Sol Duc Falls
- Latitude : 47.9514
- Longitude : - 123.8191
A stunning signature falls of national prominence in Olympic National Park.
Location
Olympic National Park at the end of Sol Duc Road after a 0.8 mile hike.
Travel Instructions
Drive west from Fairholm on Highway 101 approximately 1.8 miles to the road for Sol Duc Hot Springs. Drive approximately 14 miles up the road to the parking lot at the Sol Duc Trailhead. Hike on an easy trail 0.8 miles, just past the rebuilt CCC era Canyon Creek Shelter (aka Sol Duc Shelter) and you will see (and hear) the falls, viewable up close on a bridge crossing the Sol Duc River.
Notes
This is a great year-round falls. In contrast to most falls on the Olympic Peninsula, this one is viewed from above stream level. In the rainy season and early spring runoff this falls can be spectacular as it thunders beneath your feet. Winter viewing may require a snowshoe hike as Sol Duc Resort and road close during the snowy off season.
Community Galleries
Leave a Comment
- The Pacific Coast
- Hoh Rainforest
- The Southern Loop
- Hood Canal (cont.)
- Elwha and Lake Crescent
We are planning a trip for the weekend to visit on May 10-12, 2013. We will only have a half day in the area, can you suggest where we should go or see in that time?
Hi Laurie, You haven’t let us know where on the Olympic Peninsula you will be visiting, so it’s hard to give you a 1/2-day suggestion. If you are in Port Angeles, I would recommend Hurricane Ridge (sadly, no waterfalls!). If you can stop at Lake Crescent, one of my very favorite places, there is Marymere Falls, which is about a one hour walk to the falls. Since you posted to Sol Duc Falls, perhaps you thinking about Sol Duc area and taking a soak in the hot springs. We’d be very happy to help you plan what’s right for you. Give us a call 360-452-8552! Happy travels!
We are planning to travel to sol duc this last weekend of December and am wondering if the trail is still open or accessible …
Hi Jim,
The road to Sol Duc is closed for the winter. You can hike up there, but it’s a long walk (about 17 miles), partly in the snow. I do not know when the Sol Duc will be opening in 2013, but a call to Olympic National Park closer to spring will have the information. 360-565-3103 Or check back with us!
Isn’t there a five or six mile hike to a bunch of private and public ones in the side of the mountain? If so where abouts does that trail start on highway 101 like a mile marker location
Hi! This is not ringing a bell. There is a 13-mile hike into Enchanted Valley that has waterfalls along a long stretch of the trail. It’s often called Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls. It’s an exaggeration, of course, and usually done as a backpack trip into Olympic National Park. Spring is the best time for this hike, which takes off from Graves Creek at the end of the Quinault road. If you have some other info about your question, I’d be happy to put out a request for info from our partners! You can always call us at 360-452-8552.
I’m traveling to the area in early November and planning on going to the coast and Hoh River trail on the first 2 days and then visiting Sol Duc Falls on the way back to Seattle. Will this be a good time… will the trails/road to the falls even be open at this time of year?
Hi Elizabeth,
The road and trail should be open to Sol Duc during the time you expect to be here. The hot springs pools will be closed as of October 16. Of course, if we get a snowstorm the road and/or the trail may be impassable. You can check with the Backcountry Ranger at 360-565-3102 or the Sol Duc Ranger 360-565-3094. With the wonderful weather we’ve had this fall, I’m hoping it will last for your trip. Have a safe, wonderful time and post some photos if you can!
I will be out for a class the 1st of November and my wife is coming out to meet me. Will the trails still be open to get to the falls?
Hi Kent!
It depends on the weather. Usually the first part of November does not typically see enough snow to close the road to Sol Duc. You can tentatively plan to get to falls and keep your fingers crossed for no snow until then. Hope you’ll take some great photos to share! Please let us know if you need further information when the time gets closer to your visit. We’ll be happy to help you! http://www.olympicpeninsula.org or 360-452-8552
Best of all, what I saw! Fantastic nature! Amazing waterfalls!!!!
)))
Check out this article about interesting Olympic National Park facts
http://www.traveladvisortips.com/top-10-interesting-olympic-national-park-facts/
Paul! Thanks for sharing the link! Lots of interesting things on the Peninsula. Glad you enjoyed the waterfalls. Photos??
