abundance.

An elevated path of wooden planks keeps one’s feet out of the brackish waters. Switch back downhill and cross a road. Pick up the trail on the left in about 20 feet. There are two blind corners here. Make sure the way is clear before crossing.

Drop back into the dense forest. Large log rounds litter the trail’s borders. They are remnants of trees that have come crashing down in the area.

This section of trail was ravaged by harsh weather. The trail remains under repair. One part has been totally washed out while another has been obliterated by an uprooted tree.

The trail continues through a small ravine before once again reaching the road. This time, the trail continues about 50 feet to the left across the pavement.

Descend into the forest once again and follow a dry streambed. At another road crossing, go right about 40 feet to find the trail across the way. This intersection is marked with a wagon wheel-embossed post.

It’s a short distance before an old hoop is seen protruding from the ground. This marks the trailhead for the Wagon Road Trail. Just across the way is the rig.