Sol Duc Falls

February 20, 2016


On the coastal side of the Olympics, about an hour outside of Port Angeles, one can find the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. I usually avoid the area like the plague because, to me, the word 'resort' is synonymous with 'crowd'. During the summer months when the resort is open, this may very well be the case (but it's not likely I'll be headed there to check my theory). During the winter and early-springtime, however, you are far less likely to encounter large numbers of people on the trail. Thus it was that a bright, sunny Saturday in February found me on a solo hike up to the falls.


There are two trails to access the falls: the first being a loop from the resort, and a second, shorter and easier route accessed from a parking area. I chose the route from the resort.

There was a light coating of fresh snow on the ground. The sun shone through the upper canopy of the trees, filtered by a fine mist. Paired with the snow on the trail and the mossy green of the forest floor, it was beautiful beyond words. I had to occasionally stop to allow my soul to soak it all in. With each cleansing breath I could feel the stresses of my daily life wash away. I was slowly being enveloped by the peaceful serenity that I only find in the forest. With the sun's rays sparkling off the mist, I half expected to see fairies dancing about but, alas, it was just me and the trees. I could have lingered there forever, however I needed to get moving if I was ever to reach the falls, so onward I ventured.

Not too far up the trail I came to the first of what would become several ... um ... obstacles. I came to a stream. There was a puncheon (footbridge) for me to cross the stream. No problem. Except that it didn't actually cross the stream. This could definitely pose a problem. I stood there for a moment thinking to myself, "Huh. Interesting..." I pondered the situation for a bit, surveyed the surrounding area, and found a place upstream a bit where I could hop across on rocks, logs and lumps of grass/moss (which, I'd like to point out, are never as supportive as they seem). Proud of my problem-solving, I merrily proceeded on my way.  

Another 1,000 feet or so up the trail I encountered the next hindrance to my progress. It seems a "water feature" had appeared in a low-point of the trail; one that was over 10 feet across and roughly 8" at it's deepest spot. For reference, the snowy patch in my photo is where the trail resumes. Fun, right? Again employing my troubleshooting skills, I found a log that I could reach via rocks and whatnot, using the surrounding small brush for balance. Of course, the log was decaying and covered in wet snow which made for an interesting crossing, but cross I did ... and with dry feet, I'd like to add. Once on the other side I raised my arms in a small triumphant gesture. "YES! Rocked that one!"


Feeling pretty darned good about my solo venture thus far, I carefully picked my way across the snow field and along the slushy trail that lay before me. I rounded the next corner and ran smack dab into two downed trees. My jaw dropped, incredulous, as I uttered "Are you kidding me??" I won't include the picture because you wouldn't believe it either. Sigh. Oh well, every hiking enthusiast knows that there are occasionally going to be trails like this. I pushed my way through the jumble of branches and roots and continued on my way. I met up with the trail from the parking lot after about 2-1/2 miles. From here I was roughly half a mile from the lower falls. There was no snow or slush on this portion of the trail, just a little mud here and there - apparently the fairies I was looking for down below had been busy clearing this upper trail. How nice of them.

I came to the lower portion of Sol Duc Falls first and was immediately glad I didn't turn around back at the downed trees. It was beautiful. The forest canopy is healthy in this area, so everything was cast in diffused lighting that seemed to enhance the colors. I sat here for a few minutes, listening to the rushing water crash and tumble it's way downhill. There was the occasional chirp of a bird as it flitted about above me. As much as I would have stayed longer, I knew another set of falls awaited me so I again returned from my daydreams of another world and continued on my way up the trail.

The main attraction of this trail is the upper section of Sol Duc Falls. They are probably one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Olympic National Park. They never receive direct light and, at the right time of day, you can capture the rays of the sun filtering through the trees over the falls, creating rainbows in the mist. I, however, am not a photographer, so any photo I share with you just won't do the scene justice. Here, the Sol Duc River splits and crashes 50 feet down into a narrow chasm. The roar of the water fills the air, as does the misty spray. There is a bench at the top where you can sit to soak it all in ... literally and figuratively.

I stayed here a short while as well, enjoying the solitude and weighing my options for my return trip. It was then that I met the nicest couple - Chris & Yvonne Herr, proprietors of the Ambiance Bed and Breakfast in Sequim. They graciously agreed to give me a ride down the road to my car, which saved me from re-tracing my steps down the trail, or the boredom of hoofing it down the road on foot. Should you be interested in a quiet weekend away, please check them out at http://ambiancebnbwa.com/. I love this genuine, friendly and open couple (and their Great Pyreneese, Stella) and can see us becoming friends down the road.

"...and the Forests will Echo with Laughter..."



This was a great adventure. I don't often hike solo, but was happy to do so on this trail. I tackled the obstacles that presented themselves with optimism, confidence and enthusiasm. The elevation gain on this trail was negligible, therefore I was able to push my pace a bit faster. Although I enjoy hiking at a slower pace, I am often left behind by my faster hiking friends who don't want to wait for me. It felt good to push myself a little. I couldn't have asked for nicer weather or a prettier trail.

52 Hike Challenge; Hike #6

Distance Hiked: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gained: 400ft