An easy loop from the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, perfect for early or late-season hiking. Ramble beneath towering old trees to a misty, mossy ravine that the Sol Duc River careens into. Watch determined dippers hunt for insects in the splash zone. Return along the pristine river until the fetid smell of sulfur signals you've arrived back at the springs.

This is a social hike from the hot springs resort through campgrounds and finally to the falls. Start by walking over the Sol Duc River Bridge, locating the trail on the northeast corner. Closely following the river, the trail first travels through the resort's RV park before emerging in the lower loop of the Sol Duc Campground after 0.4 mile.

Follow the campground loop road a short distance, picking up the trail and following it to the upper loop of the campground. Once again, walk a short distance on pavement to pick up the trail. Then through big timber, saunter 1.3 pleasant and peaceful miles to a junction. The trail left leads 0.25 mile to a large parking lot-the reason for the hordes of people you'll now be encountering.

On a well-trodden path continue for a nearly level 0.5 mile to a Civilian Conservation Corps-built shelter where the thundering sound of swiftly moving water barreling over a ledge announces that you've reached the falls. The best views are from the mist-sprayed bridge-quite inviting on a warm summer's day. The Sol Duc fans into two, crashing 50 feet into a narrow chasm where the sun rarely shines.

After enjoying the spectacle, cross the bridge and climb a small bluff to a junction. Hang a right onto the Lovers Lane Trail, although it's open to all, lovelorn, loveless, and loved alike. In a short distance cross Canyon Creek, which drains Deer Lake high above. Follow the peaceful path through lush bottomlands, crossing a couple more crashing tributaries before arriving back at the resort at 2.8 miles from the falls. Your nose will tell you when you're close.