Photo of Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park

Sol Duc Falls is one of the gems of Olympic National Park. Located in the Sol Duc Valley, not far from the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, the trail to Sol Duc Falls is an easy 1.5 mile round trip walk through old growth hemlock and douglas fir trees (some of which are over 300 years old). Sol Duc Falls itself drops over a sandstone brim into three separate falls, joining again at the bottom to flow under a dramatic wooden footbridge that crosses the river. Just before reaching the river, hikers encounter the Canyon Creek shelter, an old wooden cabin with cupola built by the Civilian Conservation Corps — its worth a peek inside.

Sol Duc Falls.  Sol Duc Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park, seen here from a bridge that crosses the canyon just below the falls. Surrounding the falls is an old-growth forest of hemlocks and douglas firs, some of which are three hundred years in age, Sol Duc Springs

Sol Duc Falls. Sol Duc Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park, seen here from a bridge that crosses the canyon just below the falls. Surrounding the falls is an old-growth forest of hemlocks and douglas firs, some of which are three hundred years in age.
Image ID: 13747
Location: Sol Duc Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

Old growth forest of douglas firs and hemlocks, with forest floor carpeted in ferns and mosses.  Sol Duc Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington

Old growth forest of douglas firs and hemlocks, with forest floor carpeted in ferns and mosses. Sol Duc Springs.
Image ID: 13757
Location: Sol Duc Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

Sol Duc Falls. Sol Duc Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park. Surrounding the falls is an old-growth forest of hemlocks and douglas firs, some of which are three hundred years in age, Sol Duc Springs

Sol Duc Falls. Sol Duc Falls is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Olympic National Park. Surrounding the falls is an old-growth forest of hemlocks and douglas firs, some of which are three hundred years in age.
Image ID: 13750
Location: Sol Duc Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

Log cabin on the trail to Sol Duc Falls, Sol Duc Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington

Log cabin on the trail to Sol Duc Falls.
Image ID: 13764
Location: Sol Duc Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

Here are more photos of Sol Duc Falls

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!