Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Craig Romano/The Mountaineers Books Fallsview Canyon
Featured In:
Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula,
by Craig Romano.
A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails. Before beginning this little hike, walk the adjacent short Fallsview Loop Trail. Leading to a promontory above the canyon, gaze straight down to the roiling Big Quilcene River. Cast your attention straight across the canyon too, to an unnamed creek cascading 100 feet into it. OK, now that you've gotten the falls view promised by this hike, it's time for the canyon part of the trip. Plunging quickly, the trail loses 200 feet of elevation in 0.1 mile. Frothing white water comes into view as the trail lands alongside the thundering Big Quilcene River on the lush canyon floor. Here within the chasm the river's roar amplifies, ricocheting off the guarding walls. Under a canopy of maples veiled with mosses, follow the rushing river upstream. Stop periodically to be mesmerized by the frothing waters-churning, turning, chugging, and frugging ("frugging"? Why not!). In 0.5 mile come to a side trail on your left; it's a loop that you'll be returning on, though the Forest Service's literature about this hike hasn't gotten around yet to showing it. Continue alongside the Big Quilcene enjoying yet more rapids; then loop around and make your return. Don't forget about the small climb awaiting you at the finish.
Driving Directions:
From Quilcene drive US 101 south for 4 miles to Fallsview Campground. (From Shelton follow US 101 north for 48 miles.) Enter the campground, turning left to the day-use/ Recent Trip Reports
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Fallsview Canyon
— Jun 26, 2011
— Weluv2hike.
Day hike
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#1 of the 4 short hikes we did today. The faals are nice, and the ferns on this trail, some...
#1 of the 4 short hikes we did today. The faals are nice, and the ferns on this trail, some almost as tall as me.
Day hike
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We parked at the gated entrance to Fallsview CG and walked the short distance to the TH. To the right...
We parked at the gated entrance to Fallsview CG and walked the short distance to the TH. To the right of the TH is a short loop trail which takes you to a view of the 100 ft falls across the canyon which tumbles into the Big Quilcene River below. The canyon trail loses 200 ft in .1 mile as it descends to the river. Here the trail begins to veer away from the river elevating gradually but always following the river through a lush green forest of maples lined with ferns and moss covered stumps. The river is beautiful with its many rapids and blue pools and its thundering sounds are ever present. At about 3/4 mile the trail veers left to ascend above the river to form a loop which ends at the trail.5 miles from the TH. This is a very pleasant 1.5 mile RT walk in the woods and doable with small children. 4 other groups including 2 small children were enjoying the beautiful day!
Day hike
Features:
Ripe berries
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This was a great hike for adults and kids alike. We had four adults, two 4 year old boys, a...
This was a great hike for adults and kids alike. We had four adults, two 4 year old boys, a 3 year old and a toddler along.
We somehow missed the sign at the parking area to the falls overlook, so we never actually saw the waterfall. But no matter. From the trailhead, we started down the trail. It was steep, with switchbacks and some slippery rocks. The boys had no problem with the descent, but the just-turned 3 year old ended up on her father's shoulders. Once we reached the Quilcene River, we headed upstream about a mile or so. The children feasted on red huckleberries. Eventually we found a brushy trail down to the water where we stopped for lunch at one of the loveliest lunch spots I've seen - a deep blue-green eddy, a rocky bar for throwing rocks and a small noisy rapids all dappled in sunlight through the old growth forest. Although the guidebook describes a loop back up to the parking lot, the side trail we tried on the way back seemed to head off in the wrong direction with no switchback in sight. With four children along, we felt the stakes were too high to continue going on that route. So we returned the the main trail and headed back that way. This trail is not on a Green Trails map. If you can get your hands on the Mt. Walker USGS quad, it would be beneficial to have along. Day hike
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After viewing Rocky Brook Falls we drove north on 101 and parked at the gated Fallsview Campground and walked the...
After viewing Rocky Brook Falls we drove north on 101 and parked at the gated Fallsview Campground and walked the short loop trail to view the falls across the canyon. We then dropped 200 feet to the today brown (normally white) Big Quilcene River. Because of the lateness of the day we did not have time to walk more than a few feet of the 1.5 mile loop trail which we have done in the past. This is a good rainy day hike.
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns
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We hiked this trail with our two kids (1 1/2 & 5) and our parents (early 50's) on a cool,...
We hiked this trail with our two kids (1 1/2 & 5) and our parents (early 50's) on a cool, but sunny day. The trail was a bit muddy, but we were able to see some wolf/big cat tracks as well as deer/moose/elk tracks. There were a few small blowdowns on the trail, but for the most part it was clear. It was an easy 1.2 mile hike that our 5 year old was able to do without problem. Even though the river was flowing right along, I would venture to guess that the spring run off has not really started yet. It wasn't until we were coming back that we actually spotted the falls. We did have to park at the entrace to the campground as it is still closed and walk in, but it was a very easy walk. However, there are no bathroom facilities that are open.
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Waterfall along the Fallsview Canyon trail. Photo by Bob & Barb.
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