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Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake

Port Angeles, Washington

4.6/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

7.17 miles

Elevation Gain

1729 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Rose Freeman

Explore a short hike through green mossy woods to a roaring waterfall! Sol Duc Falls is approximately 1.65 miles roundtrip. If you choose to hike past the waterfall to Deer Lake you'll hike around 7 miles.

The hike to Sol Duc Falls is a simple 0.8 mile walk to a roaring falls on the Sol Duc River. If you’re up for more of a hike, continue on the trail to Deer Lake from Sol Duc Falls. At the fork in the trail, turn left and hike up away from the Lover's Lane Trail.

The trail steepens and the rocky switchbacks lead you through a forest of cedar, hemlock, and silver fir trees. At 1.5 miles, cross over Canyon Creek on a wide bridge. Continue another 0.5 miles and keep your eye out for the sparkly blue lake to burst through the trees. The trail winds around the lake to a grassy meadow. Enjoy lunch at the lake before the return hike.

To get to the Sol Duc River Trailhead, turn onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road from US Highway 101 and follow it all the way to the end where you'll find the parking lot and trailhead.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake Reviews

Sol Duc Falls is definitely worth the long drive and whole forest surrounding it is just amazing. If you're there in mid-day the falls tend to form a rainbow but the contrast between the shaded forest and bright falls can be hard to photography.

Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car because the trail head is 14 miles off the main highway with nowhere to fuel up unless you go back the way you came. Also, during winter the gate is closed at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort adding 1.5 miles to the hike. But it is a short, beautiful hike through lush rainforest to a spectacular waterfall at the end.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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