How to Hike Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park, Washington

Marymere Falls is one of the most accessible and breathtaking waterfalls in Olympic National Park, located just a short drive from the town of Port Angeles, Washington. Despite its proximity to urban centers, this hidden gem offers a serene escape into ancient temperate rainforest, where moss-draped trees, mist-laced air, and the thunderous roar of a 90-foot cascade create an unforgettable natural experience. While many assume the hike is merely a quick stop on a road trip, Marymere Falls demands thoughtful preparationespecially for those seeking to connect with nature safely and sustainably.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to hike Marymere Falls, covering everything from trail logistics and seasonal considerations to ethical hiking practices and essential tools. Whether youre a first-time visitor to the Pacific Northwest or a seasoned hiker looking to deepen your appreciation of this iconic destination, this tutorial ensures youll arrive prepared, leave no trace, and return with lasting memories.

Important note: Marymere Falls is not located in Columbus, Washingtonit is situated in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles. Columbus is a small town in Ohio and does not have any connection to this trail. This guide corrects that common misconception and delivers accurate, location-specific information to ensure your journey is safe and successful.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Trip: When to Go

The timing of your visit significantly impacts your experience at Marymere Falls. The trail is open year-round, but conditions vary dramatically by season. The optimal window for hiking is from late spring (May) through early fall (September), when rainfall is moderate, trails are dry, and wildflowers bloom in abundance. During this period, temperatures range from 50F to 70F, making for comfortable hiking conditions.

Winter hikes (NovemberFebruary) are possible but require additional preparation. Snow can accumulate on the trail, particularly near the falls, and the boardwalk sections may become slick. Ice cleats or microspikes are strongly recommended during icy conditions. The falls are most powerful in late winter and early spring due to snowmelt and heavy rainfall, offering dramatic viewsbut the trail can be muddy and slippery. Always check the National Park Service (NPS) website for current trail conditions before departure.

2. Locate the Trailhead

The Marymere Falls Trailhead is located off Highway 101, approximately 9 miles west of Port Angeles and 1 mile east of the Lake Crescent Lodge. Look for the clearly marked parking area on the north side of the highway, just past the Olympic National Park entrance station. GPS coordinates: 48.0325 N, 123.5578 W.

There is no entrance fee to access the trail, but a valid Olympic National Park entrance pass is required for your vehicle. Passes can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance station. The park offers annual, weekly, and daily passeschoose based on your itinerary. If you plan to visit multiple sites in the park, the annual pass offers the best value.

During peak season (JuneAugust), the parking lot fills quicklyoften by 9:00 AM. Arrive early, ideally before 8:00 AM, to secure a spot. If the lot is full, you may park along the shoulder of Highway 101 (where legal and safe), but never block driveways or emergency access points.

3. Prepare Your Gear

Even though the Marymere Falls Trail is only 1.8 miles round-trip and considered easy, proper gear is essential for safety and comfort.

• Footwear: Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip. The trail includes wooden boardwalks, rocky sections, and wet rootsslippery when damp.
• Clothing: Dress in moisture-wicking layers. The rainforest environment is consistently humid, and mist from the falls can soak you even on sunny days. A lightweight, packable rain jacket is non-negotiable.
• Backpack: Carry a small daypack with water (at least 1 liter per person), snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit. Even short hikes can turn unexpected if weather changes.
• Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone with a protective case. The falls are photogenic, but lighting is often low under the canopy. A polarizing filter helps reduce glare on wet rocks.
• Navigation: Download the NPS app or offline maps via Gaia GPS or AllTrails. Cell service is unreliable in the park.

4. Begin the Hike

The trail begins at a well-marked kiosk with a map and trail information. The first 0.1 miles are paved and ADA-accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. After this short stretch, the trail transitions to a packed dirt and boardwalk path that winds gently through a lush old-growth forest.

As you walk, notice the towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir trees. The understory is thick with ferns, mosses, and devils cluba spiky native shrub that should be admired from a distance. Listen for the calls of hermit thrushes and the rustling of Roosevelt elk in the distance.

