Olympic National Park - Sol Duc & Lake Crescent - 07/2023

Sol Duc

Sol Duc sits in the northwest corner of Olympic National Park, about a forty minute drive from Port Angeles. The valley is reached from Highway 101 and is known for lush forest, clear water, and easy access to trails and springs.

Name and heritage
Sol Duc comes from a Quileute term that means sparkling waters. The river remains an important part of the Quileute homeland. https://www.westernrivers.org/discover/river-of-the-month/sol-duc-river

Hot springs story
Settlers learned of the mineral springs in the late nineteenth century, and entrepreneur Michael Earles opened a grand resort in 1912. A fire on May 26, 1916 destroyed most of the complex. The resort was later rebuilt on a simpler scale and still welcomes visitors today.
https://www.historylink.org/File/7591
https://digitallib.oit.edu/digital/collection/geoheat/id/11326 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sol_Duc_Hot_Springs 

A legend you will hear
Local tradition tells of two warring dragons whose battle heated the ground and gave rise to the hot springs, a memorable bit of folklore you will see referenced around the valley.

Iconic waterfall
A level walk of about eight tenths of a mile through old growth leads to Sol Duc Falls, often described as one of the most picturesque sights in the park. Please enjoy the view from the designated platforms. 

Wildlife moment
Stop at Salmon Cascades to watch fish leap their way upstream. Coho are most likely from September to October, and steelhead from late March through May.

Classic backpack
From Sol Duc trailheads you can reach the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin loop, a celebrated backcountry route of about nineteen miles with alpine views and mirror like lakes. Permits are required for overnight trips.

Conservation note
The Sol Duc River supports strong wild steelhead and in 2012 it became Washington’s first Wild Steelhead Management Zone.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mwn7M6eqFNJ3kwEz8

https://www.nps.gov/olym/hot-springs.htm

Sol Duc Falls Trail 

(AllTrails app)

Lake Crescent Lodge

Olympic National Park - Log Cabin & Spruce Railroad Trail & Marymere Falls & Lake Crescent - 06/2023

Log Cabin Resort

Log Cabin Resort sits on the shore of Lake Crescent inside Olympic National Park and is a relaxed base for lake time and nearby hikes. It operates seasonally and offers lodging, camping, boat rentals, a restaurant, and a small general store. Accommodations range from lodge rooms and cabins to camper cabins and RV and tent sites managed by the park concessioner.

 

Log Cabin Resort 1

Log Cabin Resort 2

Spruce Railroad Trail

This lakeside path follows an old railroad grade along the north shore of Lake Crescent. It runs about four miles each way, is part of the Olympic Discovery Trail, and welcomes bicycles and leashed pets. The route stays close to the water with gentle grades and big views, which makes it a comfortable choice for most visitors.
(AllTrails app)

Marymere Falls Trail

One of the most popular short walks at Lake Crescent begins near Storm King Ranger Station and leads through old growth forest to a graceful waterfall about ninety feet high. The trail is about nine tenths of a mile each way, with a final set of stairs to the viewpoints. It is a great introduction to the mossy temperate rainforest that defines this part of the park.

(AllTrails app)