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Gibson Falls is one of the few easily accessible noteworthy waterfalls in the Suiattle River basin, however thanks to literally decades of flood damage to the roads leading to the falls, it has been largely forgotten. We first visited the falls in 1994 and since then numerous washouts had left the roads in the area in disrepair such that one wasn't able to access the falls at all between 2003 and late 2009. The falls occur where its unnamed stream splits into two channels and sprays 108 feet over a cliff band hidden within the forest by a canopy of truly massive trees - in one case the stump of a more recently toppled Douglas Fir near the base of the falls has a diameter of at least 7 feet. Due to the small drainage area of the unnamed stream, the flow of the falls varies greatly throughout the year but is generally fairly consistent through the wet season. While the stream probably won't run dry in all but the most extreme drought conditions, during the late summer it may slow to a trickle.
- Gibson Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
Located off the Suiattle River Road, between Rockport and Darrington. Drive north from Darrington for 6 ½ miles, or south from Rockport for 12 miles, to Suiattle River Road #26. Follow Road 26 for 10 miles, turn right onto FSR # 25 which crosses the river immediately, and follow it for just over 3 miles to the bridge over Straight Creek. At the aforementioned junction stay left (the right fork lead to Rat Trap Pass and the White Chuck River), then stay right at the next junction and follow the road to its official end at Circle Creek in 3 miles. As of the summer of 2010, Road 25 has apparently been cleared and maintained all the way to Circle Creek. If road conditions deteriorate again, it may be necessary to park near the Straight Creek bridge and walk or bike the last 3 miles. Ford Circle Creek and pick up the old roadbed on the opposite side and continue another 1/3 of a mile to the unnamed stream along which the falls occur. Cross the creek and scramble up the left side of the draw for 200 feet to the base of the falls.
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