Murhut Falls
This short and easy trail in the Hood Canal Ranger District on the east side of the Olympics takes hikers to a relatively unknown waterfall.
If no pain no gain is your mantra, you might want to skip this trail. But if you like a short trail that delivers its reward - a captivating 130-foot plunging waterfall - in just under a mile, then this hike is for you. What is more, you’ll hardly break a sweat in the easy climb of 250 feet elevation gain to reach the tiered falls. And amazingly, you'll probably not have to put up with many other hikers along the way, as the trail is still relatively unknown. The well-maintained trail Murhut Falls Trail begins with a gradual ascent, then flattens out before the final steep ascent to your 1050-foot destination. This is Pacific Rhododendron country, so if you hike this trail in spring you’ll find yourself surrounded by pink bursts of bloom splashed against the surrounding green forest. You may or may not notice that the trail was converted from an old logging road—hence the easy, well-smoothed tread. The roar of the falls will be with you for the final stretch of trail as you descend into the hidden ravine that shelters the tiered falls. Take a rest to enjoy the powerful force of the waterfall as it pitches itself into the narrow ravine. Exercise caution and hold small hands in the final stretch where the trail narrows and there is a dropoff to one side. If you like a lot of bang for very little buck, this trail is definitely for you and makes a wonderful family outing.
Driving Directions:
The hike is in the Duckabush Recreation Area between Shelton and Quilcene on Hwy 101 on the Olympic Peninsula. From US 101 south of Quilcene, turn west at milepost 310 onto Duckabush Road. Drive 6.3 miles. You will pass the Collins Creek Campground and go over the Duckabush River Bridge. Bear right at the road junction, signed Murhut Falls Trail. The 1.3 miles remaining on gravel road takes you to the trailhead. Recent Trip Reports
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After setting up camp at Dosewallips SP, we had just enough time to do this short easy hike. The wel...
After setting up camp at Dosewallips SP, we had just enough time to do this short easy hike. The well-maintained trail gains 250 feet before descending a few feet to the viewpoint of the falls in a grotto-like setting at the end of a dark ravine with Murhut Creek cascading below. Total distance RT is 1.6 miles. The upper tier of the falls drops over 100 feet and the lower their 30 feet. There were no other hikers and this was one of the few times we have done this hike with no rain.
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Wonderful afternoon to introduce our 2 year old to the outdoors, we all had a great time...
Wonderful afternoon to introduce our 2 year old to the outdoors, we all had a great time
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Hiked both of the these trails in one morning, trails in great condition. Water levels high, made t...
Hiked both of the these trails in one morning, trails in great condition. Water levels high, made the waterfall very impressive and the water flow into Ranger Hole very fast! I had the Falls trail to myself, many people on the Ranger Hole trail, collecting mushrooms. Extra caution was used descending steep slopes on both trails due to slippery leaves.
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A great hike, just beautiful through and through. The trail is in great condition. Find a privy be...
A great hike, just beautiful through and through. The trail is in great condition. Find a privy before you get there, the sound of water gives a bladder some ideas and getting far enough off the trail for leave no trace could be a tad treacherous if you're not paying attention.
Murhut Falls
— Jul 31, 2012
— fitforalifetime
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Easy hike on a wide and smooth trail. Speed it up and get a cardio boost on the way there. Very pret...
Easy hike on a wide and smooth trail. Speed it up and get a cardio boost on the way there. Very pretty trail and excellent falls. Be careful with children when you get there as it is slippery near the edge. There are some primative trails to the base of the falls but it would be easy to fall if you are careless. Someone left a banana peel at the bottom. Really? Pack out your trash.
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![]() Murhut Falls. Photo by Lance McCoy.
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