Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
200.00 ft (60.96 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.60 mi (2.57 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This is a must-do hike for anyone visiting the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort for a soak in the pools or a longer stay in the cabins. This short, family-friendly walk leaves from the trailhead upriver from the resort and plunges into a verdant and lush Olympic old-growth forest. The wide, well-maintained trail leads through towering western hemlock and Douglas firs to an old Civilan Conservation Corps building known as the Canyon Creek Shelter. When it was built in 1939, the shelter was a brand new project in a brand new "Mount Olympus National Monument." 

Once you've checked out the shelter, continue on to the falls that rush below. Here the Sol Duc River parts itself in to three or four cascades, depending on the flow. The 50-foot falls slide down into a narrow canyon, creating a stunning view of the whitewater rushing through the lush green forest floor. Between the towering trees, the rushing cascades, and the incredible viewpoints stationed along the trail, this is an ideal spot for photographers.

For those backpacking, once you've enjoyed the falls, continue up the Sol Duc River Trail 7.6 miles to the High Divide Trail where alpine lakes and breathtaking views of Mount Olympus will certainly overwhelm you, or continue up the Deer Lake Trail 3.8 miles to Deer Lake.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Iconic 50-foot waterfall and slot canyon.

Cons

Heavily used area.

Trailhead Elevation

1,950.00 ft (594.36 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Old-growth forest
Shelters

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Comments

05/28/2017
This was a nice and easy family-friendly day hike. I went on a very hot day (plus it was memorial day weekend), so it was very busy. But the falls were stunning, and I'm looking forward to going back on a less busy and cooler day. I'd also suggest spending some time at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort while you're in the area. The cold pool was perfect after a hike in the hot weather and the hot springs are very nice. The view from the hot springs is great as well.
06/06/2014
Definitely a unique falls with that classic Northwestern feel.
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