Marymere Falls is a 90-foot waterfall accessed via a 0.9-mile trail through old-growth forest near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Washington, making it one of the most popular family-friendly hikes on the Olympic Peninsula. This guide covers opening hours, entrance fees, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting this scenic waterfall.
This American waterfall is a popular stop on half day park tours from Port Angeles.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Trail accessible year-round, dawn to dusk. Storm King Ranger Station summer hours (late May-September): typically 09:00-17:00 daily. |
| Entrance fees | Olympic National Park: $30 per vehicle (7 days), $25 per motorcycle (7 days), $15 per person on foot/bicycle (7 days). Annual pass $55. |
| Address | Storm King Ranger Station, Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park, WA 98363 |
| Getting there | 20 miles west of Port Angeles via Highway 101. Trailhead at milepost 228. No public transport. 30 minutes from Port Angeles. |
| Time needed | 1 to 1.5 hours for the roundtrip walk. Allow 90 minutes including viewing time at the falls. |
Marymere Falls opening hours
The trail to Marymere Falls is accessible year-round from dawn to dusk. There are no gates at the trailhead but overnight parking is prohibited.
The Storm King Ranger Station operates seasonally, typically from late May through September. Summer hours are generally 09:00 to 17:00 daily, though hours may vary. The ranger station provides information, maps and restrooms. When closed (October-May), the trailhead remains accessible and restrooms stay open year-round.
Peak visiting times are 10:00 to 15:00 during summer months (June-September), particularly weekends and holidays when the parking area can fill completely. Arriving before 09:00 or after 16:00 significantly reduces crowds and improves parking availability.
Winter access is possible when snow doesn’t block Highway 101. The trail can be muddy and slippery during wet months (November-March). Waterfall flow is typically highest during spring runoff (April-June). Opening hours and admission information were checked and updated January 2026.
Marymere Falls entrance fees
Olympic National Park charges entrance fees:
- Private vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
- Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
- Individual on foot, bicycle or horseback: $15 (valid for 7 consecutive days)
- Olympic National Park Annual Pass: $55 (valid for 12 months)
America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually) provides access to all National Parks and federal recreation sites. Senior (62+), military and Access passes offer discounted or free entry.
No entrance station exists on Highway 101 near Lake Crescent. Visitors should purchase passes at the Hurricane Ridge entrance station (17 miles south of Port Angeles), online at recreation.gov, or at the Storm King Ranger Station when open. Self-service pay stations may be available at the parking area. Keep your receipt to display on your vehicle dashboard.
How to get to Marymere Falls
From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 for approximately 20 miles. At milepost 228, turn right into the large parking area signposted for Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls. Continue 0.2 miles to the Storm King Ranger Station on the shores of Lake Crescent. The paved horseshoe-shaped parking area is adjacent to the ranger station.
Total distance from Port Angeles to trailhead: Approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes.
From Seattle, drive north on Interstate 5, then west on Highway 104 and Highway 101 via the Edmonds-Kingston ferry and Port Angeles (approximately 165 miles, 3-3.5 hours to the trailhead).
Alternative access: The trail can also be reached from Lake Crescent Lodge (approximately 0.5 miles east of Storm King Ranger Station) via a connecting trail. Guests at the lodge can begin the hike from the lodge property.
No public transport serves the trailhead. Visitors without vehicles can join guided tours from Port Angeles or Seattle that include Marymere Falls alongside other Olympic National Park attractions.
Parking at Marymere Falls
A large paved parking area is located at the Storm King Ranger Station adjacent to the trailhead. The lot accommodates cars and some larger vehicles. Parking is free with valid park entrance pass.
Parking can fill completely during peak summer months (July-August), particularly between 10:00 and 15:00 on weekends and holidays. When full, overflow parking is extremely limited and vehicles may need to wait for spaces or return later.
Arriving before 09:00 or after 16:00 typically ensures available parking. Weekdays outside peak summer see lighter use.
