Hike guide · Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Denny Creek

A family favorite off I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass, with a natural granite waterslide about a mile in and two waterfalls farther up. Roughly an hour's drive from Maple Valley.

Jody Guerra and her kids on the Denny Creek trail in fall
Fall leaves at Denny Creek with the kids.

Perfect for kids. In and out in less than two hours, depending on how fast they go. It's a quick drive, and my kids loved it. Parking fills up, so give yourself a little extra time.

Jody Guerra · REALTOR®, John L. Scott
Trail at a glance
DistanceAbout 2 miles roundtrip to the waterslide, about 6 miles roundtrip to Snowshoe Falls
Elevation gainAbout 1,345 feet to Snowshoe Falls, much less to the waterslide
Highest pointAbout 3,640 feet
Parking passNorthwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
How to get thereI-90 to exit 47, then follow signs past Denny Creek Campground
Good for kids?Yes, especially to the waterslide
DogsAllowed on leash

Is Denny Creek a good hike for kids?

Yes. The grade is gentle, and the natural waterslide about a mile in makes a great turnaround point for little legs. Bring water shoes if they plan to splash.

How long does the Denny Creek hike take?

With kids, the out-and-back to the waterslide usually takes under two hours. Going all the way to Keekwulee Falls and Snowshoe Falls is about 6 miles roundtrip and takes longer.

Do you need a parking pass at Denny Creek?

Yes. You need a Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass. The trailhead has paid parking lots with an electronic pay station.

What is parking like at Denny Creek?

It fills up on warm weekends. Roadside parking is not allowed, so arrive early or have a backup plan if the lots are full.

Trail details checked against Washington Trails Association. Conditions, passes, and parking rules change, so check current trip reports before you go.

Local guides

Want the mountains this close to home?

From Maple Valley, Snoqualmie Pass trails like Denny Creek are about an hour away. Jody Guerra helps buyers find homes with room for weekends like this, in English or Spanish.

John L. Scott Real Estate

Jody Guerra, REALTOR®, is a real estate broker with John L. Scott Real Estate, 17115 SE 270th Place, Suite 102, Covington, WA 98042. Both are licensed in Washington.