Madison Falls is a 0.1-mile paved walk to a 60-foot waterfall, and it might be the easiest win in Olympic National Park
Some waterfalls make you earn it. This one asks you to walk about as far as you would to check the mailbox. Madison Falls drops 60 feet in Olympic National Park, and the paved trail to it is just 0.1 miles one way.
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What the walk is actually like
The parking lot is gravel, the trail is paved, and the slope is gentle with minimal elevation gain. Plan on 5 to 15 minutes each way, depending on how long you stand there staring. There’s an accessible vault toilet at the trailhead, and pets are welcome on the short path under the park’s pet rules.
That makes Madison Falls one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park, and a great pick for a rest-day-sized adventure. Waterfalls do not have to be a workout to be worth it. Bring a rain jacket anyway, because this is the Olympic Peninsula and the sky has opinions.
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The river next door has a wild comeback story
Madison Falls sits near the Elwha River, home to one of the biggest river restoration projects in U.S. history. Removal of the Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam began in September 2011 and wrapped up in August 2014. At the time, it was the largest dam removal project in history.
The Elwha Dam stood 108 feet tall, and Glines Canyon Dam rose 210 feet. With both gone, the 45-mile river runs free again, and it hosts all five native Pacific salmon species: chinook, coho, chum, sockeye, and pink. Not bad for a river that spent a century behind concrete.
Turn a 15-minute stop into a full day
The trailhead is just off Highway 101 west of Port Angeles, so it fits neatly into a day of exploring the north side of the park. Start with our guide to the best things to do in Port Angeles for food and a post-hike warm-up. If waterfalls are your thing, the roundup of waterfalls in Olympic National Park has plenty more to chase.
Entrance fees may apply here, so check the park’s fees and passes page before you go. If you’re visiting a few national parks this year, an America the Beautiful pass covers national park entrance. Have you ever driven right past a stop like this on the way to something bigger? Tell us in the comments.
Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.
Rules and fees change, so always confirm current requirements before you go.