The trail is mostly flat with a slight incline, gaining only about 150 feet in elevation over the full distance. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked with wooden signs. There are no intersections or confusing turnsjust follow the path as it curves gently toward the sound of rushing water.

5. Reach the Viewing Platform

At approximately 0.9 miles, youll arrive at a large, elevated wooden viewing platform that overlooks Marymere Falls. The platform is designed to provide unobstructed views of the 90-foot cascade as it plunges over a basalt cliff into a deep, moss-lined pool below.

Take your time here. The mist from the falls creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere. Rainbows frequently form in the spray on sunny mornings. Do not climb on the rocks or venture beyond the designated platformthis area is unstable and dangerous. Several visitors have been injured attempting to get closer to the waters edge.

For the best photos, visit in the late morning when sunlight filters through the canopy and illuminates the waterfall. Avoid midday if possibledirect overhead light flattens textures and reduces contrast in photographs.

6. Return to the Trailhead

The return journey follows the same path. On the way back, take a moment to observe details you may have missed on the way inthe intricate patterns of lichen on bark, the sound of a nearby creek, or the way light filters through the canopy. The forest feels different when youre not rushing toward a destination.

Once you return to the trailhead, check your gear. Ensure youve collected all belongings and that no trash remains. If you took photos, consider sharing them responsibly on social media with proper location tags to promote conservation awareness.

Best Practices

1. Leave No Trace

Olympic National Park is a protected wilderness area governed by strict Leave No Trace principles. Adhering to these guidelines ensures the trail remains pristine for future visitors.

• Plan ahead and prepare: Know the weather, trail conditions, and regulations before you go.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on the designated trail. Straying off-path damages fragile moss carpets and root systems.
• Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trashincluding food wrappers, tissues, and biodegradable items like apple cores. Even natural waste can disrupt local ecosystems.
• Leave what you find: Do not pick flowers, collect rocks, or carve into trees. Mosses and lichens grow extremely slowly and can take decades to recover from damage.
• Minimize campfire impact: Fires are prohibited on this trail. Use a stove if cooking nearby.
• Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them. Roosevelt elk and black bears are common in the area.
• Be considerate of others: Keep noise levels low. Use headphones for music. Yield to uphill hikers and let faster hikers pass politely.

2. Respect Indigenous Lands

Olympic National Park lies within the ancestral territory of the Makah, Hoh, Quileute, Quinault, and other Coast Salish peoples. These communities have stewarded these lands for thousands of years. Acknowledge their enduring connection to the landscape by learning about their history and supporting Indigenous-led conservation efforts.

Before your visit, explore resources from the National Park Services tribal heritage page to understand the cultural significance of this region. Consider donating to tribal organizations that protect traditional ecological knowledge.

3. Avoid Overcrowding

Popular trails like Marymere Falls are vulnerable to overtourism. To reduce pressure on the environment and enhance your experience:

• Visit on weekdays rather than weekends.
• Choose shoulder seasons (May, September) over peak summer months.
• Explore lesser-known trails in the park, such as the Hoh River Trail or the Sol Duc Falls Loop, to distribute foot traffic.
• Volunteer for park cleanups or citizen science programs through the NPS.

4. Stay Safe in the Rainforest

The Olympic Peninsula receives over 140 inches of rain annually. Even on sunny days, the forest floor remains damp. Hazards include:

• Slippery surfaces: Moss-covered rocks and wet boardwalks are treacherous. Take small, deliberate steps.
• Hypothermia risk: Wet clothing combined with wind chill can lower body temperature quickly. Carry an extra layer.
• Flash floods: While rare on this trail, heavy rains can cause creeks to rise. Avoid crossing waterways if water is moving swiftly.
• Navigation errors: Trails can become obscured after storms. Stick to marked paths and carry a physical map as backup.

