Featured In: Day Hiking: Olympic Peninsula, by Craig Romano.
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A pretty little waterfall popular with the summer masses or a lonely valley coveted by those seeking solitude and old-growth splendor-it's your choice. From a secluded valley tucked between Mount Storm King and the Aurora Ridge, Barnes Creek winds its way down to Lake Crescent. Falls Creek tumbles down the steep slopes of Aurora Peak, ultimately as Marymere Falls in a damp glen just above Barnes Creek. Two diverse waterways, two diverse hikes, two diverse experiences. Of course, you can always hike them both.

Head up the well-groomed and well-traveled nature trail, pass under US 101, and in 0.5 mile come to a junction. The trail right follows Barnes Creek to the Lake Crescent Lodge on Barnes Point, a nice alternative return. Turn left instead, following the softly gurgling creek upstream under a cool canopy of old-growth giants. Pass the Mount Storm King Trail and soon afterward come to another junction.

Marymere Falls: Head right for the falls, crossing Barnes Creek on a sturdy bridge and then climbing 200 feet to a cool narrow ravine. Marymere Falls plummets 90 feet into this dark, dank slot. A short loop provides several vantages for viewing the cataract. Consider visiting in winter when plenty of runoff promises the most spectacular showing.

Barnes Creek: For relief from the hordes of shutter-finger tourists, continue straight at the Marymere Falls Trail junction. Immediately notice the change in tread, from superhighway to quiet byway. Amble alongside the creek in lush bottomlands punctuated with giant conifers. Climb a little on a steep hillside; then drop steeply to the river bottom 1 mile from falls trail junction. A bridge once spanned Barnes Creek at this point. It is now necessary to ford; easy in summer, potentially dangerous in winter.

Once across the wilderness waterway the trail continues on an up-and-down course, hugging the creek shore then pulling away, all while traversing delightful maple groves and impressive stands of old-growth timber. At 1.5 miles from the falls trail junction cross a tributary creek on a log bridge; then descend back to Barnes Creek to some inviting gravel bars made for feet-soaking.

At 2 miles from the falls trail junction cross another tributary, returning yet again to Barnes Creek, this time among a set of soothing cascades. Find yourself a nice lunch spot or head up the trail another 0.25 mile through towering firs and hemlocks. Beyond, the trail merges with the Aurora Divide Trail and begins a brutal ascent of 3400 feet in 4.5 miles to Aurora Ridge. Opt for the foot soak instead.