Deception Falls on the Iron Goat Trail

Following the path of the Great Northern Railway – considered by many as the best engineered transcontinental railroad of the 19th century - the Iron Goat Trail pierces the lush forests just west of Stevens Pass. This historic route of the “Empire Builder” was instrumental in opening the Pacific Northwest to settlement and trade. Even though the trail is a work in progress, there are hiking options for everyone. Today’s reconstruction of the trail is a labor of love, built by thousands of hours of volunteer labor.

Deception Falls is a great respite after descending the west side of Stevens Pass at about the 2,200-elevation level of the Cascades. Visible from the highway this small but beautiful waterfall is a great stop for the kids. A short interpretive loop trail is easily accessible from the car. It affords a great view of cascading water and clear pools.