Merriman Falls: A Roadside Gem on the Olympic Peninsula
Wondering if Merriman Falls is worth a stop on your Quinault itinerary?
I visited the falls in winter after a few short day hikes in the area and can say without hesitation that you should absolutely visit. It’s an easy and quick stop that doesn’t require hiking, and the 40-foot falls and surrounding forest scenery are outstanding.
Keep reading to learn where to see the best waterfall views and practical tips to confidently plan your trip, even if you lose cell service, as I did!
Nearby Lake Quinault attractions are highlighted at the end of this article to add to your adventure.
Merriman Falls Quick Guide
- Location: Merriman Falls is located along South Shore Road in the Quinault Rain Forest, approximately four miles past Lake Quinault Lodge.
- Entrance Pass: All visitors must have a National Forest Pass.
- Parking: Small pull-out areas just off the road.
- Amenities: None. Please pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles.
- Accessibility: The falls are visible right from the roadside, making this an accessible stop for visitors of all abilities.
- Best Time to Visit: The falls flow year-round but are especially impressive after the rainy season in the fall and winter. In spring, surrounding trees leaf out, adding more vibrant greenery to the landscape. Summer is peak travel season, bringing more crowds.
Merriman Falls is just outside the boundary of Olympic National Park but is a short drive from national park trails such as Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail and Homestead Kestner Trail.
How to Get to Merriman Falls
I knew from looking at a map when planning my day trip to Quinault that Merriman Falls was right off South Shore Road, just up the way from Rain Forest Resort Village, so I wasn’t too worried when I didn’t have cell service after leaving the Maple Glade Rain Forest Trail to head there.
I expected to see signs pointing the way to the falls while driving, but I didn’t. When I spoke with a Rain Forest Resort Village manager later that day, he mentioned there weren’t any signs because they kept getting stolen!
Make sure to plan your route in advance, in case there aren’t signs for the falls when you travel.
I drove further along South Shore Road than expected, past Lake Quinault Lodge and Rain Forest Resort Village, hoping to spot the falls from the road. After driving along the winding road past homes, Hipcamp sites, and lodging, I pulled over where I saw a car parked.
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Where to Park
Cars parking alongside the road is always a sign I pay attention to when driving on the Olympic Peninsula.
The parking lot is not really a lot—it’s more of a pull-out parking area with room for maybe a handful of cars. There are a few small pull-outs, and I imagine people start parking alongside the road when things get busy.
Why It’s Worth a Stop
Merriman Falls is unbelievably beautiful—not just because of the main falls, but because of how the water splits and cascades down the right side of the landscape, with moss-covered fallen logs and large rocks creating a rainforest wonderland scene.
You can walk right up to the base of this area to immerse yourself in this natural environment.
On the left, after navigating over a rocky section, you can get close enough to feel the spray of the falls on your face!
Short Path off the Parking Area
After my first peek at the falls, I headed back to my car to grab my puffy jacket. That’s when I noticed the trail to the right of the waterfall area, just off the parking pull-out.
It’s so short I wouldn’t call it a hike, but it’s absolutely worth venturing up this path.
You’ll see an imposing rock face wall where stunning, vivid moss grows alongside ferns.
Plus, you get a view of the water feature which provides an excellent perspective.
I didn’t take the path down from here because it’s pretty steep, so I returned the way I came.
Stunning Waterfall Views
I walked left along South Shore Road and enjoyed seeing the falls between these two towering trees.
To reach a popular photography spot on the left side of the falls, I walked up a large, flat-ish rock that I thought would be slick—it wasn’t—but I was still cautious climbing up.
Some visitors must get even closer because I’ve seen waterfall photos taken up close from this angle.
But doing so requires navigating over rocks, and it didn’t seem all that stable to me.
Plus, I was satisfied with all the views I saw of the waterfall without climbing up even closer.
Woodland Scenery at the Base of the Falls
The sweetest view, in my opinion, is at the center-right, where you’ll also see the scenery to the right of the main falls.
The woodland scene of rocks of all sizes, river rocks surrounding the pools, and fallen logs covered in moss is breathtaking.
And what a treat that you don’t have to hike to access it! It’s just a short walk down a path from the road.
Lake Quinault Hikes & Attractions
Since you only need 10-20 minutes to visit the falls, I’ve highlighted nearby Lake Quinault hiking trails and attractions to round out your Quinault itinerary.
Olympic National Forest trails:
- Quinault Loop Trail – My first Quinault Rainforest hike, featuring waterfalls, old-growth trees, and stretches of Lake Quinault shoreline. We started from Lake Quinault Lodge during our stay there.
- Quinault Rain Forest Trail – An easy hike with stunning Willaby Gorge and creek views that starts with a beautiful waterfall near the trailhead parking lot. I appreciated the educational placards along the trail.
- World’s Largest Spruce Tree – More of a short walk than a hike, this quick stop takes you to an approximately 1,000-year-old tree whose size is awe-inspiring.
Olympic National Park trails:
- Maple Glade Nature Trail – I was lucky to have the breathtakingly beautiful streambed views on this short and easy hike all to myself before visiting the falls. This is Quinault’s best hike!
- Kestner Homestead Trail – This trail offers a chance to explore a historical homestead, but the lush rainforest surrounding it is the highlight of this hike.
Wrap-Up: Quinault’s Best Roadside Attraction
You won’t regret visiting Merriman Falls in the heart of the Quinault Rain Forest.
No hiking is required to see its towering trees, moss-covered scenery, and cascading falls, making it an accessible highlight of the area.
If you’re staying at nearby Quinault lodging or hiking in the Lake Quinault area, don’t miss this fantastic gem near Olympic National Park!