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.

Route

You will need an offline map with GPS to find your way around the Hakone trails. First, pick up a free local trail map at a hotel to plan your route. There a lots of trails in Hakone that have been abandoned, which is why I you need to local trail map. The Alltrails App is great once you know which trails are still in use. There are very few signs on the this trail. Lots to see on this tough trail run. 

Navigation

You really need to work hard to stay on the trail. Study the map so you know when to expect a junction, and best to keep tabs on the offline map. Had a tough time finding the trails when they crossed over the road. It doesn't really matter which way you go, as long as you head in the right direction, since the trail follows the road. Ancient Cedar Avenue is not included in the All Trails route, but it is only a few hundred meters away from the end.