Sol Duc Falls and Deer Lake

The walk starts at the Sol Duc Trailhead, at the end of the Sol Duc Road, 14 miles from Highway 101. A broad trail runs through old-growth forest for 0.8 miles to Sol Duc Falls, where the river splits into as many as four channels and drops 48 feet into a narrow canyon. Cross the bridge at the falls and take the Deer Lake Trail, which climbs steadily beside Canyon Creek, past several small waterfalls, for about three miles to Deer Lake. Return the same way.

It is 7.0 miles (11.2 km) round trip with 1,570 feet (478 m) of climbing; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Moderate: an easy first mile, then a steady climb of about 1,500 feet.

Pets are not allowed on park trails. Deer Lake has campsites, which need a wilderness permit booked in advance, and bear canisters are required for storing food in this area. The trails beyond the lake, towards the High Divide, hold snow until early or mid-July.

The Sol Duc Road is not open all year: in 2026 the park listed it open from March 24. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, on the road in, is generally open from late March to the last weekend in October. Entry to the park costs $30 per vehicle for seven days.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.