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Can you swim in Franklin Falls?

Short, pretty, and easy hike. The falls is lovely - great place to swim during the hot summers!



Yes, you can swim at the base of Franklin Falls in Washington state, and it is a popular activity during the "hot" months of July and August. The pool at the bottom of the 70-foot waterfall is relatively shallow, but the water remains extremely cold year-round because it is fed by mountain snowmelt. For 2026 hikers, the trail is considered "very easy" and family-friendly, making the falls a high-traffic "swimming hole" on weekends. It is a peer-to-peer safety essential to be cautious of the slippery rocks around the basin and to remember that the "mist" from the falls can make the surrounding area much colder than the trail. Most visitors prefer to "wade" rather than fully swim, as the powerful spray from the falls can be quite intense, creating a refreshing but brisk "natural air conditioning" effect in the Snoqualmie Pass area.

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Franklin Falls and Denny Creek: Closed until November 2023 due to the expansion of the parking lot. Mount Pilchuck Forest Road 42: Closed for the season beyond the Heather Lake Trailhead (which remains open) due to maintenance of the road and Mount Pilchuck Trail. Both will be shut down until 2024.

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