About John Pierce Waterfall
John Pierce Waterfall is a named waterfall in Whatcom County, Washington, located about 40 miles northeast of Darrington. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ross Dam 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°43′16″ N, 121°04′14″ W (48.72124, -121.07067). Historical sources also record the name Horsetail Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Horsetail Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Riprap Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), and Happy Creek (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Gorge Creek Falls, 6.5 miles to the west.
Weather at John Pierce Waterfall
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 John Pierce Waterfall
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 John Pierce Waterfall. 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 John Pierce Waterfall. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Horsetail Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Riprap Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Happy Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Ross Lake — reservoir, 1.6 mi
- Pierce Mountain — summit, 1.9 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 48.72124, -121.07067. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near John Pierce Waterfall
- Depot Creek Falls, WA20 mi northwest
- Sulphide Creek Falls, WA24 mi west
- Rainbow Falls, WA28 mi west
- Cedar Falls, WA29 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is John Pierce Waterfall located?
John Pierce Waterfall is in Whatcom County, Washington, about 40 miles northeast of Darrington. Its coordinates are 48.72124, -121.07067 (48°43′16″ N, 121°04′14″ W).
What town is closest to John Pierce Waterfall?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Darrington, WA, about 40 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near John Pierce Waterfall?
The closest is Gorge Creek Falls (6.5 mi west). Others within reach include Ladder Creek Falls (8.9 mi), Green Lake Falls (19 mi), and Blum Basin Falls (20 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows John Pierce Waterfall?
John Pierce Waterfall appears on the USGS Ross Dam 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.