Sol Duc Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall within old-growth forest in the Sol Duc Valley of Olympic National Park, Washington, accessible via a 0.8-mile relatively level trail from the trailhead parking area. This 2026 Sol Duc Falls visitor guide covers opening hours, entrance fees, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting one of Olympic’s most picturesque waterfalls.
This American waterfall is one of the highlights of an Olympic National Park day tour from Seattle.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open year-round when Sol Duc Road is accessible (typically April-October). Road closed November-March. Trail accessible dawn to dusk. |
| 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 | Sol Duc Falls Trailhead, Sol Duc Road (14 miles from Highway 101), Olympic National Park, WA 98331 |
| Getting there | 30 miles west of Port Angeles via Highway 101 and Sol Duc Road. No public transport. 44 miles from Port Angeles to trailhead. |
| Time needed | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for the roundtrip walk. Add 30-45 minutes for Lover’s Lane Falls extension. |
Sol Duc Falls opening hours
Sol Duc Road is seasonally accessible, typically reopening in spring (April or May) and closing in late autumn (October or November) depending on snow conditions. The road is closed during winter months (approximately November through March). Check the Olympic National Park website for current road status before visiting.
When open, the trail to Sol Duc Falls is accessible from dawn to dusk. There are no gates at the trailhead but overnight parking is not permitted. The trail receives heavy use during summer months (June-September), particularly weekends and holidays.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort operates from late May to early October and provides toilets, a small general store and restaurant approximately 2.5 miles before the trailhead.
Opening hours and admission information were checked and updated January 2026.
Why book the Olympic National Park tour from Seattle?
- Explore diverse landscapes: See rainforests, alpine peaks, lakes and rugged Pacific coastline in one day on this scenic national park tour.
- Hoh Rain Forest visit: Wander through ancient moss-draped trees in one of the most unique temperate rainforests in the United States.
- Scenic views and photo stops: Enjoy dramatic panoramas at Hurricane Ridge and Crescent Lake, with opportunities for striking landscape photos.
- Guided full-day experience: Includes transport from Seattle and commentary from an experienced guide, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without planning your own route.
- Great for nature lovers: Perfect if you want an immersive introduction to Olympic National Park’s extraordinary natural beauty in a single outing.
Sol Duc 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.
Entrance fees are collected at the Sol Duc entrance station on Sol Duc Road, approximately 1 mile from Highway 101. Payment by credit card or cash. Keep your receipt to display on your vehicle dashboard.
How to get to Sol Duc Falls
From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 for approximately 30 miles. Turn left (south) onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road (well-signposted). Continue for 14 miles to the parking area at road’s end. The drive from Highway 101 to the trailhead takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Total distance from Port Angeles to trailhead: Approximately 44 miles, 70-80 minutes.
From Seattle, drive north via Interstate 5, the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, Highway 104 and Highway 101 via Port Angeles (approximately 200 miles, 3.5-4 hours to the trailhead).
No public transport serves Sol Duc. Visitors without vehicles can join guided tours from Port Angeles or Seattle that include Sol Duc Falls alongside other Olympic National Park attractions.
Parking at Sol Duc Falls
A large parking area is located at the end of Sol Duc Road adjacent to the trailhead. The lot accommodates cars, minibuses and some larger vehicles. Parking is paved with marked bays.
Parking can fill during peak season (July-August), particularly between 10:00 and 15:00 on weekends and holidays. Arriving before 09:00 or after 16:00 typically ensures space. The lot rarely fills on weekdays outside peak summer.
Overflow parking exists but is limited. During busy periods, arrive early or consider alternative times.
Toilets (vault toilets/outhouses) are located at the parking area.
How long to spend at Sol Duc Falls
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours on the Sol Duc Falls walk. The trail is 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometres) one way, making the roundtrip approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometres).
Walking time:
- Trailhead to Sol Duc Falls: 20-30 minutes each way
- Time at the falls viewing platform: 10-20 minutes
- Total roundtrip: 45-60 minutes
Extension to Lover’s Lane Falls: Continue 0.3 miles (0.5 kilometres, 15 minutes) beyond Sol Duc Falls to reach Lover’s Lane Falls, a quieter waterfall with fewer visitors. This extension adds 30-45 minutes to the total trip.
Visitors combining Sol Duc Falls with Salmon Cascades (5.5 miles back towards Highway 101) or Ancient Groves Nature Trail typically spend 2-3 hours in the Sol Duc Valley.
Accessibility at Sol Duc Falls
The Sol Duc Falls Trail is relatively accessible compared to many Olympic trails but is not wheelchair accessible. The trail is 0.8 miles with minimal elevation gain (approximately 200 feet) through old-growth forest.
The path surface is mostly compact dirt and gravel with some roots, rocks and uneven sections. The trail may be muddy or slippery when wet. The final approach to the viewing bridge involves steps.
