Sol Duc Falls, the Most Beautiful Waterfall in Olympic NP, WA

Even though we’ve seen a few waterfalls throughout our adventures, we have to admit, Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park, WA is a very unique one. Sol Duc Falls has three powerful fall branches, thundering sideway down into a green moss-covered canyon. It is easily the most beautiful waterfall in Olympic National Park. Even better, the hike to Sol Duc Falls is not only short, less than 1 mile, but also easy and quite breathtaking. This makes Sol Duc Falls Trail a very rewarding hike.

Stats

Where

Blue Forest Trailhead
N 34º56’34.9” W 109º46’39.8”

Parking

There is a pull out on the size of the road, not too far from the trailhead.

Restroom

There is no restroom

Fee

There is a fee to enter the Petrified Forest National Park. Please check the park’s website for updated infos. You can also use your America the Beautiful Pass here.

Important Things

Petrified Forest National Park opens year round, except November 25 and December 25. Park hours are 8am to 5pm. The gate actually closes at 5pm.

Distance

About 3 miles (4.8 km) R.T.

Elevation Gain

200 ft (61 m)

Level

Moderate. Some navigation skills are required.

Time:

2-3 hours

Pet-friendly

You can bring your pet, but they have to be on leashed.

Ideal Time

Falls, Winters or Springs. Summer can be very warm. Mornings, evenings or cloudy days give the best light. The colorful hills tend to “pop” more during these times.

Weather

Video

Getting to Sol Duc Falls Trail

Sol Duc Falls Trail trailhead is located at the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, part of the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. On the way there, you will pass by Ancient Groves Nature Trail. This is a wonderful short stop if you have time to spare. There is a decent size paved lot right before the trailhead. From Port Angeles, follow Olympic Highway 101 West for about 26.7 miles. Then, turn left onto Sol Duc-Hot Springs Rd until the end of the road.

The Start of the Trail

After our little adventures at Marymere Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl, we finally got to the trailhead for the Sol Duc Falls trail. The trail starts at a short stair section down into a forest. It then meanders between the big tall trees and dense vegetation. Everything here is very lush and green. The trail also passes over a few spring-fed and snow-runoff creeks along the way. Some of these are quite beautiful. The black boulders are covered in green moss, making them a stark contrast against the running waterfalls.

Sol Duc Falls

Even before we reached the Sol Duc Falls, we could already hear the thundering roars of the water. Once we reached the big wooden bridge, we realized that we had to look down to see the waterfalls. It was such an impressive sight. Because of its angle, the waterfalls are below the bridge, falling sideways into a moss-covered narrow canyon. There are 3 separate branches of Sol Duc Falls, altogether rumbling down to the narrow gorge below. On the areas that the water couldn’t reach, luxuriant vegetation and green moss bravely covered them. It’s hard to do Sol Duc Falls justice. You have to be there to take in its beauty. If you want different views of the falls, you can go to the trail on the other side of the bridge. Once you’re done, you can go back to the way you came from.

Sol Duc Falls is one of the places where we could stay forever. It is such a magical place and 1000% worth the effort. In fact, we wouldn’t mind hiking a lot longer just to get here. If you’re visiting Olympic National Park, this place is a must! For other short but beautiful hikes in the area, check out Ancient Groves Nature Trail, Marymere Falls Trail, and Spruce Railroad Trail.

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.