Sol Duc Falls was one of the absolute highlights of our visit to Olympic National Park. The hike is only about 1.6 miles round trip, making it accessible for most visitors, and every step is filled with beautiful scenery. The trail winds through a peaceful old-growth forest with towering trees, lush ferns, moss-covered logs, and the calming sounds of nature all around you. The waterfall itself is breathtaking. Watching the Sol Duc River split into multiple cascades before plunging into the narrow gorge below creates a view that's unlike most waterfalls we've visited. The wooden bridge provides an excellent vantage point and makes it easy to appreciate the power and beauty of the falls while staying safely behind the designated viewing areas. The trail is well maintained and clearly marked, making it enjoyable for families, photographers, and anyone looking for a relatively easy hike with an incredible payoff. We found ourselves stopping often to admire the forest and take photos along the way. If you're visiting Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Falls is a must-see destination. It combines a scenic forest walk with one of Washington's most iconic waterfalls, making it well worth the visit. We left with amazing memories and would happily hike this trail again on a future trip to the Olympic Peninsula. Highly recommended! Check out our video on our social @reessroots read more

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Loved this hike. It was easy and not challenging for the members of our group. We enjoyed the walk through the woods and the beautiful falls once we arrived! We would do this hike again. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

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This is a lovely hike, about a mile each way to the falls. I personally found it pretty easy, but if you have less stamina or arthritis (ie my mother), it's a little challenging. Nevertheless - she was able to do it ok! She just had to stop for a couple breaks along the way. The entire trail is very scenic, there are many cool trees and vegetation plus streams and little bridges along the way, so great for pics! The falls are ofc magical as well. PLEASE heed the park sign's warnings and don't climb the railings, it's so dangerous :( people have gotten killed doing that. But if you keep to where you're supposed to, this trail is absolutely very safe :) The car park is a good size. I came on a Tuesday around 8am, and we had no trouble getting a spot, but this is a famous trail: we noticed on the way out that there were no spots left. Someone immediately took ours when we drove off, so plan accordingly! And ofc they have some NPS bathrooms available here, glorified portapotties in the little cubicle rooms, and hand sanitizer available but no running water. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Sol duc falls (end of the trail) :) - Hiking Near Me

The hike to Sol Duc Falls was another enjoyable hike that I did while visiting Olympic National Park. Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park is a pretty area that has towering evergreens. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is also in this valley. The Sol Duc Trail to the falls is a two-mile drive from the resort and is a easy hike to do. The trail itself is less than a mile long and is shaded with a dense forest canopy. After you cross over a small stream on a bridge, you will see the waterfall tumbling over moss-covered rocks. There are many ways to view Sol Duc Falls. It splits into four channels that cascades 48-feet into a narrow canyon. At certain times of the day, you can see rainbows in the mist surrounding the falls. I was able to take photos of many angles of these falls with my camera. I just wished I had my tripod with me. After spending time here at Sol Duc Falls, you have the option to continue your hike to Deer Lake or turn around and go back to the parking lot. read more

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A magical forest awaits if you do this hike to the falls. Sol Duc came up as an option for a quick hike when we visited Olympic NP for the first time this weekend. Unsurprisingly, it was raining on the day that we went, but that didn't stop us as we were prepared with umbrellas and rain gear. Walking on the trail was so zen with all the mossy trees and rainfall. From the parking lot, it was a little over a mile to the lovely falls. The trail is fairly flat, but you should have waterproof shoes to make your trip easier. I would highly recommend this trek to see the sparkling water (that's what Sol Duc means in Quileute--this is Native Land, after all.) read more

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Beautiful hike Highly recommend taking this hike to experience the beauty of the area. Small parking lot at trailhead. Path is easy to follow. You can walk past the falls to make the hike longer or turn around and hike back. read more

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For an easy trail Sol Duc Falls is a good one for kiddos and elderly. The path was nicely paved enough to walk. We got a pretty close parking. There is a toilet but it definitely has a stench for you to skip and hold for a different spot instead haha. This hike is about .8 mile each way so it's a good length for those that don't hike enough. You could go down to the creek part for some nice pictures too. This is worth going for beautiful greenery. Apparently there has been a cougar spotted on 8/19/2025 so be aware! read more

