Upper Copper Falls – A Hidden Gem in Washington’s Alpine Wilderness

If you’ve ever chased the roar of a waterfall through the Pacific Northwest, Upper Copper Falls should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the rugged West Fork Foss River Valley near the tiny community of Tanner, Washington, this 12‑meter cascade offers a perfect blend of raw natural beauty and tranquil solitude.

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1. Introduction

Imagine stepping off a forest trail and being greeted by the misty spray of a pristine waterfall tumbling down a granite cliff, surrounded by towering evergreens and the distant echo of mountain streams. That’s the moment you’ll experience at Upper Copper Falls, one of the lesser‑known yet spectacular waterfalls of the Washington State Cascades. While the nearby Malachite Falls often steals the spotlight, Upper Copper Falls rewards the patient explorer with fewer crowds, vivid photo opportunities, and an authentic wilderness vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a waterfall enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic day‑trip outside Seattle, this hidden cascade is worth the adventure.

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2. About Upper Copper Falls

• Location: Tanner, Washington, United States (Coordinates: 47.612022, -121.318696)
• Height: Approximately 12 meters (≈ 39 feet)
• Type: Tiered waterfall (water plunges over a series of rock ledges)

Upper Copper Falls is part of the West Fork Foss River Valley waterfall system, a collection of cascades that drain the rugged slopes of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The falls are fed by the upper reaches of Copper Creek, a tributary that carves a narrow gorge before joining the West Fork Foss River. Though the exact altitude of the falls isn’t listed, the surrounding terrain sits well above 1,200 meters, giving the waterfall a crisp, alpine character.

Historically, the Copper Creek area was explored by early 20th‑century surveyors and loggers who named many of the local features after the copper‑colored mineral deposits found in the surrounding rocks. The name “Copper Falls” reflects both the creek’s mineral heritage and the copper‑hued sheen that catches the sun on the water’s surface during late summer.

The falls have modest fame among waterfall hunters and are documented on the Wikipedia page for the Waterfalls of the West Fork Foss River Valley. Their relatively low height compared with giants like Snoqualmie Falls makes them ideal for close‑up photography, allowing you to capture the intricate flow patterns and the surrounding moss‑laden rocks.

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3. How to Get There

Getting to Tanner, WA

1. By Car: From Seattle, take I‑90 East toward the Cascade Pass. Exit onto US‑2 toward Leavenworth, then follow signs for US‑97 North to the town of Leavenworth. From there, head south on US‑2 and turn onto Forest Service Road 5710 (the Copper Creek Road). The road is unpaved and best navigated with a high‑clearance vehicle, especially after rain.

2. Nearest Towns: The closest sizable communities are Leavenworth (≈ 30 mi) and Skykomish (≈ 20 mi). Both offer parking, food, and lodging options for travelers who prefer to stay overnight.

Trailhead & Hike

• Trailhead: The most common access point is the Copper Creek Trailhead, located just off Forest Service Road 5710. Look for a small parking area marked with a “Trailhead” sign.
• Hike Length: The hike to Upper Copper Falls is roughly 1.2 km (0.75 mi) one‑way with a moderate elevation gain of about 150 m. The trail follows the creek, offering multiple viewpoints of the surrounding waterfalls.
• Navigation: The trail is not heavily marked, so bring a topographic map or a GPS device set to the coordinates 47.612022, -121.318696. The creek’s meandering path makes it easy to stay oriented—just follow the sound of rushing water.

Transportation Tips

• Parking: The trailhead parking is limited; arrive early on weekends and holidays.
• Road Conditions: Check the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website for current road closures, especially during winter when snow can block the forest service road.
• Public Transit: No direct public transit reaches the trailhead. Car rentals or rideshares from Seattle or Everett are the most convenient options.

