Marymere Falls Trail is a very fun trail in the northern section of Olympic National Park with an amazing view of the gorgeous Marymere Falls.
Marymere Falls Trail
This 90-foot waterfall pours from the top and about halfway down it lands on the face of the falls and spreads in many different directions making it very unique.
The trail consists of two bridges. A metal bridge over Barnes Creek and a cool wooden bridge that crosses over a stream.
The trail is made of dirt and has many ups and downs at times, but it has neat rails and steps in some portions of the trail. Be ready for an awesome experience on the Marymere Fall trail.
Distance: 1.7 miles round trip, Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet
Time: Around 2 hours depending on the skill level of the hiker and the number of photographs done.
Difficulty: It is around medium difficulty for most people due to the inclines on the trail near the falls. It can be very hard for people with knee and back problems or other health conditions.
Restrooms: Restroom at the trailhead
Accessibility: Not ADA Accessible
Pets: No pets are allowed on the Marymere Falls Trail
Parking: Storm King Ranger Station Parking Lot on the shores of Lake Crescent. The parking fills up very quickly so I would arrive early or be prepared to wait for a parking space.
Where is Marymere Falls Trail?
From Port Angeles, travel on US Highway 101 West for 19.1 miles then turn right on Lake Crescent Road. Then take next right and you will arrive at the trailhead.
From Forks, travel North on US 101 36.2 miles. Then turn left on Lake Crescent Road and take next right and you will arrive at the trailhead.
Hiking Marymere Falls Trail
The Marymere Falls Trail is flat at first and once you get past the two bridges is when you must make your way up the inclines towards the falls.
There are some steps on the trail to make your way up to the upper overlook of the falls. If you struggle to go upstairs you can go straight past the second bridge to make your way to the upper overlook first, then walk down the stairs.
Also, be prepared for a few rocky spots or roots on the trail. The trail can be very crowded at times so it may be hard to get a good view of the falls or a good picture.
So, you may have to wait a few minutes. Although the trail can be rough and it can be crowded, it is definitely worth the hike and the wait for this amazing view.
Trail Safety
Always be aware of bears and know your bear safety. Also, be aware of any other wildlife for they can all be dangerous.
Always stay on the trail. When wandering off the trail you are not only not following leave no trace, but you are also putting yourself at risk of other dangers.
What to Bring
Water: Bring water to stay hydrated and to prevent dehydration.
Comfortable shoes or boots: Shoes or boots you feel comfortable walking long distances and on a dirt terrain is recommended.
Closest Attractions: Spruce Railroad Trail, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot springs, Sol Duc Falls, The Hoh Rainforest.
Closest Campground: Fairholme Campground
Closest Lodging: Lake Crescent Lodge
Closest Visitor Center: The Storm King Ranger station is at the start of the trail. If there is no one there the next closest visitor centers are in Port Angeles or the Hoh Rainforest.
Camera Gear we use
We are big fans of using great camera gear to get amazing photos while traveling.
Canon R5 - We recently upgraded to the R5 after using a Mark 5 for years. We are loving the camera shutter speed and quality of images.
Canon 100 - 500mm - We use the Canon 100-500 for wildlife photography.
Camera Rain Cover - A rain cover will help protect your camera during rain showers but also when photographing waterfalls.
Camera Cleaning Kit - Cameras can get dirty, beat up, and dusty while in the parks. We like having a cleaning kit with us so we can do on the spot touch ups.
Extra Camera Batteries - We suggest always having one or two extra camera batteries with you. There is nothing worse than going to take a shot and the battery dies.
Extra Memory Cards - We use Extreme PRO SanDisk cards
Distance to Olympic NP Attractions
One thing to know about traveling within Olympic National Park is many destinations are a fair distance away from each other. This is not a park you are going to see everything in one or two days.
It can take a lot longer than you expect to reach many destinations within the park. Plan extra time for driving!
