Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc River Valley
Directions: From Port Angeles follow US 101 west turning left onto the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road (just beyond Lake Crescent). Then drive 14 miles to trailhead at the road’s end.
Ownership: Olympic National Park
Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: easy
National Park or Interagency Pass required
Kid-friendly, Dogs prohibited
An iconic landmark, Sol Duc Falls is Olympic National Park’s most famous and photographed waterfall. The falls tumble about 40 feet into a tight rocky slot, but what really makes them stand out among the many cascades of Northwest is their unique shape. The Sol Duc River abruptly flows at a right angle careening into (depending on water flow) three or four chutes into the gorge.
Follow a wide and well-trodden trail through lush bottomlands and groves of impressive towering ancient trees to a restored Civilian Conservation Corps–built shelter. Then head right toward the thundering sound of swiftly moving water. Cross a mist-sprayed bridge and admire the fanning Sol Duc falls crashing into a narrow chasm where the sun rarely shines. Across the bridge find a viewpoint for an even closer look at the falls. Watch for dippers hunting for insects in the splash zone.
