Romano's top 25 Olympic Waterfalls

When Craig Romano agreed to share with us a few of his favorite waterfalls inthe Pacific Coastal region of Washington,we were frankly thrilled. If you’re looking for up-to-date details on local hikes and wilderness destinations – and the fun facts – Craig is renown as the guy to call.

Craig has written more than 20 hiking guidebooks including Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula 2nd Edition which includes details for popular and little known hikes across the Peninsula. An avid hiker, runner, paddler, and cyclist, Craig is currently working on Urban Trails Vancouver USA (2020); Backpacking Washington 2nd Edition (2021); and Day Hiking Central Cascades 2nd Edition (2022). He is also a featured columnist for Tracing the Fjord.

Why we are so keen about Olympic Peninsula's falls?

As storms from the Pacific Ocean move across the peninsula, they crash into the Olympics and are forced to release moisture in the impact.

Consequentially, the clouds release massive amounts of rain (up to 170" annually) on the coastal side of the range and very little on the inland region. This is commonly known as the “rain shadow effect" and is why the Sequim area has very little annual precipitation. The massive coastal rainfall gives life blood to the hanging mosses of the perpetually soaked rainforests – Hoh and Quinault. On top the Olympic Mountains this moisture lands as snow – frosting the peaks with as much as 35 feet each year.

Each spring the snow melts and creates icy run-off. Mix in a little more rainfall and the result is a fun to explore waterfall ring enveloping the base of Olympic range. There are literally thousands of waterfalls in the area to choose from, but in the next few pages we have selected just a few to get you started. Some are small, secret, and unique making them a great choice for social distancing, others are popular but magnificent. All are within an easy drive from the fjord and worth the journey!

25 AREA WATERFALLS THAT MADE THE CUT

Olympia & Hood Canal

#1: Tumwater Falls Loop

At the base of the upper falls admire a replica of the famous bridge that once appeared on the labels of Olympia beer spanning the river above the lower falls. Walk trails along the gorge between the falls and admire deep pools, eddies and jumbled boulders. Take time to read the informative panels on Tumwater—Washington’s oldest permanent non-Native settlement on Puget Sound.

The upper and lower falls are separated by a narrow gorge. Here the Deschutes River drops 82 feet into Capitol Lake on Eld Inlet. The name Tumwater is derived from the Chinook Jargon for waterfall. Tumtum in Chinook Jargon means beating heart.

#2: Kennedy Creek Falls (6.8 MILE RT – MODERATE)

From Olympia follow US 101 north for 10 miles. Then turn left onto the Old Olympic Highway and proceed for 0.8 mile to gated road on your left. Park on road should on the right. No pass required, kid/dog friendly From its origin at Summit Lake in the Black Hills, Kennedy Creek flows just shy of 10 miles to Oyster Bay tumbling over a two-tiered waterfall along the way. Reaching these pretty falls involves a half day hike on a closed to vehicles logging road through patches of cuts and mature standing timber. In the same area is Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail which opens in the fall for salmon viewing and field trips.

#3: Vincent Creek Falls (ROAD ACCESS – EASY)

From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 7 miles, turning left (west) at milepost 340 onto the Skokomish Valley Road. Follow for 5.6 miles, bearing right at a V intersection onto Forest Road 23. Continue for 2.3 miles and bear right onto FR 2340. Then drive 2.4 miles to parking at the High Steel Bridge. No pass, use caution because of low guardrail While Vincent Creek Falls are quite stunning crashing 250 feet into the South Fork Skokomish River in a deep narrow canyon; the High Steel Bridge which allows for their viewing is even more spectacular. The 685-foot long bridge spans 375 feet above the canyon. Walk across the bridge but use caution along its north side where the guardrail is only 3 feet tall. The arched truss steel bridge was built in 1929 originally for a logging railroad. In 1950 it was converted for road use. It is the 14th highest bridge in the country. Your heart is sure to pound as you walk upon its airy span. Eventually Vincent Creek Falls comes into view. Through a series of falls, Vincent Creek drops 250 feet down a canyon wall into the roaring South Fork Skokomish River. Walk all the way across the bridge if you plan on capturing the falls in their entirety in a photo.

Vincent Creek Falls

#4: Big Creek Cascades Loop (4.2 MILE – MODERATE)

From Hoodsport follow SR 119 for 9.3 miles to trailhead in Big Creek Campground. ONF Pass required, kid/dog-friendly Amble on a circuitous route in the Big Creek drainage within the shadows of Mount Ellinor; and delight in a series of tumbling cascades. This wonderful loop utilizes old logging roads, new trails and a series of beautifully built bridges. It was constructed by an all-volunteer crew that continues to improve and maintain this excellent family and dog-friendly loop.

