Deception Falls National Recreation Area

Deception Falls is an easy stop off of Highway 2 just below Stevens Pass. Most travelers may overlook the wonders that lay past the parking lot and mistake the area for a typical rest stop. It is well worth 20 minuets of your time to walk a short loop trail, have lunch under the sheltered picnic area, or walk across the bridge to see the views of Deception Falls. The falls are ADA-assessable via a metal bridge that spans the lower falls with views of upper falls.

Just steps from the parking lot, Deception Falls drops 60 feet to land on jagged boulders, making for a very powerful and misty experience from the lookout points. You can experience the falls by crossing over a footbridge with rushing water bellow, and then continue up another series of stairs that leads to a viewing platform. Use caution on the walking bridge, as it can become very slippery. The stairs to the top of the falls lead directly under the highway, and the path and ends at a lookout platform with a view of the top of the falls. Both vantage points are worth viewing and will take no time at all to see. Note that the falls may appear less impressive later in the season as the amount of water diminishes. 

If you wish to learn more about the area, Tye River, and Deception Creek, take the short, half-mile loop trail accessible from the parking lot. You will come across interpretive signage, numerous bridges, and lookout points. The best part of the trail is watching the water change from frothy whitewater rapids to the crystal clear pool located at the lower section of the Loop Trail.