Marymere Falls is a gem in the Olympic National Park. This highly-trafficked waterfall trail segments off to the Mount Storm King trail which I previously wrote a post about here. However, the Marymere Falls trail is much more suited for those who would rather see a waterfall over a view, and those who are looking for a less intense hike. This trail is great for families with kids, beginner hikers, and really everyone visiting the Olympic National Parks. This trail is rated easy on Alltrails, and you can view the Alltrails information here. Without further ado, let’s get into this post on Marymere Falls and what to know before hiking!
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Marymere Falls: What to Know Before Hiking
GETTING THERE
From Port Angeles, take 101 West for 20 miles (heading towards Forks). It will take about 30 minutes. There will be a sign for Marymere Falls and the Lake Crescent Lodge with room to park on the right. If you are coming from the direction of Forks, you will take 101 East for around 30 miles until you reach the same sign. Once you turn at the sign there is room to park by the Lake Crescent Lodge to the left, or the Storm King Ranger station by going to the right. Parking is free, but fills up fast, even on weekdays. Plan to arrive early (before 10 am) if you want to have an easier time finding a parking spot.
In the lot there are garbage bins, bathrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, lodge, and ranger station. Currently, the Ranger Station and Lodge is closed per COVID regulations in place. If you are parking at the Storm King Ranger station lot, take the Marymere trail behind the station to get to the trail. There will be a tunnel leading under the main road once you start the trail. If you’re in the Lake Crescent Lodge parking lot, follow signs for the same Marymere trail.
This hike is only about 3 hours from Seattle. if you are heading from Seattle, take the Bremerton ferry to the peninsula and then follow signs towards Port Angeles before following the directions above.
THE HIKE
Marymere Falls is an easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail with 298 ft elevation gain. This trail is very well maintained It’s fairly flat most of the way, however, near the end it becomes steep so that you can view the falls from the top. However, if you do not want to go all the way to the top of the falls, there is a great viewpoint at the end of the first switchback which is only a minor hill. This viewpoint is also great for any pictures that you want to take at the falls. Since this trail is fairly flat and short, it’s a great hike to bring kids on. This trail is accessible all year long. Since this hike is in the Olympic National Park, dogs are not allowed on the trails.
Along the trail, before you pass the first bridge, a separate trail will converge. This trail is the same Marymere trail, however, it leads to a separate parking lot as indicated by the sign. If you are coming from the overflow parking lot, you will be on the left trail that converges with the official Marymere Falls trail. Not much further after the point where these trails converge, there will be a separate trail to the right with a sign for Mount Storm King that leads up. For Marymere Falls, you will continue to go straight. This might sound a bit confusing, but it is hard to get lost on this trail as it’s popular and there are lots of signs. You will soon hear the water and cross a bridge across the small river. After crossing the first bridge, there will be a second bridge that isn’t as wide. On the other side of this bridge is where the switchbacks leading uphill begin.
At the end of your hike, if you’re looking to have lunch, I recommend grabbing a spot near Lake Crescent as there isn’t much room by the waterfall.
CAMPING
If you want to stay in the area, there are a few good campgrounds nearby. My go-to is Fairholme Campground. At this campground, you can grab a site right on Lake Crescent. Aside from the campgrounds, there is the Sol Duc Lodge nearby, as well as hotels in Port Angeles.
Lodging Options:
- Fairholme Campground ($24/night)
- Lake Crescent Lodge
- Heart O’ The Hills Campground ($24/night)
- Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park & Campground (Walk-in $25/night, Reserved $29/night, RV $51/night)
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
MY HIKING FAVORITES
Here is some of my favorite gear to bring with me on hikes that I use:
- Hiking boots: Lowa Renegade GTX Women’s Mid Hiking Boots (durable, waterproof, comfortable)
- Water bottle: 32 oz Wide Mouth Hydroflask
- Camera: Canon Powershot G7x Mark II Digital Camera (perfect small and portable camera for hiking)
- Camera bag: BAGSMART Camera Backpack in Pink Canvas
- Daypack: Osprey Daylight Hiking Daypack
If you enjoyed this post or are looking for other hikes in the Pacific Northwest area, be sure to check out the other hikes that I’ve posted, which I will be linking below!
- Mount Storm King: What to Know Before Hiking
- Wahclella Falls: What to Know Before Hiking
- Lewis River Falls | Trail Route, Hiking Tips + Best Time to Visit!
- Trail of Ten Falls: Silver Falls State Park
- The Best Hikes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- 10 Outdoorsy Facebook Groups to Join if you Live in the Pacific Northwest
Thank you so much for reading! If you want to follow along on my hikes and get notified when I post new posts, be sure to follow my Instagram @maddie_deer here or like my Facebook page here.