Crescent Lake -Storm King Ranger Station to -
Hurricane Ridge - 39 miles, 1 hour
Sol Duc - 16 miles, 1 hour
Hoh Rainforest - 72 miles, 2.5 hours
Kalaloch - 40 miles, 1 hour
Mora - 48 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Lake Ozette - 65 miles, 2 hours
Quinault Rain Forest - 120 miles, 2 hours 45 minutes
Staircase Ranger Station - 126 miles, 2 hours and 45 minutes
Olympic National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Where to stay when visiting Olympic National Park
There are multiple National Park Lodges within the park. Deciding on which lodge to stay in will largely depend on what part of the park you plan to explore because it certainly is one of those National Parks that you'll visit multiple times and still have something new to see (like we do!)
Kalaloch Lodge
Season: Year-round
Location: Along Highway 101 on the Pacific Ocean
The Kalaloch Lodge is a perfect place to stay while exploring the Olympic Peninsula and was indeed one of our favorite National Park Lodges we've ever stayed at. With well-equipped rooms and unbeatable views of Kalaloch Beach, you're sure to fall in love with this lodge.
Lake Crescent Lodge
Season: May to January
Location: Beside Lake Crescent, approximately 30 minutes from Port Angeles, Washington
The Lake Crescent Lodge boasts phenomenal views of Lake Crescent and offers a variety of accommodating options like cottages, lodge rooms, single tavern cottages, and more for you to choose from. If you end up deciding on a cottage (like we did), you'll get a chance to catch the gorgeous sunsets over the lake from your front porch. You can also rent kayaks from the property to go kayaking on the lake.
Log Cabin Resort
Season: May to September
Location: On the shore of Lake Crescent, 30 minutes from Port Angeles, Washington
The Log Cabin Resort includes chalets, camper cabins, RV/tent-camping sites, and more with stellar views of Lake Crescent. We stayed in a 2 Bedroom Kitchenette Cabin and had a great time at the place, which was spacious, had all the essentials, and a picnic table with a view, right outside the room.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Season: Mid-April to the end of October
Location: Right by the Sol Duc Hot Springs
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a rustic, serene property located by the hot springs. With a reservation at this resort, you'll also get access to swim in the hot springs, which was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay there. The property's prime location in the forested region also gives you easy access to the nearby trails, the Sol Duc Falls, River, and Valley.
Lodging near Olympic NP
Olympic NP borders multiple gateway communities including Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, La Push, Olympia, Forks, and Shelton.
Lake Quinault Lodge - At Lake Quinault Lodge, you can look forward to golfing on site, a terrace, and shopping on site. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. The onsite family restaurant, Roosevelt Room, features American cuisine. In addition to a firepit and mini golf, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi. Available to book on Expedia
Tree house at Twilight Beach - Stunning Tree house looking over the Strait of Juan De Fuca is a total North-West Washington experience. It is made of cedar with rustic touches. Once you are inside you will never want to leave as the floor to ceiling window looks onto the straight and with constant moving landscape of cruise ships, wildlife, and bald eagles soaring across your window.
Olympic Inn & Suites - located in Port Angeles. Olympic Inn & Suites provides everything you need. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi.
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor - Take advantage of dry cleaning/laundry services, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar at Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location. Be sure to enjoy a meal at 48° North, the onsite restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a business center.
Quality Inn & Suites - Located in Sequim. Take advantage of a free breakfast buffet, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym at Quality Inn & Suites at Olympic NP. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a business center, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Olympic Railway Inn - located in Sequim. Stay in converted Caboose Train cars!!! Each caboose has a different theme!
Click on the map below to see additional hotel and vacation rental rates in the area.
For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando
Additional Olympic NP Resources
Check out all of the Olympic National Park Camping options. There are 14 campgrounds within the park.
Olympic National Park Lodging - Check out our complete guide of all the places to stay within the park.
Things to do in Olympic NP - Find out all of the top things to do in this great park.
Free National Park Days - Check out the 5 days a year the National Park Service waives entrance fees.
Most visited National Parks - Check out all of the top-visited parks in the United States
Moon Olympic Peninsula Guide Book
Olympic National Park trails map
Check out all of the National Parks in Washington along with neighboring National Parks in Idaho, National Parks in Oregon, Hawaii National Parks, and Alaska National Parks
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
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