Today was an adventure. We parked at the Sol Duc  Falls Trailhead to maybe 15 cars in the lot at 12 pm. 50 degrees and sunshine. It was beautiful weather for today! We hiked to the falls first. On the way to the falls you’ll encounter stairs, roots, wet trail and a really pretty waterfall and footbridge that is not Sol Duc Fals. The falls are very nice but that’s where all the people were and there are puddles around the railings. We took lovers lane and headed towards the lodge from there. Be aware, the trail is very rooty. With some good muddy patches as well. There are numerous bridges and a few log bridges to cross, which was very exciting for my kids. The forest is absolutely beautiful. A lush, green carpet of moss and beautiful trees. It was magical. We only encountered a handful of people on the trail. There is a rockfall area that can be a little difficult to cross. I tested a rock and it seemed okay but it fell just as I was getting on it and it almost crushed my ankle but thankfully didn’t. There are about 10 blowdowns and a few are more difficult to get around. We saw a few flowers blooming. Mostly skunk cabbage near the lodge and yellow violets. We stopped at the lodge for a drink and ice cream before heading back to the cars. 6.5 miles total and our longest hike for the year, so far.

 Everyone can see what the falls look like from the many pictures, so here are a few of our favorite places along the trail. 

Getting there: No issue. It was rainy but never turned to snow. 

Bathrooms: Vault toilets were in pretty good shape! YAY

It was pretty rainy today but overall the trail was in great shape and you can see the hard work of the maintenance crew. 

Some mud spots on the trail but no issues walking on the bridge to see the falls as it has been icy and slippery in the past. 

Beautiful falls and fairly easy hike to it.

Trail to the falls we’re being worked on by Park employees but didn’t block any foot traffic. They were using the mule teams to haul lumber and gravel on the trail. Very cool. I

Beautiful fall day in Olympic National Park. Follow Sol Duc road along the river to the end of the road trailhead, all paved. Pit toilet at trail head. Out and back to the falls is 1.6 miles. This Sunday hike was not crowded.