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Waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula
Waterfalls are one of the most popular attractions to the Olympic Peninsula.
- View a printable waterfall recreation opportunity guide (PDF File)
- Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail Map and Information (HTML)
The following sites involve short hikes to waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula:
Fallsview Falls, Olympic National Forest
This waterfall is located off of U.S. Highway 101 at Fallsview Campground located 4 miles south of Quilcene and 9 miles north of Brinnon. This short trail begins in the south loop of the campground. The 80-120 foot waterfall pours into the Big Quilcene River and is also known as the Campground Falls. No day-use fee required.
Merriman Falls, Olympic National Forest
This waterfall is located adjacent to the Quinault Lake South Shore Road and is 6 miles off Highway 101. In the heart of the Olympic temperate rain forest, this waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and large conifer trees. Parking is limited to parallel parking along the side of the South Shore Road. Use caution when opening car doors and when walking across the road. No day-use fee required.
Dosewallips Falls, Olympic National Park
This beautiful waterfall is located near the Dosewallips Road (hike-in access, road washed out approximately 4 miles from falls) inside the Olympic National Park. The waterfall is 0.7 mile past the park boundary. It cascades 100-125 feet along the Dosewallips River.
Rocky Brook Falls
This waterfall is located on private land, but is accessible to the public! To find the trailhead, travel north of Brinnon on U.S. Highway 101, turn left at Dosewallips Road (#2610) towards the Dosewallips Recreation area. Continue west 3 miles to unsigned turnout on west side of Rocky Brook Bridge. The water falls approximately 100-125 feet.
Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park
This 1.8 miles trail takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to hike and ascends to 90 feet. It has interpretive signs and is wheelchair accessible. The trailhead, which also serves as the end of the trail, begins at Storm King Ranger Station and crosses under U.S. Highway 101. Coming from the south shore of Lake Crescent, the trail passes through a beautiful stand of Douglas-fir and crosses Barnes Creek. The waterfall flows down from the Aurora Ridge and washes over the ferns and mosses on the nearby rocks.
Murhut Falls, Olympic National Forest
Travel U.S. Highway 101 to the Duckabush Recreation Area, FS Road #2510, follow road for 6.2 miles to Forest Road #2530, turn right on this road and drive 1.3 miles. The waterfall is 0.8 mile from the trailhead. This trail goes through second growth forest to old growth forest around the falls. No day-use fee required.
Spoon Creek Falls, Olympic National Forest
The short Spoon Creek Falls Trail, only 0.2 mile in length, is accessed by driving the Wynoochee Valley Road and Forest Roads #22 & #23. The descending path is filled with large and small conifers along with deciduous trees such as vine maples. To view the waterfall, continue 200 yards past the end of the trail. It is decorated with spotted rocks and is at its best during the summer. No day-use fee required.
Madison Creek Falls, Olympic National Park
Starting from the Elwha River Park entrance station, this paved 0.2 mile trail takes 10-20 minutes to complete, ending at its trailhead. It is wheelchair accessible and expands eastward across grassy meadows. The waterfall is found at the edge of the Elwha Valley and flows down a cliff to the valley’s floor where it nourishes the lush hardwoods.
Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park
This 1.5-mile trail begins at the south end of the parking lot at the end of Sol Duc Hot Springs Road and winds eastward. At the Sol Duc Falls shelter, turn right to view the angled waterfall pouring 20 feet down from eroded rock. The trail requires 45-90 minutes and ends at the trailhead.
