Murhut Falls

This short 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 to reach the tiered falls.

The well-maintained Murhut Falls Trail begins with a gradual ascent, then flattens out before the final steep ascent to your destination at 1,050 feet. 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, which accounts for the easy, smooth tread. The roar of falling water greets you on 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; here 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.