Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake
Port Angeles, Washington
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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Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake Reviews
Another trail best done early morning. I made it to Deer lake by 8:30am. Not a sole around and spotted a deer and fawn on the opposite side of the lake.
4.0
The Sol Duc Falls is an amazing sights and sounds. In its own right it is a fantastic destination! I fondly recall the falls as being both the beginning and end to what was an amazing journey along the High Divide!
4.0
This hike is short, and the reward is awesome! Beautiful falls and a great example of why the PNW is just rockin!
5.0
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.
4.0
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.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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