Canyon Falls (Washington) facts for kids

Canyon Falls is an amazing waterfall located on the South Fork Skykomish River. It's the second of three main waterfalls you'll find along this part of the river. You can find Canyon Falls about halfway between Eagle Falls and Sunset Falls.

This waterfall drops about 40 feet (that's about 13 meters!) in three different sections, or "tiers." The first part is a powerful 20-foot plunge where the river suddenly gets very wild. After that, the water continues to rush down in two more exciting cascades. What's interesting is that the river is quite calm both before and after it drops over these falls.

What Makes Canyon Falls Special?

Canyon Falls is known for its unique tiered structure. The river changes from calm to chaotic very quickly. This sudden change creates a powerful and beautiful sight. It's a great example of how water shapes the land over time.

How the Falls Were Formed

Waterfalls like Canyon Falls are often formed when a river flows over different types of rock. Softer rocks wear away faster than harder rocks. Over many, many years, this process carves out the drops and tiers we see today. The powerful flow of the South Fork Skykomish River has shaped this landscape.

Staying Safe at Canyon Falls

It's very important to be careful when visiting Canyon Falls. The river looks calm and peaceful just before the falls. This can be misleading. Because the water seems so calm, people might not realize how close they are to the edge.

Why the Calm Water is Dangerous

The calm water above the falls can be very dangerous. People floating in inner tubes or rafts have sometimes been swept over the falls. This happens because the current picks up speed very quickly near the drop. Always be aware of your surroundings when near any river or waterfall. It's best to stay on marked trails and follow all safety signs.