Starting from the Big Creek Campground, follow the Upper Big Creek Loop Trail to Big Creek and the first of several sturdy bridges along the way. After a short climb you’ll reach the Creek Confluence Trail which drops to the confluence of the tumbling Big and North Branch Creeks. The main loop continues to cross North Branch Creek on a good bridge. Just beyond it crosses Big Creek on a new bridge above a gorgeous cascade. The loop then descends skirting big boulders and passing good views of roaring Big Creek. It crosses a couple more cascading creeks before traversing attractive forest and returning to the campground.

#5: Staircase Rapids Loop (2 MILE – EASY)

From Hoodsport follow SR 119 and then FR 24 for 14.7 miles. Then turn right into Olympic National Park and continue 1.2 miles to Staircase Ranger Station for trailhead. ONP, pass required, kid-friendly, no pets This loop involves a section of an historic route across the Olympic Mountains to a suspension bridge spanning the North Fork Skokomish River near a series of thundering rapids. Cross the North Fork Skokomish on a solid bridge and follow a trail that was once part of the original O’Neil Mule Trail. In 1890 Lieutenant Joseph O’Neil accompanied by a group of scientists led an Army expedition across the Olympic Peninsula. Among his party’s many findings was a realization that this wild area deserved to be protected as a national park.

March up alongside the Skokomish River, passing big boulders and a series of roaring rapids. The rapids’ name come from a cedar staircase O’Neil built over a rocky bluff to get past them. Follow the bellowing river from one mesmerizing spot to another before reaching a sturdy suspension bridge spanning the wild waterway. Cross the river and complete this delightful loop by now heading downriver following the North Fork Skokomish River Trail back to the Ranger Station.

#6: Hamma Hamma Falls (ROAD ACCESS – EASY)

From Milepost 318 on US 101 travel west onto FR 25 for 13.3 miles to road’s end at Mildred Lakes Trail, pass required, kid-friendly.

Talk about a bridge over troubled waters. From the Mildred Lakes Trailhead walk across the high concrete bridge at the road’s end. You no doubt heard the roar of the falls when you drove across it. Now peer over the bridge and witness the cataracts responsible for the racket. Directly below, the Hamma Hamma River careens through a tight rocky chasm. These impressive falls are two-tiered crashing more than 80 vertical feet. The road spans directly above the upper and smaller of the falls. The overhead view is pretty decent, but the lower and larger falls are more difficult to fully see. A very rudimentary path leads along cliff edges for better viewing, but it’s slick, exposed and treacherous.

Hamma Hamma Falls

George Stenberg photo.

#7: Murhut Falls (1.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Milepost 310 on US 101 drive west on the Duckabush Road which becomes FR 2510 for 6.3 miles. Then bear right onto FR 2530 and continue for 1.3 miles to the trailhead. ONF, no pass required, kid/dog-friendly Hidden in a lush narrow ravine and once accessed by a treacherous path, Murhut Falls were long unknown to many in the outside world. But now a well-built trail allows hikers of all ages and abilities to admire this beautiful 130-foot two-tiered waterfall. The trail starts by following an old well-graded logging road. It was past logging in this area that led to the discovery of these falls. The old road ends after a short climb of about 250 feet to a low ridge. The trail then continues on a good single track slightly descending into a damp, dark, cedar-lined ravine. As you work your way toward the falls, its roar will signal you’re getting closer. Reach the trail’s end and behold the impressive falls crashing before you.

#8: Rocky Brook Falls (.25 mile roundtrip EASY)

One of the tallest waterfalls on the Peninsula, Rocky Brook Falls is also among the prettiest. Follow the trail past a small hydroelectric generating building and come to the base of the stunning towering falls fanning over ledges into a large splash pool surrounded by boulders. This classic horsetail waterfall crashes more than 200 feet from a small hanging valley above. While a penstock diverts water from the brook for electricity production, the flow over the falls is almost always pretty strong. Like all waterfalls, these too are especially impressive during periods of heavy rainfall. On warm summer days the falls become a popular destination for folks seeking some heat relief. This classic horsetail waterfall crashes more than 200 feet from a small hanging valley above. And while many waterways east of the Mississippi River are called brooks, creek is the preferred name in the west. There are only a few waterways on the Peninsula called brooks, and they were more than likely named by someone who hailed from back east.

