Sol Duc Falls

Nearest City: Forks

Distance: 1.6 Miles Roundtrip
Leashed Dogs: No
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Seasons Open: Summer
Restrooms: Pit Toilets at trailhead
Difficulty Level: ★ ★
Popularity Level: ★ ★ ★
Wow Factor: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sol Duc Falls is Marymere Falls’ lesser known, but far more impressive big sister. The hike alone has an air of magic about it whenever I go there. There’s just something about the dappled sunlight filtering through the evergreen trees combined with the distant sound of rushing water that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into Rivendell, and that feeling is magnified ten-fold once you actually walk over the waterfall itself. It is an absolutely magical place, no matter when you find the time to make it up there.

As a small child, my grandma would take me and my siblings to the Sol Duc Hot Springs every year. When we tired of the hot pools, and were ready for a different adventure, she’d drive the five minutes to this trailhead, and we’d run along the trail in our flip flops and swim cover ups until we reached the bridge. We’d feel the water rumbling past, as it vibrated the bridge, and watch it flow underneath us. Even now, it never fails to grab my attention.

I try to make it out here at least once a year. Don’t miss this gem if you can help it.