About Cress Falls
Cress Falls is a named waterfall in Pierce County, Washington, located about 19 miles southeast of Buckley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mowich Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°57′21″ N, 121°46′24″ W (46.95594, -121.77343). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Crescent Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Crescent Lake (lake, 0.4 mi), and Yellowstone Cliffs (cliff, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Alice Falls, 0.8 miles to the northwest.
Weather at Cress Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cress Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cress Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cress Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Crescent Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Crescent Lake — lake, 0.4 mi
- Yellowstone Cliffs — cliff, 0.5 mi
- Tyee Peak — summit, 0.5 mi
- Crescent Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Northern Crags — cliff, 0.8 mi
- Spukwush Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Windy Gap — gap, 1.0 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.95594, -121.77343. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cress Falls
- Affi Falls, WA4.2 mi east
- Spray Falls, WA4.3 mi southwest
- Ranger Falls, WA4.3 mi northwest
- Giant Falls, WA5.2 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cress Falls located?
Cress Falls is in Pierce County, Washington, about 19 miles southeast of Buckley. Its coordinates are 46.95594, -121.77343 (46°57′21″ N, 121°46′24″ W).
What town is closest to Cress Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Buckley, WA, about 19 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cress Falls?
The closest is Alice Falls (0.8 mi northwest). Others within reach include Cataract Falls (2.0 mi), Van Horn Falls (2.8 mi), and Ipsut Falls (2.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cress Falls?
Cress Falls appears on the USGS Mowich Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.