5. Photography Ethics

While capturing the beauty of Marymere Falls is encouraged, avoid actions that harm the environment for the sake of a photo:

• Do not stand on the edge of the falls or climb rocks to get a better shot.
• Never use dronesthey are prohibited in national parks without special permits.
• Avoid using bright lights or flash photography near wildlife.
• Respect the privacy of other visitors. Dont intrude on their moments of solitude.

Tools and Resources

1. Official Park Resources

Always consult the National Park Service for the most accurate, up-to-date information:

• Olympic National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm Trail alerts, weather, maps, and permits.
• Trail Conditions Hotline: Call (360) 565-3130 for recorded updates on trail closures, weather, and wildlife activity.
• Visitor Centers: Stop by the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles or the Lake Crescent Lodge for free maps and ranger advice.

2. Mobile Applications

Download these apps before your trip:

• AllTrails: Offers offline maps, user reviews, and real-time trail photos. The Marymere Falls trail has over 1,200 reviews with recent condition reports.
• Gaia GPS: Premium version includes topographic maps and GPS trackingideal for backup navigation.
• NPS App: Official app with park maps, audio tours, and alerts. Works offline after download.
• Weather Underground or Windy: Monitor microclimate conditions for the Olympic Peninsula. Rainfall predictions are more accurate here than general forecasts.

3. Books and Guides

Deepen your understanding with these authoritative resources:

• Hiking Olympic National Park by David B. Williams Comprehensive trail descriptions and ecological insights.
• The Wild Edge: A Guide to the Pacific Northwests Natural Wonders by David Moskowitz Context on the regions biodiversity and conservation.
• Olympic National Park: A Natural History by William H. Gerdts Scientific background on the rainforest ecosystem.

4. Educational Platforms

Expand your knowledge with these free online resources:

• National Park Service Education Portal: Free lesson plans and virtual field trips on temperate rainforests.
• YouTube Channels: The Outbound Collective and Trailhead Diaries feature high-quality footage of Marymere Falls with practical tips.
• Podcasts: The Trek and Wild Ideas Worth Living often cover sustainable hiking and park stewardship.

5. Gear Recommendations

Based on user reviews and expert testing, here are top-rated gear items for this hike:

• Footwear: Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX or Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
• Rain Jacket: Arcteryx Beta LT or Columbia Watertight II
• Backpack: Osprey Talon 22 or Deuter Speed Lite 20
• Water: Hydro Flask 32 oz or CamelBak Chute Mag
• Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini 2 for satellite messaging in emergencies

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor

Emily, a college student from Seattle, planned her first solo trip to Olympic National Park during a spring break. She arrived at Marymere Falls at 7:30 AM on a Saturday. The parking lot was nearly empty. She wore waterproof hiking boots, carried a rain jacket, and downloaded the NPS app for offline maps.

She spent 45 minutes at the falls, taking photos and journaling about the sounds of the forest. She noticed a group of hikers stepping off the trail to take selfies on the rocks near the waters edge. Emily quietly reminded them of the danger and posted a photo of the official sign on Instagram with the caption: Beauty is best preserved when we respect boundaries.

Her experience inspired her to join a local conservation group and volunteer for trail maintenance days. She returned in the fall with her parents and shared her guidebook with them.

Example 2: The Experienced Hiker

James, a retired park ranger from California, visited Marymere Falls for the third time in 20 years. He noticed changes: more foot traffic, broken sections of boardwalk, and litter near the trailhead. He documented the damage with photos and submitted a report to the NPS via their online feedback form.

He also carried a small bag to collect trash during his hike. He left three plastic bottles and a candy wrapper at the trailhead recycling bin. If we dont model stewardship, he wrote in his journal, who will?

Two weeks later, he received an email from a park ranger thanking him for his report. The boardwalk was repaired within a month. Jamess actions demonstrated how individual responsibility can create systemic change.

Example 3: The Family with Young Children

The Ramirez family from Tacoma brought their 5-year-old daughter, Sofia, to Marymere Falls on a Sunday afternoon. They arrived at 4:00 PM and found the parking lot nearly full. They parked legally and walked the last half-mile to avoid congestion.

