Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls: Journey in photos from the Soleduck trailhead, hiking along the Sol Duc Trail to the impressive falls and bridge.

You're hiking in the Sol Duc forest along the Soleduck Trail toward the bridge over the Sol Duc Falls, hopping over rivulets, noting various fungi species, and excited by sightings of trillium. Douglas fir and red cedar tower above. You pass an old log shelter, built years ago for the use of any passers-by. The air is cool and refreshing, perhaps even drizzly...

You begin to hear a soft thunder. Soon the sound is unmistakable; there is a waterfall ahead. A couple more bends in the trail, and there it is...

Sol Duc Falls

View of Sol Duc Falls from the Bridge over the falls in Olympic National Park. Stay too long on the bridge, and you'll be drenched in the fine mist.View of Sol Duc Falls from the Bridge over the falls. Stay too long on the bridge, and you'll be drenched in the fine mist.

It really is quite an impressive waterfall, dropping off a ledge into the maw of a deep crack in the rock underfoot. 

Mist hangs in the air as you walk halfway across the very cool little bridge spanning a mini-gorge, turn toward the pounding waterfall, and begin snapping photos.

Getting to Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park


Port Angeles is 42.6 miles (km) to the east of the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead, a drive of about 1 hour 6 minutes. But, if Port Angeles is not your starting point, then: 

  • Sequim is 57.6 miles (93 km), which takes about 1.5 hours to drive
  • Forks is 40 miles (km) to the west, which takes about 52 minutes to drive
  • Aberdeen WA is 147 miles to the southwest, which takes about 2.9 hours to drive
  • Seattle is 124 miles away via the Bainbridge ferry, a commute of approximately 3.5 hours if the ferry wait is not too long.

From Port Angeles, take Hwy 101 west past Lake Crescent. Approximately 2 miles past the end of the lake is the junction of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. The signage is clear: Follow the signs, turn left on Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, and drive to the very end of the road (pictured below). 

I hope you'll take the time to visit the other attractions in this area: Salmon Cascades, Ancient Grove, Sol Duc Hot Springs, and any hiking trails that interest you.

Sol Duc River Road ends here at the trailhead for Sol Duc Bridge and FallsSol Duc River Road ends here at the trailhead for Sol Duc Falls and Bridge.
I've crossed the bridge so I can capture the view from the other sideI've crossed the bridge over Sol Duc Falls so I can capture the view from the other side.
The falls, swollen with spring run-off, were pounding on this April day. I got as close to the precipice as I dared in order to take this photo.The falls, swollen with spring run-off, were pounding on this April day. I got as close to the precipice as I dared in order to take this photo.
The Sol Duc River continues through the gorge once it has tumbled over the falls.The Sol Duc River continues through the gorge once it has tumbled over the falls.

The Trail to the Bridge over Sol Duc Falls

Not far from road's end is the trailhead of the 0.8 mile path leading to the bridge over Sol Duc FallsNot far from road's end is the trailhead of the 0.8 mile path leading to the bridge over Sol Duc Falls.
Sol Duc Falls Trail is well maintained and travelled by many feet. You can't get lost.Sol Duc Falls Trail is well maintained and travelled by many feet. You can't get lost.
A visit during a summer afternoon will likely look something like this photo and the following one.A visit during a summer afternoon will likely look something like this photo and the following one.
Sol Duc Falls trail in summer. The moss is present, but not as vibrantly green.Sol Duc Falls trail in summer. The moss is present, but not as vibrantly green.
Many feet on the Sol Duc Falls trail have worn the path exposing many rootsMany feet on the Sol Duc Falls trail have worn the path exposing many roots.
A stretch of the trail had been battered by a surprising number of freshly fallen trees thanks to the previous winter's stormsA stretch of the trail had been battered by a surprising number of freshly fallen trees thanks to the previous winter's storms.
Olympic National Park rangers are quick to clean up the Sol Duc Falls trail.Olympic National Park rangers are quick to clean up the trail.

Above: Rangers are quick to maintain easily passable trails. They have cut away the portion of trunks that obstruct the trails. Lichens and fungi will soon thrive on the fallen logs and root balls.

Below: Once you reach this shelter along the Sol Duc Falls trail, the falls and the bridge over the Sol Duc Falls is not far away.

Once you reach this shelter along the Sol Duc Falls trail (in the Olympic National Park), the falls and the bridge over the Sol Duc Falls is not far away.

Along the Trail...

Spring water forms a mossy creek before feeding into the Sol Duc RiverSpring water forms a mossy creek before feeding into the Sol Duc River.
Spring water tumbles down mossy creeks before feeding into the Sol Duc River. This mini-springwater cascade passes under the trail and keeps right on going in the same beautiful fashion.

Right: Spring water tumbles down mossy creeks before feeding into the Sol Duc River. This mini-springwater cascade passes under the trail and keeps right on going in the same beautiful fashion.

The Sol Duc Falls Trail 


See more info on the Sol Duc Valley from the Olympic National Park website

Consider a stop at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort



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