A Day in the Sol Duc Valley (Best Hikes & Waterfalls) 

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Sol Duc is my go-to autumn destination. This year, I visited in spring and was blown away by the power of Olympic National Park’s most visited waterfall, Sol Duc Falls.

If you’re wondering whether the 50-minute detour off Highway 101 is worth it, the answer’s yes.

Most first-time visitors hike to Sol Duc Falls, snap a photo, and continue—not realizing how many trails, river views, and scenic spots are tucked into this rainforest-like valley.

There’s so much more to do!

While I didn’t soak in the hot springs on this trip, I ate lunch at the Sol Duc Resort after seeing three stunning waterfalls. I walked among trees over 750 years old on the Ancient Groves Nature Trail, and watched trout leap at Salmon Cascades.

Planning a trip to Sol Duc Valley? This local guide has everything you need: the best hikes, where to stay, and what to do next.

Let’s go!

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Quick Guide: Sol Duc Valley Trip Planning 

• Location: Accessible via the northern Olympic Peninsula off of Highway 101. Sol Duc is roughly 50 minutes from Forks and one hour from Port Angeles—two popular base options.
• Park Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle (good for 7 days) or an America the Beautiful Pass.
• Hours: Open year-round, but closes often in winter due to weather. Resort, campground, and some facilities operate seasonally (typically late March–mid/late October).
• Weather Tips: Expect shade and damp trails, even in summer. Pack layers and check for road and weather alerts before heading in.
• Best Time to Visit: April–October for full access. Spring for waterfalls at their strongest; Autumn for fall color and salmon returning to spawn. I’ll never forget my first time spotting purple mushrooms while hiking Sol Duc trails in October.
• What to Bring: Snacks or lunch (limited food options), rain jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, offline maps, swimsuit if you plan to soak in the hot springs.
• Cell Service: Limited to none. Download maps and trail info ahead of time.

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Best Sol Duc Hikes & Stops: One Day Itinerary

For this Olympic National Park trip, I set out to experience the best things to do in Sol Duc in one day.

I stayed the night in a basic glampsite at Sol Duc Rainforest Retreat across Highway 101 and loved it. A tent, mattress, pillows, and a small table with a nightlight were all set up when I arrived, making my camping experience effortless.

My one-day itinerary in the Sol Duc Valley included:

• Morning: Photos at the entrance sign & outdoor exhibit (5–10 mins each)
• Hike to Sol Duc Falls & continue to Lover’s Lane Falls (~2 hours)
• Early afternoon: Lunch at the resort (arrive by 2:15pm—closes between lunch & dinner)
• Option to soak in hot springs
• Option to explore Sol Duc Campgrounds (15–20 mins walking loop)
• Drive to Ancient Groves Nature Trail & hike old growth forest (~30 mins)
• Final stop: Salmon Cascades Exhibit (~15 mins walk and views)

TIP: If you’re planning a multi-day trip, the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin area is a stunning alpine loop, but it’s a challenging backpacking route best done over 2–3 days.

Sol Duc Falls Hike Guide: Olympic’s Best Waterfall

• Length: 1.9 miles (Sol Duc Falls)
• Elevation: 280 feet (Sol Duc Falls)
• Difficulty: Easy

This popular trail is located at the end of Sol Duc Road. I’ve hiked it in fall and spring, and it’s impressive year-round. 

If you only do one hike in the Sol Duc Valley, make it this one.

Trail Experience

I arrived at the trailhead around 11:30am on a Saturday. The lot was only about 40% full, surprising for a sunny day in mid-April. 

Despite the bright skies, it was chilly and windy, so I was glad to have packed layers for unpredictable spring weather that included my puffy and rain jackets.

A rare stretch of dry days had left the trail in excellent shape—no mud or puddles, just a lush forest floor blanketed with vibrant moss. Budding branches and birdsong gave the trail a quiet, awakening ambiance.

I spotted a trillium in full bloom on a mossy ledge beside the trail, glowing white against the velvety green.

If you’re visiting with kids, older family, or mixed experience levels, this trail is a solid choice.

On my way up, I saw a group moving at a slow pace but with big smiles on their faces, guiding their elderly family member who walked with a cane. 

On my way down, I passed many families with toddlers.

Wood Bridge Crossing

As you approach the first wood bridge crossing in spring, water flows over moss-covered river rock, but dries out later in the year. 

I stopped here to take photos and appreciate the serene forest views and the ephemeral beauty of Olympic in spring.

If you’re here in late summer or early fall, this spot will look completely different—don’t skip it just because the water’s gone.

Sol Duc Falls

The falls roared as I approached them coming down the wood steps past the historic Canyon Creek Shelter. They were much more powerful than what I’d seen in the fall. 

The bridge’s wooden planks were soaked with puddles, so I was glad I wore my waterproof hiking shoes. A fine mist drifted off the falls and clung to everything, including my camera lens. 

From the bridge, I saw visitors gathered on the right side of the falls, where the view of the waterfall’s triple chute is at its most dramatic. 

NOTE: Stay on the designated trail and off the rocks for your safety. In June of 2025, a young man slipped and fell to his death. 

Lover’s Lane Falls

I pushed on to Lover’s Lane Falls and didn’t see a single person on the narrow trail. 

The vibe at Lover’s Lane Falls was completely different—quiet and relaxed with just a handful of groups.

Some sat near the water, others took their time exploring the rocks. It’s a calm place to linger or sit and enjoy lunch.

The water is more accessible and safer here, but always use caution. Adventure at your own risk, and supervise children closely around moving water and slippery rocks.