Viewing platforms at the falls feature railings but include steps to access. The bridge over Sol Duc Creek provides side-on views of the multi-tiered waterfall cascading through a narrow canyon.
Visitors with limited mobility can walk part of the trail through impressive old-growth forest before turning back.
Accessible toilets are located at the trailhead parking area.
What to see at Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is a multi-tiered cascade where Sol Duc Creek plunges through a narrow basalt canyon. The waterfall drops approximately 30-50 feet (estimates vary) in a series of cascades and chutes. The falls are most impressive after rainfall or during spring snowmelt (May-June). Summer flow (July-September) is typically lower.
The viewing bridge spans the canyon above the falls, offering side-on and upstream views of the cascades. Information panels explain the geology and ecology. Do not venture beyond designated viewing areas onto wet rocks or ledges as numerous accidents and fatalities have occurred at Sol Duc Falls.
The trail through old-growth forest features massive Douglas fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce and western red cedar trees, some exceeding 500 years old. Nurse logs support younger trees, and the forest floor is carpeted with ferns, oxalis and moss.
Lover’s Lane Falls, located 0.3 miles beyond Sol Duc Falls, offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. The waterfall cascades through moss-covered rocks and is viewable from a short spur trail.
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.
Salmon Cascades (5.5 miles back towards Highway 101) is a rapids where salmon jump during autumn runs (September-October). The short walk from a pullout offers excellent wildlife viewing during salmon season.
Practical tips for visiting Sol Duc 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. Avoid flip-flops or sandals. |
| Bring layers and waterproof clothing. The dense forest retains moisture and temperatures are cooler than Port Angeles. |
| Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms. Do not climb on wet rocks near the falls. Multiple fatalities have occurred. |
| Extend your walk to Lover’s Lane Falls (0.3 miles beyond Sol Duc Falls) for a quieter waterfall experience. |
| Stop at Salmon Cascades (5.5 miles back on Sol Duc Road) during autumn to watch salmon jumping. |
| Dogs are not allowed on trails in Olympic National Park. Leave pets at home or in vehicles (with proper ventilation). |
Facilities at Sol Duc Falls
Limited facilities exist at the trailhead:
- Vault toilets (outhouses) in the parking area
- Information boards with trail and safety information
- No water, food or shelter
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (2.5 miles from the trailhead, towards Highway 101) operates late May to early October and provides:
- Restaurant and café
- Small general store selling snacks, drinks and basic supplies
- Toilets
- Hot springs pools (day-use fee for non-guests)
- Lodging
Visitors should bring water, snacks and layers. No rubbish bins are provided at the trailhead. Pack out all waste.
Frequently asked questions about Sol Duc Falls
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Sol Duc Falls suitable for children? | Yes. The relatively level 0.8-mile trail is manageable for children who can walk 1-2 miles. Supervise closely near the falls viewing area. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Sol Duc Falls? | No. Pay entrance fees at the Sol Duc entrance station when arriving. No advance booking required for day visits. |
| Is Sol Duc Falls accessible in winter? | No. Sol Duc Road is closed during winter months (typically November-March) due to snow. The road usually reopens in April or May. |
| Are dogs allowed on the Sol Duc Falls Trail? | No. Dogs are not permitted on trails within Olympic National Park. Service animals only. |
| Can you swim at Sol Duc Falls? | No. Swimming is extremely dangerous due to strong currents, slippery rocks and cold water. Multiple fatalities have occurred. |
| Is the trail to Sol Duc Falls easy? | Yes. The 0.8-mile trail is relatively level with minimal elevation gain, though some roots and rocks exist. Suitable for most fitness levels. |
Alternative hikes from Sol Duc
Mink Lake Trail: A 2.5-mile one-way trail climbs 500 feet to Mink Lake through old-growth forest. Allow 2-3 hours roundtrip. Trailhead at the parking area.
Deer Lake Trail: A 3.5-mile one-way trail ascends 1,000 feet to subalpine Deer Lake. Allow 3-4 hours roundtrip. More challenging terrain.
Seven Lakes Basin Loop: An advanced 17-mile loop through high alpine country visiting multiple lakes. Requires 1-2 nights camping. Wilderness permit required.
These longer trails share the same trailhead as Sol Duc Falls, allowing ambitious hikers to extend their visit.
Things to do near Sol Duc Falls
Lake Crescent (18 miles east) is a glacially-carved lake with crystal-clear water. The Marymere Falls Trail (1.8 miles roundtrip) leads to a 90-foot waterfall. Lake Crescent Lodge offers dining, lodging and boat rentals.
Hurricane Ridge (38 miles from Sol Duc 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.
Hoh Rainforest (80 miles southwest via Highway 101) is one of North America’s few temperate rainforests. The Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles) explore moss-draped forest.
Rialto Beach (60 miles northwest via Highway 101 and Mora Road) features sea stacks, driftwood and tide pools. The beach is accessible for walking and beachcombing.
Port Angeles (30 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.