#9: Dosewallips Falls (9.0 MILE ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

From Brinnon at Milepost 306 on US 101, drive west on the Dosewallips Road for 9.7 miles (last 1.2 miles be rough) coming to trailhead. ONP, no pass, kid-friendly, dog-prohibited This spectacular waterfall used to be easily reached by vehicle. But the upper Dosewallips Road has been closed to vehicles since 2002 after winter storms created a huge washout that has yet to be repaired. Now to reach this waterfall you must hike or mountain bike the closed road. Walk past the road barrier and immediately come to the washout and a bypass trail. Steeply climb on the riverbank above the slide. Then descend back to the road and walk along the churning river. The road then pulls away from the river, passes a campground and climbs. The river now far below in a canyon is out of sight, but not out of sound. Pass beneath ledges and cross cascading Bull Elk Creek on a bridge. At 3.9 miles in a recent burn zone enter Olympic National Park. Cross tumbling Constance Creek on a bridge and continue climbing passing a big overhanging boulder. Then descend and skirt beneath a big ledge coming to the base of dramatic 100-foot plus Dosewallips Falls. Admire the raging cascade’s hydrological force—it’s mesmerizing.

#10: Fallsview Falls (0.2 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Quilcene drive US 101 south for 3.6 miles to Falls View Campground. Then proceed the trailhead located within the day-use/ picnic area. ONF, pass required, kid/ dog friendly, ADA As far as cascades go, Fallsview Falls lacks the “Wow factor.” However the canyon these falls tumble into is pretty impressive. And if you plan your visit for late spring, blossoming rhododendrons line the trail and frame the view with brilliant pinks and purples. The trail to the falls is short, easy and ADA accessible. Follow the 0.2 mile loop to a fenced promontory above a tight canyon embracing the Big Quilcene River. Gaze straight down to the roiling river. Then cast your glance directly across the canyon to an unnamed creek cascading 100 feet into it. By late summer it just trickles—but during the rainy season the falls put on a little show. If you want to stretch your legs some more afterward, you can follow a trail into the little canyon and hike along the frothing river.

Lake Crescent & Elwha River

#11: Striped Peak Falls (2.2 MILE RT– MODERATE)

From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west to State Route 112. Continue 7.2 miles and turn right at Milepost 54 onto Camp Hayden Road. Then drive 3.4 miles to trailhead in Salt Creek County Park. No pass, dog-friendly The falls are small but their location is stunning in a remote cliff-enclosed cove on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Getting to these falls is best for sure-footed explorers as it involves descending a steep trail to the coastal hideaway—then a tough climb back. The trail begins by winding through forested flats on a bluff above a rocky shoreline. The way then climbs and enters a primeval grove of towering hemlocks, firs, and cedars.

#12: Madison Creek Falls (0.2 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west to milepost 240, just before the Elwha River Bridge. Then turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Rd (signed “Elwha Valley”) and continue 2.1 miles. ONP, no pass, kid-friendly, ADA, dog-friendly A paved trail leads to these pretty falls in the famed Elwha Valley. Hikers of all ages and abilities can make the walk to the mossy maple and cedar grotto that houses Madison Creek Falls. This path is also one of the few within the park that is open to dogs (on leash).During the summer if there is a good flow, the splash pool at the base of these nearly 50-foot tall falls should help provide for some cool refreshing breezes.

#13: Wolf Creek Falls (0.8 MILE ROUND-TRIP –MODERATE)

From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west to milepost 240, just before the Elwha River Bridge. Then turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Road (signed “Elwha Valley”) and continue 4.0 miles turning left (just beyond Elwha Ranger Station) onto dirt Whiskey Bend Road. Then continue 4.2 miles to trailhead. Note: Road is currently closed beyond Madison Creek Falls due to washouts. Hiking and biking road to trailhead is permissible. ONP, pass required, dogs prohibited Follow the Smoky Hill Trail on a steep and short descent.

After a steep descent to the river turn right and then walk a short way along the gravel bank of Wolf Creek and come to a gorgeous and little known waterfall in a dark mossy hollow. Admire the fanning 25' falls. If you step back a little you may catch a glimpse of another tier falling above it. That cataract drops nearly 100 feet and while it is difficult to fully see, the added thundering and swirling mist adds to the enchanting beauty of this waterfall.

