Marymere Falls is the hike to do when you want the magic of Olympic National Park without committing your whole day. In less than a mile you go from the shore of bright blue Lake Crescent, through a tunnel under the highway, into a forest of giant moss-covered trees, and up to a waterfall that drops about 90 feet into a fern-filled ravine.
The Marymere Falls Trail is short, family-friendly and open most of the year. The only real effort comes at the very end, where a set of steps climbs to the viewpoints.
This guide covers the distance, parking, the old-growth forest, what the falls look like in each season, and how to fit Marymere into a Lake Crescent day.
Quick answer
- Distance: about 1.8 miles round trip (0.9 miles each way).
- Elevation gain: roughly 200–400 feet, most of it in the last stretch.
- Time: 1–1.5 hours.
- Difficulty: easy, with a short steep climb on steps at the end.
- Waterfall: about 90 feet tall, on Falls Creek.
- Trailhead: Storm King Ranger Station on Lake Crescent, off US-101, about 20 miles west of Port Angeles.
- Dogs: not allowed on Olympic National Park trails.
- Best time: spring for the biggest flow; summer mornings for the easiest parking.
Marymere Falls at a Glance
| Location | Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park, Washington |
| Trail type | Out and back with a small loop at the falls |
| Distance | About 1.8 miles round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Waterfall height | About 90 feet |
| Creeks | Falls Creek (the falls) flows into Barnes Creek, which feeds Lake Crescent |
| Surface | Packed dirt with roots, bridges and steps |
| Restrooms | Near the Storm King Ranger Station |
| Season | Year-round, conditions permitting |
Where Is Marymere Falls?
Marymere Falls is on the south shore of Lake Crescent, in the northern part of Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula.
Directions
- From Port Angeles, drive west on US-101 for about 20 miles.
- Near Barnes Point (around milepost 228), turn right toward Lake Crescent Lodge and the Storm King Ranger Station.
- Follow the signs a short distance to the parking area by the ranger station.
From Seattle, it’s roughly 2.5–3 hours, depending on whether you take a ferry.
Parking
- Park at the Storm King Ranger Station lot. Lake Crescent Lodge guests can also walk to the trail from the lodge.
- The lot fills on summer weekends by late morning. Early morning or late afternoon is easiest.
- Don’t park along US-101.
Park fees
Marymere Falls is inside Olympic National Park, which charges an entrance fee. There’s no entrance booth on this stretch of US-101, so it’s easy to forget. Check the NPS site for how to buy a pass, or bring your America the Beautiful pass.
The Marymere Falls Hike, Step by Step
1. Ranger station to the highway tunnel
The trail starts at the small, historic Storm King Ranger Station, a log cabin by the lake. It heads gently toward the water, then turns and ducks through a short tunnel under US-101. Kids love this part.
2. The old-growth forest
On the other side, you’re suddenly in a different world. This is the part many people end up loving most.
Huge Douglas firs, western red cedars and hemlocks tower overhead. Moss hangs from branches, sword ferns cover the ground, and fallen logs slowly turn into “nurse logs” with new trees growing out of them. The air feels cool and damp, and it smells like wet wood and earth.
Look for one especially giant old tree right along the path. It’s a favorite photo stop.
3. The Mount Storm King junction
About half a mile in, you’ll pass the junction with the Mount Storm King Trail on your left. That one is a steep, tough climb, not a side trip. Stay on the path toward Marymere Falls.
4. Barnes Creek and Falls Creek bridges
The trail meets Barnes Creek. Turn right at the signed junction and cross two wooden footbridges: first over Barnes Creek, then over Falls Creek. The water is clear and icy, often with a milky blue-green tint.
5. The climb to the falls
Now comes the only real effort: a short, steep climb on stairs and switchbacks. It’s over in a few minutes.
At the top, a small loop leads to two viewpoints. The lower one puts you close to the base of the falls, near the spray. The upper one gives a fuller view of the whole drop. The loop then brings you back down to the main trail.
6. The waterfall
Marymere Falls drops about 90 feet down a dark, moss-covered rock wall. It’s a graceful, narrow fall rather than a thundering one. In spring it’s full and loud. By late summer it can thin to a lacy ribbon, but the setting is just as pretty.
