Hiking along the Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail is one of the best day hikes in Olympic National Park. The main trail is great for all abilities. The route also offers a longer loop for those looking to explore a bit further. The old growth forest is covered in every color of green you can imagine. Slowing down to look for moss and mushrooms will provide a great appreciation for the abundance of life. Even on a sunny day, you can still feel the dampness of the forest. Afterwards, the Sol Duc Hot Springs (public pool) is just down the road, and offers another way to get even more mellow.
Hike to Sol Duc Falls
Hike - 1.6 Mile (Round Trip)
Elevation - 78 m
Time - 1 Hour
Route
The drive from the main highway is uphill and roughly 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for deer, as they are abundant and like to hang out near the Hot Springs. The Trail Head is at the end of the parking lot and includes a map with all the info you need to know. The trail is wide and so well maintained that you will not need a map, unless you plan on going further than Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail. There are beautifully constructed wooden bridges that will bring you over a few small streams, and eventually to the Falls. Once you get to Sol Duc, there is a trail marker for the Lovers Lane Trail, which is totally worth it if you have time. However, lover’s lane will take you to Sol Duc Hot Springs, which is 2.2 miles away from the Sol Duc Trailhead.
Photography
This might be the place where you take the most nature photos of all time. The forest is so special in this area, the constantly changing weather provides different opportunities at a moment’s notice. Hopefully you will get to see sunbeams of light piercing through fog and old growth. The bright colours and punchy light sources will offer a fun challenge for your camera skills. Amazing how the colours look over saturated in real life. The trail is short, so take the time to stop and look for mushrooms, giant slugs and other special trail items in and around the main route. Because the weather changes so fast, staying put for a few moments might make all the difference if you see something you really admire.
Storm King & Lake Crescent Lodge
If the short hike to Sol Duc is not enough, the 700m climb up to Mount Storm King will fill the rest of your day. The hike starts from the Storm King Ranger Station and will take about an hour to hike 3km up the mountain. The trail is easy to navigate, but it will get tougher the closer you get to the peak. This trail requires a decent level of fitness and confidence. Some sections include fixed ropes for scrambling up looser parts of the trail. Keep in mind, it is easy to climb past Storm King, as there is another peak just above it. The small trail past Storm King is super sketchy and not worth the risk. Storm King is high enough. Take in the well-deserved view of the bright blue Crescent Lake. Crescent Lake lodge is great place to stop by for a post hike beer.
Hike to Mt Storm King
Hike - 3.8 Miles (Round Trip)
Elevation - 620 m
Time - Two Hours
Lake Crescent Lodge
Built In 1915
Lounge, Sun Patio and a Bar
Expensive but tasty food
Nearby Trails
If you are driving west towards the coast, and you really enjoyed Sol Duc, then you will want to check out the Hoh Rain Forest. Right next to the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center are two classic Olympic Park Rain Forest hikes, the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail. These trails are two separate loops that start and finish right beside each other. These hikes are deep in the park and includes mass quantities of moss and beautiful old growth trees. The Hoh River Trail is a really good option if you want something with a little more distance. On your drive to the trail head, the Hoh River runs right beside the road in some sections. Great place to have a picnic and a tasty beverage away from the crowds.
Trip Advice
2 Night Stay
Bring all your camera gear
Dear and Slugs
So Much Fungus
Hike Options for All Abilities