We recently visited the falls, taking the trail from the campground to the falls and using Lover's Lane trail back to lodge returning to our site....6+ miles. The trails are beautiful, wider from the falls trailhead parking up and around the falls, and narrower on the campground link and on Lover's. The falls are stunning. Compared to most other falls around the PNW Sol Duc stood out to me as unique, with its double drop, the angle of the falls, and gorgeous narrow crevice setting. You can take in the view from multiple perspectives, but I found the direct view into the falling water from the top side boulder area the coolest. This area of endless boulders above the drop is also great to sit down and take a rest before the return trip. Definitely a stunning must-see in Olympic! read more

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Highly recommend. This was absolutely my favorite waterfall in the park! It's really easy to get to via driving and a short paved trail or via a ~6.5 mile round trip hike from the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

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Great family hike. We went here around Thanksgiving with a 2.5 and 5 year old. It took us awhile, but they were both able to manage with a little bit of adult support. Beautifully maintained trail and lots to look at. Also a great choice if you don't have the time to go into the main part of the National Park if you're staying in Port Angeles. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

Just My Duc In our 2.5 days of reconnoitering Olympic National Park, this was by far my favorite hike of the entire trip. Named after the Sol Duc River ("Sol Duc" means "sparkling waters" in Quileute) that runs through it, the Sol Duc Trail/Falls is utterly fantastic. Maybe it's because I'm a Cali boy, but I found hiking through the snowy trails exhilarating. And so, with that in mind, I'll skip my usual "Good, Meh & Ugly"--since the two latter don't pertain--and just get to the facts: *This was the first--and only section of Olympic National Park that we visited that asked for admission/National Park pass. *Restroom in the parking lot (didn't use it, so I can't comment on the cleanliness) *Trail signs say it's 0.8 miles to the Falls, but it's closer to one mile per my FitBit® GPS. I'm not trying to be pedantic, but just sticking to the facts, ma'am. *Trail is in terrific shape, and there wasn't much of an elevation gain, making this an easy hike. *You can hike out to the Falls from several different trail heads along Sol Duc Rd or from the resort, which is a few miles west, but the easiest and quickest way is to follow the road to where it dead ends at the parking lot/restrooms. TLDR: Definitely a must-see when visiting Olympic National Park. Don't miss out! read more

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Sol Duc Falls is a beautiful and very unique waterfall that is worth the visit when you're in Olympic National Park. The walk is not too far (about 1.6 miles round-trip) and you're rewarded with gorgeous falls that we loved seeing in the evening when the crowds had cleared a bit. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is nearby for another stop during your visit (or if you're staying there in the park). read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

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Wow. WOW. W. O. W. Words (and a limited font selection) cannot describe just how AMAZING our trip to Sol Duc falls was this summer! Itching to get out of the house after sheltering-in-place for weeks, my daughter and I packed up the ol' sedan with camping gear, hopped on the ferry and headed to the Olympic Peninsula for some much-needed time away from home. We set up camp in nearby Port Angeles and, the next day, joined friends on a hike to Sol Duc. The road to the trailhead was paved the whole way, and though it's a bit of a drive from Highway 101 it's also very scenic, with plenty of spots along the way to pull over and take in the majestic forest. Soon we arrived at the large trailhead parking lot, where dozens of other cars had already arrived. The trail to the falls was very easy to navigate. There were only a couple of steepish spots but nothing that my hadn't-exercised-in-awhile body couldn't handle. The falls themselves were spectacular. There's a bridge right over them so you can see them from behind, "during" and after their glorious journey over water-ravaged rocks and crevices. There's a pretty good mist coming up from the falls, so things were a little slippery but it wasn't enough to make us wish we'd brought rain gear. Along the way to the falls are various side trails leading to hiking destinations near and far, making me wistful for the ol' days of backpacking through the Olympics with my college friends. This is an amazing beginner-level hike that left me wanting to do way more exploring! read more

