If you’re the kind of person who gets excited every time you see a waterfall sign on the side of the road, this road trip is so your thing.
We’re talking mossy forests, misty trails, and waterfalls that tumble into canyons, beaches, and even straight from the roadside—yep, no hiking required for some of them.
This epic loop around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is packed with jaw-dropping stops, and each one has its own wow factor.
Get ready for a waterfall-chasing adventure you’ll never forget.
1. Sol Duc Falls
Sol Duc Falls is tucked away in Olympic National Park’s lush rainforest, about a 30 minute drive from the western edge of Lake Crescent.
And believe me it’s one of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls you’ll see on the whole peninsula.
The waterfall crashes down in three separate streams into a mossy, narrow canyon, and you can catch the best view from a wooden footbridge that feels like something out of a movie.
The short 0.8-mile hike to get there is super scenic, with giant ferns, towering trees, and a trail that smells like fresh pine the whole way.
2. Marymere Falls
Next up is Marymere Falls, just a quick hop from Lake Crescent, and wow—it’s got serious fairy-tale vibes.
This 90-foot waterfall spills down a rocky cliff surrounded by thick forest, and the trail to get there winds through old-growth trees so big you’ll feel like you’ve shrunk.
It’s a 1.8-mile round-trip hike with a bit of uphill at the end, but the wooden stairs and lookout platform make it totally worth it for that up-close, misty waterfall moment.
3. Madison Creek Falls
If you’re in the mood for a quick win, Madison Creek Falls is your spot.
It’s low effort and high reward.
It’s just a flat, paved path that takes less than five minutes to walk, and boom, there it is: a stunning 50-foot drop pouring down a mossy rock wall like nature’s own curtain.
Located right near the Elwha River, this one’s easy to access, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time or traveling with little kids (or just don’t feel like hiking today).
4. Rocky Brook Falls
Ready for something a little off the beaten path?
Rocky Brook Falls is tucked away near the tiny town of Brinnon, and it’s a massive, thundering cascade where the largest drop falls 239 feet down a rocky cliff.
The walk is super short—less than a quarter mile—but the falls are huge, loud, and seriously dramatic.
Plus, you might even spot folks wading around the shallow pool at the bottom on a hot day.
5. Spoon Creek Falls
And for a total hidden gem, Spoon Creek Falls is where things get extra cool and low-key.
This double-drop waterfall is tucked deep in the Olympic National Forest near Wynoochee Lake.
When you get there, you’ll see it spilling into a dreamy, shallow pool that’s perfect for wading or a mid-hike chill session.
The trail is less than a mile round-trip, mostly flat, and super peaceful—you’ll probably have the whole place to yourself except for the occasional frog or dragonfly.
6. Merriman Falls
Next stop: Merriman Falls, where you don’t even have to leave your car to catch a glimpse—but trust me, you’ll want to get out for this one.
It’s just off the side of the road near Lake Quinault, and the 40-foot waterfall tumbles down a mossy rock face surrounded by ferns so green it almost doesn’t look real.
There’s no official trail here, just a short scramble if you want to get closer, and the whole spot feels like a local secret you just stumbled across.
7. Strawberry Bay Falls (also known as Third Beach Falls)
Now for something totally wild—Strawberry Bay Falls, also called Third Beach Falls, is the only one on this list that drops straight onto the sand.
You’ll hike about 3.6 miles round-trip to get to the falls.
You’ll start off through coastal forest near La Push, and just when you think the trail couldn’t get better, you pop out onto the beautiful Third Beach.
At the south end of the beach is where you’ll find the waterfall pouring right off a cliff onto the beach like a scene from a movie.
The combo of ocean waves, sea stacks, and a legit beach waterfall is next-level magical.
At high tide the place can be a bit dangerous, so always make sure you’re aware of safety warnings and tide charts for the area.
8. Beaver Falls
Last but definitely not least is Beaver Falls, a wide, curtain-style waterfall that you won’t be able to get enough of.
It’s located in Clallam County, about 15 minutes drive from the city of Forks.
The short path from the trailhead takes you right to the base, where the water spills over a mossy basalt ledge in one long, thundering sheet.
It’s loud, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect way to wrap up your waterfall adventure.
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