Finally water!!

I know we've been in need of rain for a long time, but the difference in the Sol Duc between today and two weeks ago is remarkable. The cascades had Coho, the falls seem almost normal, everything is damp and vibrant, just as it should be. This hike is easy, careful of slippery bits if you have limited mobility. Beautiful bit of the PNW.

I hiked this popular trail on a Wednesday morning. I got to the parking lot before 0800 and the lot was about 1/4 full. It looks like it could hold ~100 cars. 

The trail starts out wide and gravelly. Head down the stairs at the entry point and the trail flattens for most of the hike. There are a few spots where the trail increases in elevation, but it is not significant. There are numerous old growth trees. I could hear birds and saw some gray squirrels. There are lot of rocks and some visible roots on the trail. It's a beautiful hike with lots to see and some picture perfect trees. 

I arrived at the bridge over the falls area and really enjoyed the scene as there was only 2 other people there at the time. There are multiple places around the falls to sit and take in the view from other vantage points.  

I saw many people heading to the falls on my way out. The hike in is only .8 miles, so it was a pretty quick visit.

Crowded but not so much that it hindered my enjoyment. Parking was trouble for a few people coming in after us, but it was a free-parking day so it might have been more crowded than usual.

Hike is quick and pretty breezy and the view of the falls at the end is lovely. Trail was well-maintained and very dry right now because it hasn't rained in a bit, but the falls were still roaring.

Great hike for kids or beginners!

Went with a group of friends who camped at Sol Duc Falls campground with us. We were expecting a 1.6 mile/less than 1 hour stroll to the falls but ended up hiking a total of 6 miles. Personally I didnt mind at all and love the exercise but others in the group were unprepared (wearing Crocks and drinking white claws lol). There is no signage or information at the end of the paved road in front of the resort but if you walk up the first trail past the resort and past first sign there is another sign that says "Sol Duc Falls 3 miles". I am starting to think we needed to walk down the other gravel road first but still was unclear. When we reached the falls there were two other paths, we followed the path to the right and it lead up to disperesed camping and was unsure if we were supposed to keep going straight to the path across the bridge since the info we had didnt say this was a loop. We ended up just going back from where we came from/ out and back style. I'm starting to think we might of did a combination of lovers lane and sol duc falls but didnt do a loop due to lack of info.  

Overall, the hike was beautiful!! The falls in September arent too crazy and wont splash you on the bridge. Lots of moss, massive trees, nursing logs, old growth, mushrooms, falls, river, bridges. The pathway itself is covered in big roots and rocks so my ankles and calves were pretty sore. 

If anyone knows where we messed up here I would love to know! 

Great first backpacking trip for our 6 and 8 year-olds. The line between trail route and camp sites was a bit fuzzy, but the spots at the edge of the creek were beautiful and quieted down as the day hikers headed back.