Marymere Falls Trail

You can park at the Storm King Ranger Station parking area, which is located near Lake Crescent. The trailhead is easily accessible from there, starting with a walk along the lake and through a tunnel under Highway 101.

Yes, the Marymere Falls Trail is located within Olympic National Park, so standard park entrance fees apply. You can purchase a pass at park entrances or visitor centers. No specific permits are needed for hiking this particular trail.

No, dogs are generally not allowed on most trails within Olympic National Park, including the Marymere Falls Trail. This is to protect wildlife and natural resources. Service animals are an exception.

The trail is beautiful year-round. Spring offers lush greenery and strong waterfall flow, while summer provides warmer weather and full foliage. Fall brings vibrant colors, and winter can offer a serene, snow-dusted experience, though conditions may be slicker. Weekdays or early mornings are best to avoid crowds.

The initial section is wide, well-maintained, and composed of compact gravel, suitable for light jogging. However, as you approach the falls, the trail becomes more rugged and narrow, with uneven ground, loose gravel, exposed roots, and natural stairs. The final stretch to the falls involves a steeper ascent, making continuous jogging challenging.

Beginner joggers can enjoy the initial, flatter sections of the trail. However, the final ascent to the falls is steeper and more technical, with stairs and uneven surfaces. Beginners might find themselves walking this last portion, but the overall experience is still rewarding and manageable.

You'll be immersed in a vibrant old-growth forest with towering conifers, maples, and hemlock trees, along with ferns and moss-covered surfaces. The highlight is the stunning 90-foot Marymere Falls, which you can view from both lower and upper platforms. You'll also enjoy views of Lake Crescent at the beginning and end of the trail.

While the full round trip is about 2 miles, the varied terrain means jogging the entire route continuously is difficult. If you jog the easier sections and walk the steeper parts, you can expect to complete it in approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls.

Yes, it's generally considered a family-friendly hike. The relatively short distance and beautiful scenery make it enjoyable for most ages. Keep in mind the final ascent to the falls has stairs and can be a bit challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Marymere Falls Trail, but it also passes through sections of the Mount Storm King Trail, Marymere Falls Nature Trail, Storm King Trail, and Barnes Creek Trail.

The Marymere Falls Trail is popular, especially during peak season and on weekends. To experience more solitude, aim to visit early in the morning, ideally right after sunrise, or later in the afternoon, closer to sunset. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.