What trails should I hike in Sol Duc?

Sol Duc River Trail
Hike along the Upper Sol Duc River Valley through montane and subalpine forests. About five miles of this trip is along the river and you’ll need to ford Bridge Creek along the way. A number of switchbacks make this trip a little on the strenuous side, but not overly difficult. Primitive camping is available along the Sol Duc River Trail. 

• Distance: 7.2 miles 
• Average time: Most hikers do an overnight but this can be a day hike as well. 
• Elevation gain: 3,050 feet 
• Difficulty: moderate 
• Trail type: one-way 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, take Highway 101west for about 30 miles to Sol Duc River Road. Make a left and continue 14 miles to the end of the road and the Sol Duc Trailhead.

High Divide Loop
Often ranked among the best treks on the Olympic Peninsula, this secondary trail, accessible from the Sol Duc River Trail, boasts a little bit of everything – rivers, alpine lakes, beautiful wildflower-strewn meadows, and snow-capped mountains. The view from the top of High Divide is stellar! There are lots of options for side trails along the way that will take you to more lakes and peaks. Because of this, it’s good to take along a map. 

• Distance: 18.2 miles 
• Average time: a long day hike is possible but most hikers stretch it over 3-4 days or more 
• Elevation gain: 3,020 feet 
• Difficulty: moderately strenuous 
• Trail type: loop 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 for about 30 miles to Sol Duc Road. Turn left and follow it for 13 miles to the large parking lot and trailhead.

Sol Duc Falls
If you’d like to experience the rainforest terrain as well as a great waterfall, you don’t have to do a long hike. The trek to the Sol Duc Falls is less than a mile each way but it gives you a good idea of what rainforest flora and fauna look like. The falls at the end of the trail are the icing on the cake and are best viewed in the spring and early summer. 

• Distance: 1.6 miles round trip 
• Average time: about 20 minutes each way 
• Elevation gain: minimal 
• Difficulty: easy 
• Trail type: out-and-back 
• Trailhead: From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 for about 30 miles to Sol Duc Road. Make a left and follow the road all the way to the end, past the resort and hot springs.