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Sweet Creek Falls Interpretive Trail

Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
48.8242, -117.3975 Map & Directions
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
150 feet
Highest Point
2,221 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy
Sweet Creek Falls. Photo by Holly Weiler. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

Take a few minutes to pull off the highway and do the short hikes at the euphoniously named Sweet Creek Falls rest area. You’ll be glad you did! Continue reading

Rating
4.00 out of 5

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Hiking Sweet Creek Falls Interpretive Trail

This small county park absolutely begs visitors to pack a lunch and linger. It’s a lovely place for a break along the International Selkirk Loop, or a leg stretcher on the way to Gardner Cave farther north.

There are two trailheads: one at the south end of the parking lot for the lower trail to the base of the falls, and the other at the north end of the parking lot for the middle and upper trails.

From the south end of the parking lot, the lower trail crosses a footbridge, turns right, and leads downhill to a crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls where visitors can play on a hot day. This trail is well-maintained packed gravel.

The middle and upper trails begin at the north end of the parking lot. The first part of the trail is paved and there are several picnic tables. After the trail becomes gravel, you’ll see a fork. The upper trail (on the right) climbs more steeply and is not well maintained, but with care, you can hike past the upper falls. The left fork brings you to a well-built observation area, where you can see the upper and lower falls. The trail continues past the observation area along a crooked set of railings. This part of the trail is not well maintained and is best suited for the sure-footed.

Toilet Information

  • Accessible toilet

More information about toilets

Hike Description Written by
Mary Hartman, WTA Correspondent

Sweet Creek Falls Interpretive Trail

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 48.8242, -117.3975 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From SR 31, continue 5.5 miles north of Ione. The rest area and interpretative hike are located on the west side of the road.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range

Pend Oreille County

Guidebooks & Maps

International Selkirk Loop

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Sweet Creek Falls Interpretive Trail

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