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Sol Duc Falls
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Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is one of the most popular and impressive waterfalls in Olympic National Park, and it is definitely worth adding to your Olympic National Park vacation. Located in the beautiful Sol Duc Valley on the northwest side of the park, the falls are reached by a relatively short hike through an incredible old-growth forest.
LOCATION: The Sol Duc Valley is accessed from Highway 101 by turning onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, about 28 miles west of Port Angeles. Follow this road approximately 14 miles past the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead near the end of the road.
The Sol Duc Falls Trail is 0.8 miles one way, making the hike approximately 1.6 miles round trip, with about 200 feet of elevation gain. The trail is relatively easy and follows a well-defined route through a classic Olympic National Park forest filled with towering Douglas fir, western hemlock and other huge old-growth trees. Ferns, moss-covered logs and the sound of the nearby Sol Duc River make the walk to the falls nearly as enjoyable as the waterfall itself.
At the end of the trail, the Sol Duc River suddenly drops approximately 50 feet into a narrow rocky gorge. Unlike many waterfalls that spread across a broad cliff, Sol Duc Falls separates into several powerful channels as the river plunges through the gorge. A bridge and designated viewing areas provide excellent views looking directly toward the falls. During periods of high water, the amount of water rushing through this narrow canyon is especially impressive.
We really enjoy the Sol Duc Falls Trail because you get so much scenery for such a short hike. Between the old-growth forest, beautiful Sol Duc River and spectacular waterfall at the end, Sol Duc Falls is easily one of the highlights of the Sol Duc Valley and one of the must-see waterfalls in Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Area, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Trail
The Sol Duc Falls Trail is one of the most enjoyable short hikes in Olympic National Park, taking you through a beautiful old-growth forest to one of the park’s most impressive waterfalls. The trail begins at the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead near the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road in the Sol Duc Valley.
DISTANCE: 1.6 miles round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 200 vertical feet
The hike is approximately 0.8 miles one way, or about 1.6 miles round trip, with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well maintained and relatively easy, making it a good choice for most visitors. Along the way, you’ll walk beneath towering western hemlock and Douglas fir trees, with thick moss, ferns and fallen logs covering the forest floor. The scenery along this short trail is classic Olympic National Park.
Near the end of the hike, you’ll cross a bridge over the Sol Duc River and soon reach several excellent viewing areas for Sol Duc Falls. Here, the river drops about 50 feet into a narrow rocky gorge, splitting into several powerful channels as it crashes through the canyon.
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Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park.
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Heading back to the Sol Duc Falls trailhead in Olympic National Park.
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Sol Duc Falls Area Map, Olympic National Park.
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