#14: Goblins Gate (3.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west to milepost 240, just before the Elwha River Bridge. Then turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Rd (signed “Elwha Valley”) and continue 4.0 miles turning left onto dirt Whiskey Bend Rd. Then continue 4.5 miles to trailhead. Note: Road is currently closed beyond Madison Creek Falls Trailhead due to washouts. Hiking and biking to trailhead is permissible. ONP, pass required, kid friendly, no dogs Hike to a rocky gorge where the Elwha River thrashes over a series of rapids. The approach to the Goblins Gate is via the historic Press Expedition Route. In 1889-90 James H. Christie funded by the Seattle Press newspaper, led a group of five men, a couple of dogs, and a pack of mules on an exploratory journey across the Olympic Mountains. It was the first successful European-American crossing of the Olympic Mountains. Christie and company named many landmarks along the way including the Goblins Gate for its ghoulish looking rocks guarding this chasm.

#15: Boulder Creek Falls (8.4 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west to milepost 240, just before the Elwha River Bridge. Then turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Road (signed “Elwha Valley”) and continue 10 miles. ONP, pass required, dogs prohibited Boulder Creek Falls consists of a series of thrashing cascades in a wilderness valley cloaked with luxuriant old-growth forest. The hike to these falls is an all-day event but their location far from the popular Olympic Hot Springs and Boulder Lake usually means you’ll have a little solitude while savoring them. The lower falls plunge 25 feet into an inviting pool giving you a much colder and less crowded soaking spot than the hot springs.

#16: Marymere Falls (1.8 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Port Angeles follow US 101 west to Barnes Point at milepost 228 and turn right at entrance for Lake Crescent Lodge. Proceed 500 feet and turn right for parking area near the Storm King Ranger Station. ONP, no pass, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited Located just off of a busy highway and reached by a wide short nature trail help make Marymere Falls one of the most popular waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula. But if it was harder to reach, this 90-foot horsetail cascade set in deep mossy timber would still be a well-visited destination.

Follow a well-groomed nature trail through a tunnel beneath US 101. Soon afterward turn left at a junction and follow Barnes Creek upstream under a cool canopy of old-growth giants. Pass the Mount Storm King Trail and reach the trail for falls. Take it crossing Barnes Creek on a bridge and then climbing to a cool narrow ravine where Marymere Falls plummets 90 feet down a rock face. Follow a short loop to several vantages for viewing the cataract.

#17: Sol Duc Falls (1.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Port Angeles follow US 101 west turning left onto the Sol Duc Hot Springs Road (just beyond Lake Crescent). Then drive 14 miles to trailhead at the road’s end. ONP, pass required, kid-friendly, no dogs An iconic landmark, Sol Duc Falls is Olympic National Park’s most famous and photographed waterfall. The falls tumble about 40 feet into a tight rocky slot, but what really makes them stand out among the many cascades of Northwest is their unique shape. The Sol Duc River abruptly flows at a right angle careening into (depending on water flow) three or four chutes into the gorge.

Sol Duc Falls

Pacific Coast & Quinault

#18: Strawberry Bay Falls (3.6 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Forks follow US 101 north for 1.5 miles. Follow SR 110 west for 7.7 miles to Quillayute Prairie, where SR 110 splits. Bear left (La Push Road) and drive 3.8 miles to the trailhead ONP, no pass, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited Hike to Third Beach on the wild Olympic Coast and witness a waterfall tumbling more than 100' from a towering headland straight into the rocky surf. Strawberry Bay Falls (also known as Third Beach Falls) is one of the larger and more accessible of the cascades that plunge into the ocean along this rugged stretch of coast. The trail starts off on an old road gently climbing through a forest of Sitka spruce, hemlock, and alder. The trail then descends to Third Beach. The one mile long beach sits on Strawberry Bay hemmed in by two headlands, Teahwhit Head and Taylor Point. Now hike south for a half mile on the beach coming to the waterfall plunging into the waves below.

#19: Mineral Creek Falls (5.0 MILES ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Forks, travel south on US 101 for 13 miles, and turn left onto Upper Hoh Road. Then drive 18 miles to its end at Hoh Visitor Center. ONP, pass required, kid-friendly, no dogs A pleasant hike through primeval forest and along the glacier-fed Hoh River to reach these falls. Hike through colonnades of spruces and through tunnels of mossy maples. And while the surroundings are lush, the understory is open due to browsing elk. A hike here in winter is a good time to see them. At 1.5 miles the trail finally comes along the river. One mile farther just past a campsite, the trail crosses Mineral Creek on a bridge just below the 66' waterfall.

