Sol Duc Falls Winter Hike

 First of six waterfalls we visited along Hwy 101 today. Sol Duc Hot Springs is in Olympic National Park, west of Lake Crescent on the north side of the Olympic Penninsula. Although the Hot Springs are closed in the winter, the road was snow free and open. The trailhead is about 12 - 13 miles at the end of the road. There are many options for hiking here, a loop that includes Lover's Lane and continues to the resort area, going up to the High Divide/7 Lakes Basin, or going up to Sol Duc Falls and back: a 1.7 mile round trip, which is what we chose to do. We saw deer along the side of the road as we drove up and back to the trail head.

 Sunlight rising through the trees near the trailhead.


















There were lots of small creeks full of water, gushing alongside the trail.

There were some downed trees and water on the trail, but all easily navigated.

 One of the footbridges along the trail, crossing a side creek.

Approaching the falls, the Sol Duc River entering the gorge. Lots of water also pouring out from below the viewpoint on the opposite side.

 Sol Duc Falls dropping 37 feet down into the gorge, this view is from the bridge crossing the gorge.

Panoramic View of the top of Sol Duc Falls from the other side of the gorge.

 Sol Duc River continuing down stream.

 There was some interesting designs carved by insects on this downed tree and

 the bark, which had fallen off.


















another deer, seen on the drive out.