Sol Duc Falls is a 0.8-mile walk through old-growth forest, and the gorge at the end is worth the drive

Some waterfalls make you suffer for the view. Sol Duc Falls asks for about 0.8 miles of gentle walking each way through old-growth forest, then hands you a roaring drop into a narrow gorge.

The park service itself calls it the most picturesque waterfall in Olympic National Park. Ever wanted a big payoff for a very small effort?

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The walk in

The trail starts at the end of Sol Duc Road, and the National Park Service puts the falls at 0.8 miles from the parking lot. That makes it roughly 1.6 miles round trip, with about 200 feet of elevation gain along the way. It’s relatively level and fairly easy, so it works for almost anyone who can handle a forest path.

You’ll pass a historic wooden shelter along the way, and the trail splits near it. Stay right for the falls. Moss hangs off the big trees, and in fall the light under the canopy goes soft and green.

The gorge and the bridge

The trail ends at a footbridge over a deep, tight gorge, and the water splits into channels as it plunges below you. You can hear it long before you see it. Visitors are asked to stay at the designated viewing areas, and the rocks here are slick, so keep little ones close.

Here’s my one firm opinion: go on a gray, damp day. The falls look their best when the forest is wet and the crowds are thinner, and a little drizzle only adds to the mood. Pack a rain layer and a pair of shoes with real grip.

Stretch the day

Want a little more mileage? A spur past the falls leads about 0.4 miles to Canyon Creek and its own waterfall. If you’d rather stay flat, the self-guided Ancient Groves loop is 0.6 miles through old growth with no elevation gain, and the 6-mile Lover’s Lane loop links the Sol Duc resort area to the falls.

On the drive in, stop at the Salmon Cascades viewing platform near milepost 7 on Sol Duc Road. Coho leap up the cascades in autumn, and we wrote up how to catch the run. If you want a second waterfall on the same trip, Marymere Falls near Lake Crescent is a short detour on the way.

Before you go

Sol Duc Road is open year-round, weather permitting, but snow and ice often close it in winter. Call the park’s road and weather hotline at 360-565-3131 before you leave. Sol Duc Falls is inside Olympic National Park, so an America the Beautiful Pass is the pass that applies here.

Will you tackle the falls on a misty morning or save it for a bluebird day? 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.

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