Bridge over Sol Duc Falls

Bridge over Sol Duc Falls: Photos of the bridge, the falls, the short hike to the falls, and the beautiful rain forest and river scenery surrounding Sol Duc Falls.


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You're hiking in the Sol Duc forest along the Soleduck Trail toward the bridge over the Sol Duc Falls, hopping over rivulets, noting various fungi species, and excited by sightings of trillium. Douglas fir and red cedar tower above. You pass an old log shelter, built years ago for the use of any passers-by. The air is cool and refreshing, perhaps even drizzly...

You begin to hear a soft thunder. Soon the sound is unmistakable; there is a waterfall ahead. A couple more bends in the trail, and there it is...

Sol Duc Falls.

View of Sol Duc Falls from the Bridge over the fallsView of Sol Duc Falls from the Bridge over the falls. Stay too long on the bridge, and you'll be drenched in the fine mist.

Quite an impressive waterfall! You walk halfway across the very cool little bridge spanning a mini-gorge, and begin snapping photos.

Bridge over Sol Duc Falls, in the Olympic National ParkI've crossed the bridge so I can capture the view from the other side
Sol Duc Falls, WA, swollen by spring run-offAnother view of the bridge, with the falls pounding in the foreground
Sol Duc Falls, pounding with spring run-offThe falls, swollen with spring run-off, were pounding on this April day. I got as close to the precipice as I dared in order to take this photo.
The gorge at the foot of Sol Duc Falls, WAThe Sol Duc River continues through the gorge once it has tumbled over the falls.

Getting to the
Bridge over Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc River Road ends at the trailhead for Sol Duc Bridge and FallsSol Duc River Road ends here at the trailhead for Sol Duc Bridge and Falls
Trailhead of the 0.8 mile trail to the Sol Duc FallsNot far from road's end is the trailhead of the 0.8 mile path leading to the bridge over Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls Trail, in Olympic National ParkSol Duc Falls Trail is well maintained and travelled by many feet. You can't get lost.
Trail to the bridge over Sol Duc Falls, WAA visit during a summer afternoon will likely look something like this photo and the following one.
Trail to the bridge over Sol Duc Falls, WASol Duc Falls trail in summer. The moss is present, but not as vibrantly green.
Sol Duc Falls Trail, WAA stretch of the trail had been battered by a surprising number of freshly fallen trees
Sol Duc Falls Trail, WAONP rangers are quick to clean up the trail.
Many feet on the Sol Duc Falls trail have worn the path and exposed many rootsMany feet on the Sol Duc Falls trail have worn the path and exposed many roots


Right: This fallen giant recently hit the deck, judging by the lack of moss on the root ball.

Rangers cut away the portion of trunk that obstructed the trail, not visible in the photo. Lichens and fungi will soon thrive on the raw wood.

Fallen tree along the trail to Sol Duc Falls, WA
Shelter for overnighters on the Sol Duc Falls trailOnce you reach this shelter along the Sol Duc Falls trail, the falls and the bridge over the Sol Duc Falls is not far away.

Along the Trail...

Spring water feeding the Sol Duc RiverSpring water forms a mossy creek before feeding into the Sol Duc River
Spring water forms a mossy creeks before feeding into the Sol Duc River
Spring water forms a mossy creeks before feeding into the Sol Duc RiverThis mini-springwater cascade passes under the trail and keeps right on going in the same beautiful fashion

See more info on the Sol Duc Valley from the Olympic National Park website

Consider a stop at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

Washington State Map

Nearby Cities:

  • Seattle: 123 miles (approx. 3.5 hours)
  • Port Angeles: 41 miles (approx. 1 hour)
  • Forks: 40 miles (approx. 52 minutes)
  • Aberdeen: 147 miles (approx. 2.9 hours)



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