When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See our Affiliate Policy.
Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse National Parks in the US., complete with beautiful mountains, stunning beaches and coastal hikes, and waterfalls. When we were planning our trip to Olympic, Sol Duc Falls kept popping up as one of the most highly recommended stops, especially on the Port Angeles side of the park.
Plus, the drive gave us a chance to drive along the gorgeous Lake Crescent and check out Salmon Cascades (we’ve always wanted to watch salmon make their way upriver) before making our way to one of Olympic National Park’s most iconic locations – Sol Duc Falls.
Visiting in early August meant we were too early in the salmon season to catch them swimming upstream (we needed to visit between September and October), but we loved Sol Duc Falls!
It was one of the most peaceful and relaxing out-and-back trails through old-growth trees and rainforest that we’ve been on with a breathtaking waterfall payoff at the end!
If you’re looking for a short, easy hike with a beautiful payoff in Olympic National Park, then check out Sol Duc Falls!
Table of Contents
How to Get to Sol Duc Falls from Sequim or Port Angeles
We visited in August 2024, after spending the previous 4 days exploring the coast near Shi Shi Beach, Cape Flattery, Neah Bay, and Sekiu. We had found a lot of places to stay in Port Angeles, but since we booked late, we found cheaper options in Sequim, the Lavender Capital of North America.
This added an extra 25 minutes to our drives in and out of the park, but we didn’t mind, and the drive from there to Sol Duc Falls took about 1.5 hours.
Looking for a place to stay near Sol Duc Falls? No worries, finding a great place to stay is half the fun, and we’ve put together some excellent Port Angeles options for you right here.
Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, so Toby and Lily sat this one out. We left them comfy in our Airbnb with a pet camera setup (the one we use lets us talk to them, too) so we could still check in on them during the hike.
Since this is in the National Park, you’ll need a National Park pass for this hike. If you’re curious what we bring along for our hikes, check out the gear we use!
If you’re flying into the area to explore Olympic, you’ll definitely want a car to explore the park. We always recommend booking your rental car in advance to get the best rates and availability.
Heading to Sol Duc Falls, we followed US-101 west, driving through Port Angeles and hugging the southern edge of Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake. We pulled over at a few scenic spots along the lake for photos before making the turn onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. The total drive time to the falls works out to 1.5 hours from Sequim.
As we drove deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller, the lights dimmer and the air thicker with pine. Along the way, we stopped at Salmon Cascades before parking at the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead.
What to Expect on the Sol Duc Falls Trail
Pulling into the parking lot, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We’d just come from Salmon Cascades, and while it was beautiful, we weren’t successful in catching the migrating salmon. I wondered if we were a little early (or late) in the season for Sol Duc Falls to be at its most dramatic.
As we started down the 1.8-mile out-and-back trail, my doubts faded. It was clean, wide, and incredibly well maintained. The air smelled moist, and the earth felt damp. And before long, the sound of water grew louder.
Even though the hike to Sol Duc Falls is short — just 0.85 miles each way — we ended up spending 2.5 hours on the trail (though you can easily complete this hike in less than 1 hour). There’s just so much to see and experience that we took our time.
The trail winds through dense, ancient forest, where the trees tower above and everything feels alive. In the early evening, it was slightly overcast, cool (but not cold), and peaceful. We passed a few wooden bridges, including the iconic one that spans the waterfall itself, and walked through a world of moss, ferns, and thick greenery.
Just before you reach the falls, you’ll also run into a historic shelter cabin, the Canyon Creek Shelter (also called the Sol Duc Falls Shelter) built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, shortly after Olympic National Park was established.
Despite the park’s (and the falls) popularity, we only saw around four other groups the entire time. It felt so calming. Just the sound of the forest rustling and the water guiding us towards it.
Reaching the Falls: Viewpoints and Experience
As soon as we caught our first full view of the falls, all we could say was “Wow.”
You hear the falls long before you see them. Standing on the bridge directly in front of the drop, watching the water split and pour through a 50-foot deep, narrow gorge, it’s fitting that the Quileute tribe named the river “sparkling waters.”
We spent about 30 minutes there, just soaking it all in and taking plenty of photos. The mist, the thunder of the water, the moss-covered canyon walls — it was stunning.
There are several different vantage points, too. The bridge gives you that postcard-like shot of the falls, but if you follow the trail a bit farther, you’ll find a wooden railing with a great side view.
Visiting around 5pm gave us beautiful, warm lighting without harsh sun which helped us avoid the flat lighting you sometimes get mid-day.
Leave No Trace Note About the Rocks Above the Falls
If you cross the bridge and turn left toward the overlook, you might notice a faint, worn path leading down to the river and rocks above the falls. Like many others, we assumed it was part of the trail. It’s not.
There’s no signage, but stepping off-trail here is discouraged by the park and local hikers. It contributes to erosion, damages fragile plant life—and it’s dangerous. As recently as early June 8th, an 18-year-old slipped on the rocks and tragically fell over the falls.
It was an honest mistake on our part, and we regret taking that path. We also chose not to share any photos from that spot. If you’re visiting, we strongly recommend sticking to the bridge and designated overlook. The views are just as magical—and far more sustainable and safe—from above.
The Walk Back
On the way back, I slowed down a little and let Minerva walk ahead. That’s when I really noticed just how massive the trees were. Watching her fade into the forest as the trail curved made me realize how small we are out there. It’s one of those subtle moments that sticks with you.
Is Sol Duc Falls Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
Sol Duc Falls is perfect for casual hikers, families, photographers, or anyone just looking to experience the Pacific Northwest rainforest magic. The trail is easy and accessible, but the payoff is huge. Just note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
It reminded us a little of Marymere Falls in Olympic, but also Multnomah Falls in Oregon regarding accessibility — but instead of viewing the falls from the bottom, you get to stand right at the top, looking down into a moss-covered canyon.
Final Tips for Visiting Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park
If you’re anywhere near the Port Angeles side of Olympic National Park, make time for Sol Duc Falls. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’ve stepped into an enchanted forest — and for a little effort, you get an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.
| What to Know | The Nitty-Gritty |
|---|---|
| Trail Length | 1.8 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 262 feet |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Estimated Hiking Time | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Are Dogs Allowed? | No, they are not |
Leave a Reply