Lovely weather, lovely short hike. This is a fantastic family outing suitable for kids, although some rest stops might be required here and there and especially on the way back up and out of the canyon. Dogs are also welcome as long as the rules posted at the information kiosk are noted. It was never clear to me whether or not a pass was needed. Our guidebook, Dayhiking Olympic Peninsula by Craig Romano, states that a Northwest Forest Pass is required, but since the campground was closed, no one was enforcing this and there was certainly no where on site to purchase one. Don't skip the short hike to the right of the trailhead. It is your only view of the falls in its entirety. In the off season, there are NO BATHROOMS. Unfortunately we ran into some hikers that apparently couldn't hold it and also couldn't be bothered by the leave no trace etiquette. Yuck. Other than that unpleasantness, it was a fun, mostly easy hike for the whole family.

Nice trail. Lots of downed trees after last weeks storm. At one spot the trail was gone due to a downed tree. This hike is listed as easy and it is. On the way down. Coming back it is constant uphill. Got my senior heart rate up for sure!

The Fallsview Canyon trail is in good shape down to the creek. Shortly thereafter is one blowdown, then three more within a short distance. Pics are at the link below. You must still park at the locked gate. Turn left after the gate and follow the loop to the trail head. The upper view of the falls is to the right. The trail down into the canyon is to the left of the sign. There are not great view of the falls from here, but the woods and creek more than make up for it! I was meeting a friend for lunch in Quilcene and stopped here on a whim, thinking the falls would be crazy with all the recent rain. They were, but I was so entranced by the mosses and ferns on the trail that I didn’t even do the whole loop and was almost late meeting my friend. I only went to the bench that overlooks the fern-laden woods down to the creek, then I turned around and retraced my steps through a wonderland of what all this rain gives us. Beautiful! Other than four blowdowns, all pretty easy to negotiate, the trail’s in great condition. Thank you, Mt. Rose Trail Crew!

Hiked with our 3-year-old and 1-year-old and the trail was in great condition aside from one tree blow down near the creek (we were able to duck under most of it and move branches out of the way). The moss and ferns are lush! A great hike with kids, just keep in mind the trek back UP out of the canyon at the end. The campground is closed so you must park at the gate and walk down to the trailhead, adding a short distance to the hike. (Also should point out that it says 'loop' but the trail itself makes a loop at the end but you technically come back up the same way you came in). We ate our lunch back up at the picnic tables. A great day!

While driving along the Hood Canal and passing through the Olympic National Forest's eastern panhandle, give your legs a stretch and take advantage of rejuvenating views. Falls View is a campground, however, it also offers a waterfall that cascades into the Big Quilcene River. Unlike many other places in the park, entrance is free. Since this is also a campsite there is a fee of $10 if you choose to stay the night. This is a second-growth forest canyon that is full of greenery and floral growth. Two short trails for the price of one: -Fallsview Loop Trail: This is a short jaunt for all ages interested in beautiful views. It loops back around to the start of the trail. The distance is only 0.1 miles and elevation is 440 feet. I highly recommend it for a photo opportunity! -Fallsview Canyon Trail: This trail takes you from the Falls View down to the floor of the canyon. Unfortunately, the trail does not bring you to the base of the falls to bathe or get a view from below. Instead, you're greeted with the bustling Big Quilcene River which has carved the canyon over hundreds of years. The trail quickly dips 200 feet of elevation in 0.1 mile. Keep in mind that grades are up to 10-20% in some spots and what you go down, you must come up. After 0.5 miles, there is a deceptive separate trail that splits leftward, but it's the end/beginning of the same trail which loops back around. The entire trail is 1.5 miles and in very good condition and maintained by the Mount Rose Trail Crew. Directions: From Quilcene, WA, travel 3.5 miles south on U.S. Highway 101. Falls View Campground is located on west side of U.S. Highway 101. If it is during the winter, you can park outside the gate and walk in (refer to image). Take a quick left and continue forward past the campground and picnic area. Fallsview Canyon Trail starts left of the parking area and goes downhill to the river. Fallsview Loop Trail's entrance is just to the right of that.