Johannesburg Falls is a 2,465-foot cascade on the north face of Johannesburg Mountain in North Cascades National Park, Skagit County, Washington. Glacier meltwater pours down five drops, ending in an 800-foot vertical plunge, and it can be seen from a stretch of the upper Cascade River Road.
The falls
The water comes from several small unnamed glaciers on Johannesburg Mountain and runs down an unnamed tributary of the Cascade River as a narrow steep cascade, about 5 feet wide on average and roughly 1,500 feet in horizontal run. At the bottom, two nearly vertical falls sit side by side: one drops 800 feet in a single plunge, the other steps down in three tiers. The plunge seems to have formed some time after July 2004 and may not be permanent. Flow depends on melt, averaging around 25 cfs at its peak and dropping to almost nothing.
Getting there
From Marblemount, Cascade River Road runs 23.1 miles to the Cascade Pass Trailhead. The first 10 miles are paved, then the road turns to rough gravel; a July 3, 2026 update lists it open but unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. The last 3 miles are very narrow, with steep drop-offs and few places to pass, and vehicles longer than 22 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited inside the park. The falls come into view where the road crosses Boston Creek at mile 21.5 and stay visible for about 0.75 mile. North Cascades National Park charges no entrance fee.
When to go
The upper road usually opens in late June, or early July after a heavy snow year. June to October is the flow season. Parking at the road's end fills quickly from mid-July to early October, and morning arrival is recommended.
On site
The falls are a distant view from the road; no trail to the base is documented. Weather at this elevation changes fast, and washouts on the gravel can stop standard cars.
History and name
The name Johannesburg Falls is unofficial.
Nearby
Cascade Basin Falls 3 is about 0.8 mile away, Gilbert Falls and Upper Soldier Boy Falls about 1.1 miles, and Morning Star Falls about 1.3 miles.
Distances are straight-line.