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.