Green River Gorge Bridge Overlook

Experienced almost exclusively by whitewater rafters and kayakers, the Green River Gorge near Black Diamond, Washington, is a canyon that the river has carved into the sedimentary rock, and the giant chasm ranges between 150 and 300 feet deep over more than 14 miles.

For rafters, the float down the canyon begins at Kanaskat-Palmer Recreation Area and ends at Flaming Geyser State Park downstream. For virtually all other visitors to the area, the best way to view this picturesque gorge is at the Green River Gorge Road bridge. Here, western red cedars and bigleaf maples cling to the canyon's rim while side creeks cascade into the air and directly into the river, including the roughly 30-foot tall Paradise Falls. From the bridge you can see the old boardwalk trail system far below, but public access into the gorge has since been heavily restricted due to repeated incidents of partying and injuries. Washington State Parks simply doesn't have the resources to develop the area into a safe visitor experiece at this time.

Alternatively, the only other location to view this section of the gorge is at the Green River Gorge Swimming Hole. Find the trailhead 2.0 miles further southwest on Enumclaw Franklin Road SE.