Facilities at the parking area:
- Vault toilets (outhouses) – available year-round
- Information boards with trail maps
- Boat launch for Lake Crescent
- Storm King Ranger Station (seasonal)
How long to spend at Marymere Falls
Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours on the Marymere Falls walk. The trail is 0.9 miles (1.4 kilometres) one way, making the roundtrip approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometres).
Walking time:
- Storm King Ranger Station to junction: 10-15 minutes (paved, level)
- Junction to base of falls via loop trail: 20-30 minutes (dirt trail, some elevation gain)
- Time at the falls viewing area: 10-15 minutes
- Return via loop trail: 20-30 minutes
- Total roundtrip: 60-90 minutes
The trail forms a loop at the falls, allowing hikers to approach and return via different paths. Most hikers take the left (western) branch approaching the falls and return via the right (eastern) branch, creating a clockwise loop.
Visitors combining Marymere Falls with the nearby Moments in Time Trail (0.5-mile nature loop near the parking area) or Mount Storm King Trail (strenuous climb departing from the Marymere trail junction) should allow additional time.
Accessibility at Marymere Falls
The Marymere Falls Trail has limited accessibility. The first section from the Storm King Ranger Station to the trail junction (approximately 0.5 miles) is paved and relatively level, making it accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. This section passes through attractive forest alongside Barnes Creek.
Beyond the junction, the trail becomes a dirt and gravel path with roots, rocks and elevation gain (approximately 200 feet). This section includes:
- Uneven terrain with roots and rocks
- Two footbridges over Barnes Creek and Falls Creek
- Natural log steps and steep sections near the falls
- Narrow passages in places
The final approach to the falls viewing platform involves steep natural stairs that are not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with limited mobility can enjoy the accessible paved section through old-growth forest and turn back at the junction.
Accessible toilets are located at the Storm King Ranger Station parking area.
What to see at Marymere Falls
Marymere Falls plunges 90 feet (27 metres) in a graceful single drop. Falls Creek descends from Aurora Ridge, tumbles over Marymere Falls, and flows into Barnes Creek. The waterfall is best viewed from the wooden viewing platform at the base of the falls.
Waterfall flow varies by season. Peak flow occurs during spring snowmelt (April-June) when the falls are most impressive. Summer flow (July-September) reduces but remains scenic. Autumn and winter maintain moderate flow, with the falls occasionally freezing partially during severe cold snaps.
The trail through old-growth forest is equally impressive, featuring massive Douglas fir, western hemlock, western red cedar and Sitka spruce trees. Some specimens exceed 500 years old with trunks several metres in diameter. The forest floor is carpeted with sword ferns, moss and oxalis. Nurse logs support younger trees in various stages of growth.
Barnes Creek and Falls Creek are crossed via two scenic wooden bridges. The larger modern bridge over Barnes Creek and the narrower rustic log bridge over Falls Creek provide excellent photo opportunities and views of the creek rushing through the forest.
A short tunnel under Highway 101 near the trailhead adds a unique element to the hike, safely passing beneath the road.
Wildlife: The area supports black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, winter wrens, varied thrushes and Pacific wrens. Black bears inhabit the valley but sightings are uncommon near the developed trail.