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Sol Duc Falls fell flat for me. It was probably one of my least favorite hikes/waterfalls I visited during my time at Olympic National Park. In fact, it disappointed me so...that I'd recommend skipping it entirely. There were much more rewarding stops/hikes/attractions around this Olympic Peninsula other than Sol Duc Falls. To name a few....Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent section w/ Marymere Falls, Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto and Ruby Beaches. But for those who may still be interested in discovering what this trail and waterfall is about...I'd be happy to give a little background info about it. I mean...when I looked at everyone's reviews...they all happily gave this place 5 stars. But not me. When I arrived, there were a few overlook areas to look down on Sol Duc Falls. But that was it. What I truly appreciate in a waterfall is when you're at the base and looking up at a cascading waterfall flowing down...like Marymere Falls did. But what I can't stand is when you're at the top of the falls and looking below. It's just not the same effect. It just very hard to capture or photograph a waterfall viewing it top to bottom. For me at least...all that matters is seeing it from bottom to top! An example of this was at Columbia River Gorge near the borders of Oregon and Washington. All the fantastic waterfalls along that scenic drive had access to the base where you can gaze up at the majesty of some of the tallest waterfalls in the United States! Unfortunately not here at Sol Duc Falls. Here I was held hostage to the overlooks and just taking pictures looking down at a few falls trickling side by side lower. Overall, the falls were mediocre. And...lol, yes, I like to get myself into my photos and it's virtually impossible to do it here, unless you don't mind having a ledge disrupting your pics from the waist up. Regardless, Sol Duc Falls was located right past Marymere Falls before entering the town of Forks, Washington if you're headed in a counter clockwise direction. Also nearby in this area was Sol Duc Hot Springs...but I'm not the type of person to sit and bake in warm waters. To find Sol Duc Falls, when you're heading on the path towards the campground area, drive to the end of the road near the trailheads and grab a parking space. I visited in late afternoon and had difficulty finding an open spot. So, yeah, I'd say this was a popular area for summer time. Sol Duc Trail was a simple pathway going along flat ground for 8/10's of a mile each way. No problem at all for anyone. The surroundings here were very much like walking through a forest or the woods. It was quiet. Arriving at the falls, there was a bridge where you can take photos from...and then continuing past the bridge and making a left, there were a few different overlooks for other perspectives of the falls. In total, Sol Duc was comprised of 3 different falls situated next to each other. I continued hiking along the trail to see what else was offered here or if I could venture my way to the bottom for better picture opportunities. Unfortunately I couldn't. Eventually I gave up and returned back to the trailhead and parking lot. I did see a sign for other day hikes here in this Sol Duc area including...Lover's Lane, Ancient Groves, Mink Lake and Deer Lake, though...I never explored along those paths as during my research of Olympic NP...none of the trails were recommended. Unfortunately, Sol Duc Falls never lived up to the expectations I had read about. It's still okay because my experience overall at Olympic National Park was a very worthwhile one with lots of fulfilling memories. Maybe other people out there can pare this place with the hot springs nearby and enjoy their time in this area of the park. read more

This is where to come to see the salmon run upstream. Fantastic. Adequate parking on the roadside, but expect the area to be very crowded. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

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These waterfalls are a breathtaking sight with an equally rewarding hike out to see them. We took the trailhead from the campground which was about 4 miles round-trip of easy trail. There's ferns out there bigger than us and we had our friends 12 year old convinced that we were in raptor territory..at least that's what it took to keep him from dragging his feet on our family hike. The trail from the campground is not as maintained as the alternate route from the parking lot and there are fallen trees to climb over, washed out areas of the trail, and as I said some serious foliage. We enjoyed the meandering walk through the forest which was mostly shaded and offered respite from the summer sun. It's an easy walk without much of an incline and great for all levels and ages. The falls themselves were beautiful with a gorgeous view from the bridge and the river water was unbelievably clear. There are lots of benches and places to sit and enjoy the view or have a snack. Definitely a worthwhile visit! read more

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I've seen 4 waterfalls on my trip in Olympic Natl Park and this is my favorite! From the lush, mossy trees to mushrooms growing everywhere, encounter of banana slugs, wooden bridges, I love this trail. It was a really good workout going up and down. It seemed like forever, but the destination was worth the views and experience. Tip: use deets/bug spray. read more

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Small waterfall, not super amazing but is just a short walk! Lots of people on the trail to see this though. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