I’m planning a trip to stay in Forks, but was hoping to take a day to explore the Sol Duc hot springs. I’ve tried to do a little research here & there in preparation, but I was curious to find out if anyone has personally been there & can offer some guidance. I have no idea where to even start our exploration. I’ve read there are 7 different locations? That are secluded, & also heard that these areas are clothing-optional. I’m wondering if anyone could offer advice or the area in which we should start? A specific link for the actual trails we could travel? Are these hot springs within a reasonable “hiking” distance from the falls, or lover’s lane that I’ve read about? Any information is appreciated! Thanks! (excited!!)
Welcome to the Olympic Peninsula! Let’s see if I can help with your questions. First, taking a day to explore the Sol Duc area would be great. There is only one Sol Duc location. There are developed hot mineral pools and a large fresh water pool. Here’s a link to the area. http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/accommodations/sol-duc-hot-springs-resort.aspx Clothing is NOT optional! Hiking in the area is great with the two trails you’ve mentioned. Here’s a link to Olympic National Park’s info sheet for the Sol Duc area. The walk to the falls is a short hike. http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upload/Sol-Duc.pdf
You may have heard about another hot springs in the area that is not in a developed area, however access to them is closed at this time for dam removal project on the Elwha River. Please give us a call if you need further information about the falls or about visiting the area in general. We’re here M-F 8:00 to 5:00 PDT!
Just got home from a weekend of hiking,soaking,resting,reading,sharing…..its been 10years since last here…..and still just as amazing as then! Top 5 FAV places to visit!!!
Thanks for the memories!!
Just got back from Olympic – I loved Sol Duc Falls, as well as the little traversed Lovers Lane Trail. Here are some pics from the trip: http://www.protrails.com/trails/view/533/olympic_national_park/sol_duc_falls and the gallery http://www.protrails.com/galleries/view/426/1/sol_duc_falls_olympic_national_park
Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing. You’ve got some great shots! And, some good advise!
My family and I have been hiking in The Olympics since I was a child. This is by far my favorite trail. It’s a nice and easy one for hiking with children and the views are amazing!
We are planning a trip to the olympic forest 4/6-4/8. Will the road be open?
I’m not sure what road you are referring to in your question. There are many roads in the National Park and in the National Forest. If you can be more specific, I may be able to help. If you are concerned about snow, most of the roads should be open. But not knowing exactly where you are headed, I’m afraid I can’t help much.
The road is scheduled to open on 3/29
Thanks for the update. I bet the water will be screaming with all the recent snow we’ve had! Perfect photo taking time. And, perfect soaking the mineral pools time, too!
I am heading over the Sol Duc Falls tomorrow for a day trip with my wife. It doesn’t seem like the weather is going to be great, but should be a nice day trip.
Hope you had a good time visiting Sol Duc Falls. It’s a beauty in all weather! We were just up to the resort and had a good soak in the mineral pools. What a relaxing way to end a great day.
Hello, I am visiting Seattle and I am planning my trip to the falls in early April. What do you think? Am I going to be able to hike without snow on the trail? does it really worth it? Do I have to pay any fee?
Thank you so much.
Is it worth the trip and hike? Yes, definitely. As of 3/22 there is still snow on the trail to the falls. The resort is opening on the 24th, so the road will be open at that time. Yes, there is a fee to enter Olympic National Park. You can check their website for admission details. http://www.nps.gov/olym. I’d suggest giving the Park’s Visitor Center a call for the most up-to-date trail information. 360-565-3130. Hope you have a wonderful trip to the Olympic Peninsula.
I love the outdoors but my wife doesn’t. Thinks a used winnebago is roughing it. Very high b.p. and generally in poor health. definitely not a hiker. how far would we hike to get to the falls? her brothers ashes are there and she would really like to go.
Sol Duc Falls trail is about 1.5 mils round trip. The trail is not particularly challenging (no steep inclines or big roots), but of course it is always best not to go beyond your experience or physical ability. I’d suggest maybe taking a look at the trail to see if your wife could manage it. The falls definitely are worth the walk. If you are in no hurry, just take your time and rest when appropriate. HaHa, funny about the used winnebago. My husband thinks hotel without in-room coffee or fluffy robe is roughing it! Good luck. I hope you all can make it up to the falls.
How do I get a pass for the park
Check out this website for details: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm
Otherwise you can get passes at the visitor centers or the park entrance stations.
Have a great trip!
[...] that we went to SolDuc trailhead. Left the Subaru there. Packed up and piled into the van and drove to Hoh Rainforest. We had to do [...]
this place is breathtaking and i will be visiting this place quite often.
We couldn’t agree more. It’s beautiful in all seasons!
the Waterfall Wanderer
It’s still the most beautifull place in the world!