#20: Cascade Falls Loop ( .7 MILES LOOP – EASY)

From Hoquiam, drive north on US 101 for 38 miles turning right (at milepost 126) onto South Shore Rd. Proceed for 2.3 miles to trailhead just past the Quinault Ranger Station. ONP, no pass, kid /dog friendly Not the tallest, nor most popular of the handful of waterfalls within the Quinault Rainforest, Cascade Falls is perhaps the prettiest. The trail leading to them is a delight to walk passing through groves of magnificent ancient mossy conifers and maples and along chattering waterways.

#21: Merriman Falls (ROADSIDE—MINIMAL WALKING)

From Hoquiam, drive north on US 101 for 38 miles turning right (at milepost 126) onto South Shore Rd. Proceed for 6.7 miles to pullout. ONF, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly It’s nearly impossible to miss these falls if you’re driving by on the South Shore Rd as they practically crash down into the road itself. One of the most easily accessible falls in the Olympics, all you need to do is pullover, grab your phone or camera and walk just a few step to soak (literally during the rainy season) up their grandeur.

#22: Enchanted Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls (26 MILES ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE BACKPACKING TRIP)

From Hoquiam, travel north on US 101 for 38 miles turning right (at milepost 126) onto the South Shore Lake Quinault Rd. Then drive for 13 miles to a junction at the Quinault River Bridge. Continue right on Graves Creek Rd for 6.2 miles. ONP Wilderness Permits required, kid-friendly, dogs prohibited Not a destination for the casual waterfall admirer, the Enchanted Valley is for hardcore backpackers who want to experience the very essence of the Olympic Peninsula rainforest.

Follow the East Fork of the Quinault River through a primeval cathedral forest to a big open valley flanked by sheer walls that sheen with scores of waterfalls. An easy day trip up this valley is the 5 mile roundtrip to the Pony Bridge spanning the river where it thunders through a tight chasm. For backpackers going the full distance, the mileage isn’t too difficult thanks to little elevation gained along the way. Upon reaching the emerald Enchanted Valley, admire an old historic 1930-built chalet (used now by backcountry rangers) sitting in a meadow on the banks of the channeled river. Behold its stunning backdrop of sheer cliffs 3,000 feet high streaked with waterfalls and hanging snow and ice. The Enchanted Valley is also known as the “Valley of 1,000 waterfalls.” Hyperbolic? Perhaps just a tad—but start counting them until you’re convinced the name is fitting.

Wynoochee River Valley

#23: Spoon Creek Falls (6 MILE ROUND-TRIP – MODERATE)

From Montesano, travel north on the Wynoochee Valley Rd for 34 miles. Then turn right onto FR 23 and continue for 2.5 mile to trailhead. ONF, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly Spoon Creek Falls plunge into an impressive box canyon. It’s a short hike to reach them. Descend into the canyon and get an up-close-and-personal view of the pretty 93-foot falls. The trail first travels through old-growth first coming to an obscure viewpoint of the falls dropping into the gorge below.

#24: Maidenhair Falls (1 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Montesano, travel north on Wynoochee Valley Rd for 34 miles. Continue north on FR 2312 for 5.8 miles to where it splits. Left, cross the Wynoochee River, left onto a spur (FR 2385). ONF, no pass, kid-friendly, dog friendly Overlooked by many waterfalls admirers due to its close proximity to Wynoochee Falls, Maidenhair Falls is a pleasant little surprise in a quiet corner of the Olympics. From the parking area, locate the Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail and follow it north.

#25: Porter Falls (1.6 MILE ROUND-TRIP – EASY)

From Elma drive 6.0 miles east on US 12 to hamlet of Porter. Turn left at Porter Saloon onto Porter Creek Rd and follow for 2.9 miles from where it becomes the graveled B-0150 Road. Continue north for .5 mile to a junction and turn left on the B-Line. Then drive 0.9 mile to trailhead. Discover Pass, kid/dog friendly Little Porter Falls are located at the confluence of the South and West Forks of Porter Creek. Here one branch cuts through a cleft while the other plunges over ledge into a big punchbowl. Follow a quiet trail through stately moss-covered trees to a small hidden rocky chasm to view them. The West Fork plunges into a basaltic punchbowl basin while the South Fork careens through a tight basaltic chasm.

Check out full descriptions, images, maps, and directions for each of the 25 waterfalls at www.waterfalltrail.org.