How Hard Is the Marymere Falls Trail?
It’s an easy hike. The first 0.7 miles are nearly flat. The last bit climbs steeply up steps, which can feel like a short workout, but it doesn’t last long.
Is it good for kids and beginners?
Yes. It’s one of the best family hikes in Olympic National Park. Hold small kids’ hands on the bridges and near the viewpoint railings, and watch for slippery roots after rain.
Is it stroller or wheelchair friendly?
Not fully. The early part is wide and fairly smooth, but the steps at the end aren’t passable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Best Time to Visit Marymere Falls
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Strongest water flow, very green forest, frequent rain |
| Summer (June–August) | Driest weather and long days, busiest parking; flow drops by late summer |
| Fall (September–November) | Fewer people, rain returns and the falls pick up again |
| Winter (December–February) | Quiet and moody; possible ice, fallen trees or storm closures |
Best time of day: early morning for parking and soft light. Cloudy days are actually perfect for photos here.
What to Bring
- Shoes with decent grip (trail runners are fine)
- A light rain jacket. It rains a lot here, even in “nice” seasons
- Water and a snack
- A camera or phone with a wide-angle setting
- Your park pass
Photography Tips
- Overcast days give even light and make the greens glow.
- From the upper viewpoint, frame the falls with ferns and branches.
- Use a slow shutter (or your phone’s long-exposure mode) to smooth the water.
- Wipe your lens often. The spray near the lower viewpoint fogs it up.
Things to Do Near Marymere Falls
Lake Crescent
Walk down to the shore by the ranger station or Lake Crescent Lodge. The water is famously clear and blue. Paddling, short shoreline walks and lakeside picnics are all popular in summer.
Mount Storm King
For a big challenge with a big view, the Mount Storm King hike starts from the same trail. It’s steep and ends with rope sections, so read up before you try it.
Barnes Creek Trail
Want more forest? Keep going up the Barnes Creek Trail past the Marymere junction for a quiet out-and-back.
Sol Duc Falls and the Hoh
Continue west on US-101 to the Sol Duc Falls Trail, or further to the Hoh River Trail in the rainforest.
Marymere Falls vs. Sol Duc Falls
| Marymere Falls | Sol Duc Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | About 1.8 miles round trip | About 1.6 miles round trip |
| Waterfall style | One tall, narrow drop | Several streams plunging into a gorge |
| Nearby | Lake Crescent | Sol Duc Hot Springs |
| Difficulty | Easy (steps at the end) | Easy |
They’re only about 40 minutes apart, so many people do both in one day.
Suggested Half-Day Plan
- Arrive at the Storm King Ranger Station around 8–9 a.m.
- Walk to Marymere Falls and back (about 1.5 hours with photo stops).
- Spend time at the Lake Crescent shoreline.
- Have lunch near the lodge or in Port Angeles, or drive on to Sol Duc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Marymere Falls Trail?
About 1.8 miles round trip from the Storm King Ranger Station.
How hard is Marymere Falls?
Easy. The only steep part is a short climb on steps right before the falls.
How tall is Marymere Falls?
About 90 feet.
Where do you park for Marymere Falls?
At the Storm King Ranger Station lot on Lake Crescent, just off US-101.
Are dogs allowed on the Marymere Falls Trail?
No. Pets aren’t allowed on trails in Olympic National Park.
Is Marymere Falls open in winter?
Usually, but storms, ice or fallen trees can cause closures. Check park alerts first.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes. Olympic National Park charges an entrance fee, even though there’s no booth on this section of US-101.
Is Marymere Falls worth it?
Yes. For such a short walk, the forest and falls are hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Marymere Falls is proof that a great hike doesn’t need to be long. You get a lake, a tunnel, ancient trees, two bridges and a beautiful waterfall in under two miles. Go early, take your time in the forest, and pair it with a few quiet minutes on the shore of Lake Crescent.
More Washington hikes: Lake 22 near Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge and the Maple Pass Loop.
Trail facts come from Olympic National Park (National Park Service). Check park alerts before you go.