TIP: If you follow the trail up the right side of the falls, you’ll get the best views as it cascades down through mossy stone.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

The resort was totally booked that weekend. I tried to snag a cabin just a few days before my trip, but I had no luck.

The main lodge is small. Compared to other park lodges like Lake Quinault Lodge or the National Park Inn at Rainier, it feels more like a check-in station. There’s no central lounge or fireplace to gather around. 

But there’s a porch with a bench to sit and enjoy valley views.

TIP: Book three months in advance for weekend stays in spring. Book six months in advance for summer trips.

Gift Shop

Inside, the shop is the first thing you see. You can browse apparel and gear to the left, and snacks and shelf-stable food to the right. The shop sells bathing suits if you forgot yours. 

The shelves weren’t yet fully stocked since it was early in the season, but everyone was friendly.

Restaurant

The resort’s restaurant is the only place to eat in the Sol Duc Valley, but it closes between lunch and dinner. I watched as a few groups learned this the hard way.

NOTE: Hours are subject to change. Check dining hours here.

I was lucky that the manager allowed me to order something to go at 2:27pm. If you visit minutes before they close between lunch and dinner, note that there’s only one two-top table available just outside the restaurant.

From there, I had a clear view of the soaking pools through the window.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

The vibe at the pools was busier and more packed in than I prefer—families with kids, and groups sitting closely next to one another. So don’t come on weekends expecting a tranquil soak.

Bring a sunhat to wear on a sunny day, as some pools were in direct sunlight at that time of day.

NOTE: Reservations are first come, first served, and can only be made in person.

Ancient Groves Nature Trail

• Length: .8 miles
• Elevation: 75 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

I hopped back into my car to drive six minutes to the Ancient Groves Nature Trail. It’s short and relatively easy, perfect for a post-lunch old-growth forest walk.

I’d read that the best time to hike the Ancient Groves Nature Trail was in the afternoon when the light filters through the trees just right. Turns out my timing was perfect.

The late afternoon sun lit up the mossy forest floor and filtered through a cathedral of trees—some over 750 years old.

The Sol Duc River flowed powerfully beneath the trail’s ledge.

Around the next bend, as I returned to the shaded forest, I came across a still bog filled with skunk cabbage. Bright yellow blossoms dotted the water, adding bursts of spring color to an already magical scene.

The trail was quiet, glowing, and felt like a hidden gem I shared with only a few other people.

Salmon Cascades

• Length: 190 feet
• Elevation: 25 feet
• Difficulty: Easy

Still in awe from exploring the Ancient Groves Trail, I drove to make my final stop of the day at the Salmon Cascades Exhibit.

I made the short, easy walk from the roadside parking area to a viewing platform perched above the cascades. From here, you can witness the Sol Duc River’s essential passage for fish returning to their spawning grounds.​

You can also walk down closer to the river.

One October, I got a front row view of salmon instinctively jumping up the falls, sometimes crashing into the rock or splashing into small pools. 

While the cascades are a year-round sight, your best chance to see fish leaping upstream depends on the season:

• Late August to October: Coho salmon make their dramatic spawning journey. 
• Late March to May: Steelhead trout take their turn navigating the rushing water.

Even if you miss peak migration, the river’s power and beauty alone make this stop worthwhile.

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Nearby Olympic National Park Attractions

On my way back to Port Angeles, I made a few of my favorite Lake Crescent stops.

I highly recommend stopping at the Fairholme boat launch. 

You’ll see the most spectacular maple tree—my favorite maple tree in the park—on your way down to the water, where you’ll see one of the best views of Lake Crescent.

Here are a few other Lake Crescent activities:

• Mount Storm King hike
• Marymere Falls Trail
• Walking the shoreline at Lake Crescent Lodge
• Moments in Time Trail
• Kayaking from Log Cabin Resort
• Swimming at Devil’s Punchbowl

Where to Stay in the Sol Duc Valley

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and campgrounds operate seasonally—typically from late March or early April through mid-late October, though exact dates vary year to year. 

Lodging includes rustic cabins tucked into the trees, all within walking distance of the hot springs and Sol Duc Falls trailhead. 

If you’re hoping to stay here, book early—it fills fast, especially on weekends. 

Just down the road, the Sol Duc Campground offers shaded tent sites, including some near the river. The only sites as stunning as these are the national park campsites in the Hoh Rain Forest.

Full hook-up RV sites are also available. 

When to Visit Sol Duc: A Seasonal Guide

The Sol Duc region is accessible year-round, but the full experience—trails, hot springs, resort, and campground—is best from late spring through mid-fall, when the resort is open. 

I highly recommend visiting in spring. April and May bring powerful waterfall flow, blooming trillium, and fewer crowds. 

Summer is the most popular time to visit, especially for families using the hot springs. 

By fall, the valley slows down again and the forest takes on golden hues, especially along Lover’s Lane. 

NOTE: Fall is an incredible time to visit Olympic. Salmon return to spawn, mushrooms line the trails, and maples turn orange and crimson. 

Winter is the best time to visit for solitude (when the road is open). The resort and campground close, and trails can be slick or snow-covered, so come prepared with the Ten Essentials.

Where to Go After Visiting Sol Duc 

Driving the 101 loop counter-clockwise from Port Angeles, continue your Olympic National Park itinerary on the Pacific Coast.

If you’re driving clockwise from Forks, stop at Lake Crescent, then stay in Port Angeles, the perfect base for a trip to Hurricane Ridge. 

Need help with trip planning? Save time and stress with just one Zoom call with me, a local who visits the park year-round. 

I can answer your most pressing questions, review your itinerary, or build one with you.