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Sol Duc Falls — Apr. 27, 2019

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
3 photos
  • Hiked with kids

2 people found this report helpful

 

Great trip to the falls. Made a stop at the resort thinking that was the trail head area for the falls, you can however get to the falls from there, though there is this nice parking lot at the trail head. The road is paved all the way to the trail head which is pleasant. Hiked with four kids ages from 3-12. This was our third hike of the day after 5 miles before this one and it went well. There are things all ages can find adventureous here. We passed lots of people, all age ranges, going to and coming from the falls. 

Sol Duc Falls — Apr. 26, 2019

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
3 photos
doristheexplorist
WTA Member
100
 

My group of 5 hiked this Friday around 1:30 PM. You go past the Sol Duc Hot Springs and Campground and will find a good sized parking lot at the end of the road. 

There are put toilets and picnic tables at the trailhead/parking lot. 

When we got there, the parking was not full and there was plenty of parking. It took less than 30 minutes to get to the falls and was a relatively flat hike in to it. 

The falls are beautiful! Definitely an easy family friendly hike! 

Sol Duc Falls — Apr. 22, 2019

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
4 photos

3 people found this report helpful

 
Beautiful early morning hike to the falls and eventually up to Deer Lake. With the rain falling that morning, and all the snow melt flowing, the hike is magical. Vibrant, almost neon green moss pulsing off of massive old growth trees. Stopped for many photo opportunities. The roar of the falls greets you first, as you pass beside a hiking shelter. Then you descend down to the full throated cacophony of sound and cross over the gorge, to a mist shrouded viewing deck. Truly spellbinding. The entire main amphitheater of these falls, makes you feel like you’ve either stepped back in time, or into a fantasy realm. Doing it all in the rain ups the ante on that. There are a couple other trails that branch off to the right once you cross the main bridge: Lovers Lane and Deer Lake. The latter is a thigh burner and quad killer. Lovers lane has some beautiful falls as well that aren’t too far off the main trail.

Sol Duc Falls — Apr. 13, 2019

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
2 photos
Beware of: trail conditions

4 people found this report helpful

 
Beautiful. Amazing. Full throated roar of a fall. We spent a few days on the coast day hiking and at the recommendation of the Kalaloch Lodge we decided to go to Sol Duc (sole duck?) Falls on our return drive. Wow, it is a remarkably beautiful short hike through moss carpeted forest, you cross a boulder strewn river on a small bridge, and it is like a dreamscape, lush, verdant almost so perfect that it feels designed rather than real. Continuing along on this short hike (with lots of potential for longer routes) it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to the falls but you will have to hop, skip or jump because there are two blow downs across the trail. They are already roughed up by the many feet that have crossed them so you shouldn’t have any problems. On the left, set back from the trail is a shelter, built originally by the CCC, (thank you new deal!), in 1939. Almost immediately ahead you can hear and then see the falls themselves, and they are awesome, a fast, full river that plunges thru three gaps into a narrow deep canyon. There is a bridge and various viewing spots but I cannot adequately convey its power. Go!
4 photos
Beware of: trail conditions

10 people found this report helpful

 

My partner and I did an extended weekend trip to the coast. It was an amazing 3 days. We left the Edmonds ferry at 8 am. Arrived at Sol Duc falls did the short 1.6 round trip to the falls and back. Super easy, wet, but doable for all ages. 
We left Sol Duc and went to Mora where we would camp for two nights. Sunday afternoon turned into a GORGEOUS day. Sun out, blue skies, laid out on the beach, a sea otter came up and said hi, couldn't have asked for a better day. 


Saturday morning we got up early and went to Hole in a wall for low tide so we could tide pool a bit. WOW was that fun. We were the only ones there and the first ones out that morning. (NOTE*** there is a stream crossing that is a bit challenging half way there. During low tide you can walk closer to the ocean and it will be okay. if not expect to get your feet wet here. Still doable but you'll get some wet feet.) Saw some amazing sea anemones, star fish, crabs, a bald eagle, and so much more. It was really amazing morning. 
That afternoon things turned for the worst. It rained, and rained, and rained, and rained. We were able to set up camp during a dry spill that lasted for a few hours but Monday night was wet. 

Tuesday morning we got up, packed up camp and headed to third beach. The trail was amazing, wet, dense, serene, the whole package. (NOTE*** the trail was VERY muddy and at the last few hundred yards you'll have to climb down a muddy washed out part that requires you to hold onto a rope and climb down and climb up on the way back. It's NOT that hard but with kids, bags, equipment it can be challenging. We got to the beach for low tide and again first ones out and not a person on the beach. A wonderful morning of sun and clouds. 

Overall an amazing weekend getaway. The only thing I'll say is please pick up any trash you see on the beach, bring a bag and even some gloves if you want. I picked up all sorts of garbage on both beach hikes. We have to do everything we can to protect out lands. 

Hope this helps!