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4. Best Time to Visit

Season	Water Flow	Trail Conditions	Why Visit
Spring (Mar‑May)	High – snowmelt swells the creek	Muddy, possible stream crossings	Most powerful cascade, vivid greenery
Summer (Jun‑Aug)	Moderate – steady flow	Dry, well‑maintained trails	Comfortable hiking weather, clear skies for photography
Fall (Sep‑Oct)	Lower – reduced runoff	Cool temperatures, colorful foliage	Tranquil atmosphere, fewer hikers
Winter (Nov‑Feb)	Low – partially frozen	Snow and ice on the trail; road may be closed	For experienced winter hikers with proper gear

Peak recommendation: Late June through early September offers a balance of robust water flow, dry trail conditions, and pleasant temperatures. Early morning visits during these months give you the best lighting for photos and a chance to beat the occasional weekend crowd.

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5. What to Expect

The Waterfall Experience

As you approach the clearing near the coordinates, the gentle roar of water becomes unmistakable. Upper Copper Falls drops in a series of small tiers, each about 3–4 meters, creating a rhythmic cascade that splashes onto a shallow pool below. The surrounding rocks are slick with algae, and the air is filled with a fine mist that catches the sun, producing tiny rainbows—perfect for macro photography.

Scenic Highlights

• Moss‑Covered Boulders: The canyon walls are draped in vibrant green moss, offering a striking contrast against the gray granite.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for black‑tailed deer, Pacific tree frogs, and occasional bald eagles soaring above the valley.
• Soundscape: The waterfall’s steady murmur blends with the chirping of songbirds, creating a natural soundtrack that’s both calming and invigorating.

Physical Difficulty

The hike is classified as moderate—the terrain is uneven with occasional rocky steps, but there are no technical climbing sections. The path is well‑drained for most of the year, though spring melt can create small stream crossings that may require a quick hop over slippery rocks.

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6. Nearby Attractions

Upper Copper Falls sits in a cluster of spectacular waterfalls, making it an ideal base for a waterfall‑hopping day. Below are the top nearby cascades (all within a 1‑km radius). Click the links for more details on each site:

• Middle Copper Falls – 0.1 km downstream, a slightly larger tiered fall that offers a wider viewing platform.
• Lower Copper Falls – 0.2 km further downstream, a series of delicate sheets that tumble over mossy ledges.
• Malachine Falls – 0.9 km away, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, known for its striking turquoise pool. (Listed twice in source data; both entries refer to the same fall.)
• Copper Lake Falls – 1.0 km away, a remote cascade that drops into the pristine Copper Lake, a perfect spot for a picnic or a quick swim in summer.

Because these falls are so close together, you can comfortably visit three to four of them in a single outing, turning a simple hike into an unforgettable waterfall tour.

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7. Travel Tips

Tip	Details
Footwear	Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good traction. The trail can be slick from spray.
Pack Light, Pack Smart	Bring a small daypack with water, snacks, a rain jacket, and a lightweight camera or smartphone.
Leave No Trace	Stay on established paths, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing the delicate moss and vegetation.
Safety First	The creek can be deceptively cold even in summer. Avoid stepping into the pool if you’re not prepared for icy water.
Timing	Arrive early (7‑8 am) during peak summer months to enjoy the falls in soft morning light and avoid crowds.
Navigation	Use a GPS or offline map app set to the coordinates 47.612022, -121.318696; cell service can be spotty.
Photography	A polarizing filter helps reduce glare on the water, while a wide‑angle lens captures the full cascade and surrounding forest.
Seasonal Gear	In spring, bring gaiters and a trekking pole for muddy sections. In winter, crampons and an ice axe are essential if the trail is open.
Local Resources	Check the U.S. Forest Service website for current trail conditions and any permit requirements for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Accommodations	For multi‑day trips, consider staying in Leavenworth’s charming cabins or the rustic cabins at the Lake Wenatchee State Park (≈ 30 mi north).

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Final Thought

Upper Copper Falls may not appear on every “top 10 waterfalls in Washington” list, but that’s precisely why it feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Its modest height, intimate setting, and proximity to a suite of other spectacular falls make it a perfect destination for both casual hikers and dedicated waterfall hunters. Pack your boots, follow the sound of the water, and let the West Fork Foss River Valley reveal one of its best‑kept treasures.

Happy trails!