Hike to Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake
Port Angeles, Washington
Details
Distance
1.65 miles
Elevation Gain
98 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 hike round trip: 1.6 miles. Elevation gain: 500ft. Hike past the waterfall to Deer Lake round trip: 5.6 miles. Elevation gain: 1,500ft.
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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Reviews
Quick and easy walk to the falls that everyone should do. Beyond that the trail to deer lake becomes more challenging and less trafficked, but worth it if you have the time
5.0
This is a nice easy hike for all abilities. The falls are beautiful and the hike is through the dark mossy forest that is so common in this area. Be on the lookout for mushrooms. Once you get past Sol Duc Falls, the crowds thin out and you will be mostly alone on the trail to Deer Lake, which is really beautiful as well.
5.0
The waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. The trail to the lake is well maintained, lush, and beautiful. If you are hoping to photograph the waterfall, be certain that you have prepared for spray!
5.0
Easy walk and the lake is beautiful on a sunny day.
5.0
We didn't go all the way to the lake but the falls are incredible! We arrived just before sunrise and there was not another soul in sight. I've heard it gets pretty busy as the day goes on but the morning was perfect.
5.0
Great little hike to the falls. Pretty sweet falls when the sun is coming through at the right angle (towards sunset) as the rainbow spans the entire falls!
4.0
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
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