Practical tips for visiting Marymere Falls
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 09:00 or after 16:00 during summer to avoid crowds and secure parking easily. |
| Wear sturdy walking shoes. The trail includes roots, rocks and can be muddy and slippery, particularly in winter and spring. |
| Bring waterproof clothing. The trail can be wet year-round, and the falls generate spray at the viewing platform. |
| Take the loop trail in a clockwise direction (left branch at junction) for a gradual ascent and steeper descent on the return. |
| Watch your footing on the steep sections and natural log steps near the falls. Several hikers have slipped on wet surfaces. |
| Dogs are not allowed on trails in Olympic National Park. Leave pets at home or in vehicles. |
| Visit during spring (April-June) for maximum waterfall flow from snowmelt runoff. |
Facilities at Marymere Falls
Limited facilities exist at the trailhead:
- Vault toilets (outhouses) in the parking area – available year-round
- Information boards with trail maps and safety information
- Storm King Ranger Station (seasonal, typically late May-September) with maps and ranger assistance
- No water, food or shelter on the trail
Lake Crescent Lodge (0.5 miles east) operates seasonally (typically May-October) and provides:
- Restaurant and café
- Gifts and supplies
- Toilets
- Boat rentals
- Lodging
Port Angeles (20 miles east) offers full services including:
- Olympic National Park Visitor Center
- Accommodation, restaurants and shops
- Supermarkets
- Petrol stations
Visitors should bring water and snacks. No rubbish bins are provided at the trailhead. Pack out all waste.
Frequently asked questions about Marymere Falls
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Marymere Falls suitable for children? | Yes. The 1.8-mile roundtrip trail is manageable for children who can walk 2 miles. The steep steps near the falls require supervision. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Marymere Falls? | No. Pay entrance fees when arriving at the park. No advance booking required for day visits. |
| Is Marymere Falls accessible in winter? | Yes, when Highway 101 is open. The trail can be muddy and slippery. Check road conditions before visiting. |
| Are dogs allowed on the Marymere Falls Trail? | No. Dogs are not permitted on trails within Olympic National Park. Service animals only. |
| How difficult is the trail to Marymere Falls? | Easy to moderate. The trail is mostly level with some elevation gain (200 feet) and steep natural stairs near the falls. |
| Can you swim at Marymere Falls? | Swimming is not recommended. The water is extremely cold year-round and currents near the falls are dangerous. |
Alternative hikes from the trailhead
Mount Storm King Trail: A strenuous 4.2-mile roundtrip climb departing from the Marymere Falls trail junction. The trail ascends 2,000 feet through forest to viewpoints overlooking Lake Crescent. The upper section includes exposed ledges and rope sections. Allow 3-4 hours roundtrip. Not suitable for inexperienced hikers or those with fear of heights.
Moments in Time Trail: A 0.5-mile accessible nature loop near the Storm King Ranger Station. The paved trail explores old-growth forest with interpretive signs explaining forest ecology. Allow 20-30 minutes. Suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
These trails share the same parking area as Marymere Falls, allowing visitors to combine multiple hikes in one visit.
Things to do near Marymere Falls
Lake Crescent (at the trailhead) is a glacially-carved lake reaching 624 feet deep with crystal-clear blue water. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming (cold water year-round) and fishing. The Spruce Railroad Trail (4 miles one-way along the north shore) offers level walking and cycling through forest with lake views. Lake Crescent Lodge provides boat rentals. Free to visit lakeshore areas.
Sol Duc Falls (26 miles west via Highway 101 and Sol Duc Road) is a multi-tiered waterfall accessed by a 0.8-mile trail through old-growth forest. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers hot springs pools. National Park entrance fee applies.
Hurricane Ridge (38 miles east via Port Angeles) sits at 5,242 feet elevation offering panoramic views of Olympic Mountains and subalpine meadows. The area features hiking trails and winter skiing. Visitor centre and café operate seasonally. National Park entrance fee applies.
Elwha Valley (10 miles east) features the sites of two removed dams (largest dam removal project in US history) and recovering river ecosystem. Madison Falls (wheelchair-accessible 0.1-mile trail) and Olympic Hot Springs are nearby attractions. National Park entrance fee applies.
Port Angeles (20 miles east) offers accommodation, restaurants, shops, the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and ferry service to Victoria, BC.
More Washington travel
Other Washington State travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
- Watch the salmon run at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
- How to get the best view of Seattle from Kerry Park.
- How to see the Fremont Troll in Seattle.
- How to get the best out of a visit to Snoqualmie Falls in Washington.
