Waterfalls of the West Fork Foss River Valley facts for kids
The valley of the West Fork Foss River in King County, Washington is a fantastic place filled with many beautiful waterfalls. This river starts from a group of large lakes: Big Heart Lake, Angeline Lake, and Otter Lake. As the water from these lakes rushes down towards Delta Lake, it creates amazing waterfalls. Even more waterfalls can be found along the valley walls further downstream from Delta Lake.
There are also several waterfalls on a tall cliff where streams from Malachite Lake and Copper Lake drop down to meet the West Fork Foss River. This cliff is thousands of feet high and forms two groups of five waterfalls in total. Two other waterfalls also flow down this cliff further along the river. Plus, there are some waterfalls right on the West Fork Foss River itself.
Waterfalls from Copper and Malachite Lakes
The cliff that separates Copper and Malachite Lakes from the West Fork Foss River below has several impressive waterfalls. These include Malachite Falls, Copper Lake Falls, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Copper Falls. All these waterfalls are part of a stream often called Copper Creek. We'll explore them as you would find them going downstream.
Copper Lake Falls: A Tiered Beauty
Quick facts for kids Copper Lake Falls |
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| Coordinates | 47°36′35″N 121°19′51″W / 47.60973°N 121.33078°W |
| Type | Tiered |
| Elevation | 3,823 feet (1,165 m) |
| Total height | 120 to 140 feet (37 to 43 m) |
| Number of drops | 3 |
| Longest drop | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Total width | 20 feet (6.1 m) |
| Watercourse | Copper Creek |
| Average flow rate |
75 cubic feet (2.1 m3) per second |
Copper Lake Falls is a waterfall located about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) upstream from Malachite Falls. It has three sections, or "tiers," that together drop about 120 to 140 feet (37 to 43 meters). The tallest single drop is about 60 feet (18 meters).
During times when the water flow is low, the two lower drops might disappear into the loose rock and debris they flow over. However, the top section of the falls flows over very strong rock, so it stays visible all year round. The best time to see Copper Lake Falls with lots of water is from April to July.
To reach these falls, you'll need to hike about 1.75 miles (2.8 km) past the viewpoint for Malachite Falls. From the very start of the trail, the total distance to Copper Lake Falls is about 3.75 miles (6 km).
Malachite Falls: A Grand Plunge
| Malachite Falls | |
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| Coordinates | 47°36′42″N 121°19′48″W / 47.61162°N 121.33007°W |
| Type | Horsetail |
| Elevation | 3,559 feet (1,085 m) |
| Total height | 600 feet (180 m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Total width | 75 feet (23 m) |
| Watercourse | Copper Creek |
| Average flow rate |
100 cubic feet (2.8 m3) per second |
Malachite Falls is a very tall waterfall created where the streams from Copper and Malachite lakes flow side-by-side. They drop about 600 feet (183 meters) before joining together. Even though the falls are huge, you can usually only see parts of them from any one spot.
However, you can see the falls for about 1 mile (1.6 km) along the West Fork Foss Trail (#1062). The part of the falls that comes from Copper Lake is easier to spot, while the section from Malachite Lake is harder to see. The falls look their best with strong water flow from May to August.
You can reach Malachite Falls by hiking on the West Fork Foss Trail #1062. The total hike to the falls is about 2 miles (3.2 km), and you'll cross several streams using log bridges along the way.
Upper Copper Falls: The First Drop
| Upper Copper Falls | |
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| Coordinates | 47°36′43″N 121°19′08″W / 47.61197°N 121.31885°W |
| Type | Segmented |
| Elevation | 2,491 feet (759 m) |
| Total height | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Longest drop | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Total width | 20 feet (6.1 m) |
| Watercourse | Copper Creek |
| Average flow rate |
125 cubic feet (3.5 m3) per second |
Upper Copper Falls is the first of three waterfalls known as the Copper Falls along Copper Creek. It's located quite a bit downstream from the much larger Malachite Falls and Copper Lake Falls. This waterfall is about 40 feet (12 meters) high and is very nice for taking pictures.
One part of the falls might dry up when the water flow is low, as it likely flows over loose rock. However, the falls generally have good flow all year round. Just below the main waterfall, there's another small drop of about 4 feet (1.2 meters) over a rounded rock ledge.
You can see Upper Copper Falls from the West Fork Foss Lakes trail. After hiking about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the trailhead, you'll be able to spot the falls through the trees. Several short paths, about 200 feet (61 meters) long, lead upstream to the base of the falls for a closer look.
Middle Copper Falls: A Changing View
| Middle Copper Falls | |
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| Coordinates | 47°36′44″N 121°19′01″W / 47.61214°N 121.31695°W |
| Type | Tiered |
| Elevation | 2,289 feet (698 m) |
| Total height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Number of drops | 2 |
| Longest drop | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Total width | 15 feet (4.6 m) |
| Watercourse | Copper Creek |
| Average flow rate |
125 cubic feet (3.5 m3) per second |
Middle Copper Falls is the second of the three Copper Falls. It drops about 50 feet (15 meters) over smooth, wide rocks. Its highest single drop is about 30 feet (9 meters). When the water flow is normal, its two sections are said to be extremely beautiful.
However, during a flood, the falls transform into a single, powerful sheet of white water. The falls look very different depending on which side of the stream you view them from. Interestingly, the Foss River trail crosses Copper Creek right between Upper and Middle Copper Falls. Like Upper Copper Falls, there are several small paths that lead down to Copper Creek, where you can find good spots to view these falls.
Lower Copper Falls: A Hidden Gem
Lower Copper Falls is a 45-foot (14-meter) drop through a narrow channel just downstream from Middle Copper Falls. However, it is not as easy to see as the other Copper Falls.
Waterfalls of the West Fork Foss River
There are two main waterfalls directly on the West Fork Foss River itself. There is also one smaller waterfall on a stream that flows into the West Fork in the upper part of the valley.
Upper Foss River Falls
Lower Foss River Falls
Stairstep Falls: A Unique Shape
Stairstep Falls is a smaller, less dramatic waterfall on a stream that doesn't have a name, but flows into the West Fork. It's about 40 feet (12 meters) tall, and its highest single drop is 25 feet (7.6 meters). It gets its name because the water flows over rocks that look like steps.
Waterfalls Above Delta Lake
Three large waterfalls flow from Big Heart, Angeline, and Otter lakes. These waterfalls are named after the lakes they come from.
Big Heart Falls
Angeline Falls
Otter Lake Falls
Otter Lake Falls is a waterfall known to flow out of Otter Lake. Otter Lake is located right next to Angeline Lake.