This was a great 1.6mi out and back trail through the forest (almost completely shaded by the tall green trees). The lot is pretty large - we arrived here around 6:30pm which is pretty late, so there was barely anyone here. But I get the impression that this place might get pretty crowded. There are bathrooms toward the head of the parking lot. If you have to choose between this and Marymere Falls, I would go for Sol Duc Falls. This is based purely on the trail ambiance, not the waterfall. The trail for Sol Duc is much more forested, foggier and easier to walk on (not as muddy, don't have to watch for as many roots). For waterfall views, with Marymere's you're more eye level with the bottom of the falls but you can get a photo of the entire height of the waterfall, whereas with Sol Duc you're looking down over the waterfall. It really feels like you're in a misty, isolated forest here. However, Sol Duc takes longer to drive to, so if you are really pressed for time, Marymere Falls has the advantage as it's closer to the main road. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

Here you will find the type of beauty that can only be seen in a temperate rain forest. The picturesque scenery cannot accurately be captured in photos or video. It is simply "wow." Upon entering the hiking path, I put on my rain poncho because it was, of course, raining during our journey. It was a short hike to the falls, less than a mile, but it took us 30 minutes to get there because we stopped every ten feet to take pictures. Along the hiking path we encountered several groups of people enjoying the same experience. It wasn't crowded but we probably passed 5 or 6 groups heading back. The falls were so pretty and yet powerful. Fantastic photos can be taken from the bridge above it as well as from the hiking paths that flank it. You REALLY need to see this forest in person. Moss covered many of the trees and the foliage was such a wonderfully bright shade of green. The experience was honestly ethereal. The peace and calm that comes over me in this environment cannot be replicated. It's my happy place. If you come here and don't honestly love the experience, I think something may be wrong with you. Seriously, get some help. :-) read more

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The falls here are amazing! If you are in Olympic National Park, I would recommend seeing this waterfall. There are several hikes that you can take to get here. We took the one that was 6 miles starting from the hot springs resort and making a loop. There is a look out area that you can take a short hike to up from the bridge that has a great view of the falls as well as from around the bridge area. A lot of people parked at a different location and took a much shorter hike that was less than two miles. I would recommend getting here early to beat the crowds since this is a well known water fall that many people visit. read more

Nice gals less than a mile in on the trail. Theres a bit of elevation change, less than 100 feet. There's a bridge over the falls so you get a good view. There's a smaller drop in the falls upriver, and a bigger one down River. There are no bathrooms at the falls, and I don't think I saw any at the trailhead parking lot, either. read more

Two words: beautiful waterfall!! The falls are nice with the multiple streams of water flowing over the edge, the lush greens smell great and the sound of the water crashing at the bottom feels refreshing. It is nice to be able to walk on the bridge and see the falls from the front view as it rushes down stream. Also from the side view you can see how the water just slides right off the rocks. It truly is a beautiful place to sit and relax. There is ...one bench. Just a piece of warning for you, if you're trying to get to the Sol Duc Falls from the Sol Duc Hot Springs by foot, don't do it if you expect it to be a short hike! My boyfriend and I made that mistake and trekked through a pretty long distance to get to the falls; through all the campgrounds. I'd advise to drive all the way to the end of Sol Duc Rd. where there is a parking lot because that will save you walking 2/3 of the distance. If you're adventurous and have all your gear, go for it! It's definitely worth the hike but be prepared to spot a bear or two as the trail runs along the Sol Duc river. Campers in this area have a good hike ahead of them to the falls. Definitely worth it! (my pictures don't do justice for how pretty the falls look in person) read more

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This was a beautiful hike, not too challenging as a 1.6 mile round trip. My 4 young kiddos even did it. We all enjoyed crawling on the rocks behind the falls and testing out the cool water. Path is not recommended for strollers. read more

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This was an amazing hike! The falls were tremendous! The hike is very easy there were children as small as 4 years old lining it with their parents. The drive there we came across a black bear and some deer but didn't encounter any animals while on the trail. read more