Sofia loved the boardwalk and the sound of the water. Her parents used the hike as a teaching moment: Why do you think the trees are so green? What do you think lives under those mossy rocks? They brought a small notebook for Sofia to draw what she saw.

They packed out every snack wrapper and made sure Sofia didnt touch the devils club. On the way back, they stopped at the visitor center and received a Junior Ranger badge. Sofia now wants to be a forest protector when she grows up.

FAQs

Is the Marymere Falls Trail suitable for children?

Yes. The trail is family-friendly, flat, and only 0.9 miles one-way. Its ideal for children aged 3 and up. Strollers are permitted on the first 0.1 miles of paved path, but not beyond due to boardwalks and uneven terrain. Carriers or backpacks are recommended for younger kids.

Can I bring my dog on the Marymere Falls Trail?

No. Pets are not allowed on any trails within Olympic National Park, including Marymere Falls. This rule protects native wildlife, prevents disturbance to sensitive habitats, and ensures the safety of both animals and visitors. Service animals are permitted with proper documentation.

How long does the hike take?

Most visitors complete the round-trip hike in 45 to 75 minutes, depending on how long they spend at the falls. Allow extra time for photos, rest, and observing wildlife. If youre photographing or sketching, plan for 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Are there restrooms at the trailhead?

Yes. Clean, accessible restrooms are available at the trailhead parking area. They are maintained daily during peak season. No facilities are available along the trail or at the falls.

Is there cell service on the trail?

No. Cell reception is extremely limited throughout Olympic National Park. Download offline maps and save emergency contacts before entering the park. Consider carrying a satellite communicator like Garmin inReach for safety.

Can I swim at Marymere Falls?

No. Swimming is strictly prohibited at Marymere Falls. The pool below the falls is deep, cold, and filled with submerged rocks and strong undercurrents. There have been multiple drownings here. Stay on the viewing platform.

Whats the best time of day to visit?

Early morning (before 9:00 AM) offers the quietest experience, best lighting for photography, and the highest chance of securing parking. Late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) is also goodfewer crowds and golden light filtering through the trees. Avoid midday if possible.

Is the trail wheelchair accessible?

The first 0.1 miles of the trail are paved and ADA-compliant, leading to a viewing area with partial views of the falls. Beyond that, the trail becomes uneven and includes boardwalks and stairs. A companion can assist with mobility devices, but full access to the main viewing platform is not possible for wheelchairs.

Are there other waterfalls nearby?

Yes. Within a 20-minute drive, you can visit Sol Duc Falls (3.1 miles round-trip), Spruce Railroad Trail (old rail bed with multiple waterfalls), and Hoh River Trail (a longer, more remote option). Combine these into a full-day waterfall tour.

What should I do if I encounter wildlife?

If you see an elk, bear, or other animal:

• Stay calm and do not approach.
• Slowly back away without turning your back.
• Do not feed or attempt to photograph closely.
• Make noise to alert animals of your presence if youre hiking alone.

Report aggressive or unusual animal behavior to park rangers immediately.

Conclusion

Hiking Marymere Falls is more than a scenic walkits an immersive encounter with one of the most ecologically significant temperate rainforests on Earth. This 1.8-mile journey offers more than a view of a waterfall; it provides a window into the quiet, resilient beauty of nature when left undisturbed.

By following this guide, youre not just learning how to reach a destinationyoure learning how to move through the world with reverence, awareness, and responsibility. The moss on the trees, the mist on your skin, the sound of water echoing through ancient woodit all matters. And it all depends on the choices we make as visitors.

Whether youre hiking alone, with family, or as part of a conservation effort, your presence here is a quiet act of stewardship. Pack out what you bring in. Stay on the trail. Respect the silence. Leave the rocks, the ferns, and the moss as you found them.

When you return home, dont just share photosshare the story. Tell others about the importance of protected lands. Encourage others to visit responsibly. Support organizations that defend wild places.

Marymere Falls doesnt need to be famous to be sacred. It needs to be protected. And you, by choosing to hike it mindfully, are helping ensure it remains for generations to come.