7 Waterfalls in Olympic National Park

There are seven awesome waterfalls in Olympic National Park that you’ve got to check out!

Located in the northeast tip of Washington State, these natural wonders wait for adventurers to explore their hidden and not-so-hidden cascades.

Most will require a hike to get to, but don’t worry, they are all very worth it and most are really easy too!

NOTE: You’ll need to display your national park pass for some of these, or consider getting an America the Beautiful Pass.

1. Marymere Falls (Most Famous Waterfall in Olympic National Park)

Distance: 1.7 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 298 feet

Other important notes:

• No dogs allowed
• Display your park pass

Located within a lush, ancient forest, Marymere Falls is proof of the park’s timeless beauty.

A relatively easy 1.8-mile round-trip hike leads you through towering trees to a 90-foot plunge of crystal-clear water.

The path is well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors, and the final viewpoint offers a stunning perspective of the falls.

We recommend hiking to this waterfall in Olympic National Park AFTER you tackle the nearby challenging hike up to Mount Storm King.

They share a trailhead, and doing these both in one day will be so worth it (even if your legs will hate you the next day).

2. Madison Creek Falls

Distance: .2 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 26 feet

Other important notes:

• Leashed dogs allowed
• Display your park pass

Ideal for families and those with limited mobility, Madison Creek Falls is accessible via a short, paved trail.

This gentle cascade is more about the serene falls than raw power, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic or contemplation—if you get lucky enough to have it to yourself, that is.

In the winter, it becomes an epic icy cascade, but the short trail becomes a slippery pathway, so watch out!

3. Bunch Falls and Merriman Falls

Located near Lake Quinault, Bunch and Merriman Falls are a duo of cascades that showcase the rainforest’s hidden-in-plain-sight beauty.

These falls are best visited together and are both lush and mossy waterfalls in the Olympic rainforest.

Bunch and Merriman Falls both spill gracefully beside the road; you don’t even need to venture into the woods.

While they’re both so easy and right off of South Shore Road, almost nobody comes to visit these two!

While they might not be the best waterfalls in Olympic National Park, they are still well worth the short detour, especially if you’re already checking out the nearby Lake Quinault.

4. Sol Duc Falls (Our Favorite Waterfall in Olympic National Park)

Distance: 1.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 226 feet

Other important notes:

• No dogs allowed
• Display your park pass

Sol Duc Falls is a spectacle of nature’s power, with water cascading through multiple channels carved into the rock.

The 1.6-mile round trip hike goes through diverse ecosystems, offering glimpses of a stunningly green spectacle!

The falls are most impressive in the spring and early summer when the snowmelt swells the Sol Duc River.

For those looking to extend their adventure, nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs offers a cool opportunity to relax in natural thermal pools.

Or, if you’re looking to get a few more miles in, take the Lover’s Lane Loop instead. This is what we did, and you’ll get to see smaller, lesser-known falls on this trail and no crowds.

5. Beaver Falls

Distance: .2 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 16 feet

Other important notes:

• Leashed dogs allowed

A hidden gem, Beaver Falls offers a super easy waterfall that almost anyone can access.

With a short hop, skip, and jump away from the parking lot, you’ll soon be at the base of a short, yet impressive cascading waterfall.

You’ll find Beaver Falls on the way to Clallam Bay, heading north from Forks.

6. Murhut Falls

Distance: 1.5 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 390 feet

Other important notes:

• Leashed dogs allowed

Murhut Falls is a powerful two-tiered 130-foot waterfall that impresses with its lush surroundings.

The 1.6-mile round-trip trail is a bit of a hidden gem itself, offering a relatively easy hike with a big payoff. The falls are surrounded by dense forest, adding to the sense of wilderness and isolation that makes this spot particularly special.

Note when driving the last mile or so, it’s a gravel road; most vehicles will be fine. But there are a lot more potholes in winter.

7. Rocky Brook Falls

Distance: .3 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 32 feet

Other important notes:

• Leashed dogs allowed

Outside the official boundaries of Olympic National Park but within the Olympic Peninsula, Rocky Brook Falls is easily accessible and provides a dramatic display of water power.

A short walk leads to the base of the falls, where you can enjoy the mist and roar of the cascade.

There’s a large hydroelectric facility here, so ensure you’re staying on the trail, as this is technically private land. They allow the public to visit—Let’s make sure it stays this way!

Tips for Your Adventure

• Safety First: Always stay on marked trails and heed any park warnings or closures. The terrain around waterfalls can be slippery and dangerous.
• Leave No Trace: Help preserve the beauty of the park by packing out all trash and respecting wildlife and plant life.
• Best Time to Visit: While waterfalls are stunning year-round, they’re particularly impressive during the spring melt or after heavy rains.
• Preparation is Key: Bring appropriate footwear, water, and snacks. Weather in the park can change quickly, so be prepared with layers and rain gear.

We hope you found our list of waterfalls in Olympic National Park helpful for planning your trip!

Sharing is caring!