Breathtaking! The drive alone through the park is worth it, but after you drive all the way up Sol Duc Rd, you will reach the trailhead that leads into some of the best hiking you will ever have access to. For a quick, 1.6 round trip-mile stroll into the forest, you can see the waterfalls in all their glory. There is a bridge you can walk across literally right over the water. On the other side, you can continue hiking right or you can swing left and keep waterfall gazing. There is a place to stand where the wood is so perpetually wet that it feels awesome in a constant glaze of slimy wetness. Behind you at this point is a creek which trickles into a huge, gushing waterfall that drops down maybe 30 feet into a rushing river basin. The mist is all over your hair and face and you feel so externally focused that anxiety is near to impossible. Rainbows adorn the falling water. The .8-mile hike is perfect--it's extremely easy (a toddler could do it). However, I would keep in mind that the trail is not flat (there are slight variations in elevation). It was a busy place --we passed a lot of people, but there were moments we got to pause and take it all in by ourselves. The only downfall is there is no restroom beyond the parking lot. There is a porta-potty type restroom with no running water by the parking lot, and the lot is big enough to accommodate the number of guests who travel here. It would not be as environmentally friendly, but it would certainly be a convenient option to have running water here as an accommodation. Recyclable trash bins are available though at the trail entrance. We unfortunately didn't see any hopping salmon at the Cascades overlook, but then again, there's so much left to be desired when you make this a day trip only. I would definitely suggest staying a night in or around here for the most optimal experience. I used All Trails app for the best tips and info for planning hikes. We got zero service with AT&T once inside the park so FYI with that...you'll need a phone booster if planning on staying plugged in. I would recommend disengaging, getting a paper map, and pre-planning so you can just enjoy once here! Remember to bring your Annual Pass or consider purchasing one since it is $55, and a 7-day entry fee is $30 with a car otherwise. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Worth it - Hiking Near Me

Beautiful scenic waterfall with glorious trails and endless things to see!!! I felt very safe and secure exploring by myself. I stiff at the top of the falls and the most which it was emitting soaked my body and I was just laughing. So fun!!! read more

Sol Duc Falls - Hiking Near Me

This falls is really beautiful! If you are planning to go for a hike in Olympic National Park, do this trail. Its just gorgeous. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Soleduck falls - Hiking Near Me

This was an easy 1.6 miles round trip hike from the parking lot - waterfall and back. The path is very well marked and easy to follow. There is level changes so it is not totally flat. The waterfall is worth going to see. read more

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Beautiful and easy walk through the rain forest of Olympic National Park to the falls. The falls are impressive as they pour in to the ravine. But be prepared for some of the rain the area is known for. Like all national parks, this is another area that needs protection from ourselves. The old growth trees give a glimpse of what nature is meant to look like. And allows the soul to rejuvenate with fresh air and peace in the quiet of nature. Highly recommended if you are in the area or looking for a place to vacation at Olympic National Park. read more

Sol Duc Falls - Sol Duc Falls in Olympic NP - Hiking Near Me

Serenity Refreshing the soul Do something good for you & with friends or family Make it memorable Have sore muscles & want to soak in a tub? This is even better & you're in a national park. The water makes your skin so soft & smooth, you'll love it. They have several pools, different sizes, different purpose/temperatures too. It's a resort, but the property is not huge. There are several cabins surrounding the property, leading to the main building. This is not fancy folks-it's in a national park. Very simple but beautiful scenery. No internet, but who needs to check status when you're at the sauna, anyway???? But scenery? Omg, this place is beautiful & peaceful with out getting too "in the woods" & hiking & getting all sweaty.... This place is simple-you drive up, park. Pay to use for day use or pay for cabins ( check the website for that info). They have massages available on site too. read more

Awesome hike and easy one for the kids. My 6 & 2 year olds handled it like champions. Great place for a mini-day hike. You do have to pay in order to get into Olympic National Park so ensure that you know that ahead of time. read more

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Tame, But Still Beautiful The walk from the parking lot is not difficult, and worth taking time to enjoy. Of course the falls are a bit less powerful in October, but are not to be missed. read more

This is a great hike, and it is suitable for all ages. Tennis shoes are fine. The serenity from the trees and water are not to be missed. read more

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Nice short hike with great view of falls. Easy hike for most anyone. Good hike for families.

Great place for wilderness camping. However the hike is not easy after you reach the falls. Deer Lake was amazing but steep and rocky path. So worth it! read more

A short but pleasant and non-strenuous hike brings you to this mediocre waterfall. The hike itself was nice and the surrounding forest was nice but don't go for just the waterfall or you will probably be disappointed. We passed many other people on this hike: it's a busy trail. Despite the sign that prohibits animals a man was walking his two horses alone the narrow path and they shit in various places on the trail which was really not pleasant. This is probably the reason animals are prohibited we well as the fact that the trail just isn't that wide. read more

This is a nice, short hike! Great for beginner hikers.