![]() ![]() Whether it’s sunbathing under sunny skies or discovering hidden treasures among driftwood logs, these two beaches offer something for everyone who seeks solace away from everyday life noise. Take time to admire the rocky headlands, sea stacks, and myriad sculptures carved by centuries of wind erosion while combing through miles of sandy beachfront. Get away from it all at Second Beach or nearby Ruby Beach. Immerse yourself in the lush flora of the Hoh Rainforest–the largest temperate rainforest system in the world! Full of life, this ecosystem is home to an impressive amount of biodiversity so don’t forget your camera! Follow trails along branches of the Hoh River and spot birds fluttering amongst ancient trees that form a canopy high above your head – truly an awe-inspiring experience. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity for ultimate relaxation! Hoh Rainforest The lake’s shorelines is dotted by old-growth evergreens which provide scenic backdrops for snapping photos or simply taking in the view from your boat deck. With its crystal clear waters and stunning surroundings, it provides a calming experience that will make you feel at one with nature. Relax and take in the breathtaking sights on a boat ride on Lake Crescent. Plus, you may come across deer or black bears while exploring this area! Enjoy a sense of exploration as you ascend to dramatically beautiful scenery overlooking lush forest meadows and distant snow-capped peaks. This mountain ridge features expansive vistas that span across vast mountain ranges and deep valleys. Visit Hurricane Ridge for an adventure of breathtaking views and wildlife spotting. ![]() Here are a few other things in the area that you’ll want to experience before heading on: Hurricane Ridge Even though the falls are not quite as large as Sol Duc Falls the hike is great and it’s typically less busy. ![]() Once you leave Sol Duc Falls I’d recommend making the 55-minute drive to Marymere Falls, our other favorite in the area. While you’re on the Olympic Peninsula you’ll never run out of things to do. So temper your expectations and be prepared to meet some friendly people (no dogs though as they aren’t allowed on the trail). We’ve been often enough that we’ve managed to get some pictures of just the falls but, due to its popularity, it may be difficult to get a shot without people in it. Just be aware that there probably isn’t a trail to the spot you want to go so you’ll have to do some careful bushwhacking. If possible, try to take photos from different angles so that you can capture all sides of this majestic waterfall. Sol Duc Falls is truly a photographer’s paradise! The best time to capture photos here is near sunset when light filters through the trees creating beautiful patterns on both land and water. There is a large-ish parking lot where you leave your car before hiking. Continue for 14 miles (past the hot springs) until you get to the end of the road. To get to the trailhead you’ll need to travel west on Highway 101 from Port Angeles for around 30 miles before turning left onto Sol Duc Road. Sol Duc Falls is located in the Sol Duc Valley of Olympic National Park. Here’s how we do the trail to Sol Duc Falls now… The Hike While you can’t really mess anything up (it’s just a walk down a wide well maintained path) there are a few things you can do to decide if this hike is for you and, then, to improve your experience! The Sol Duc Falls Trail is an excellent trail for families (and just about everyone else) that are experiencing the Olympic Peninsula and wants to get outside and experience some fresh air. This is especially true for Sol Duc Falls, both the hike and the falls themselves. No matter what I hike I do I just can’t stop myself from pausing to take another picture every 30 seconds or so. If you’ve never been to Olympic National Park before I sure hope you have lots of memory cards for your camera. ![]()
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