Sol Duc Road

Sol Duc Road (or Soleduck) passes through an extremely beautiful forest, with river views and cascades along the way. It ends at the Sol Duc Trailhead. It is off of US-101 roughly halfway between the towns of Port Angeles and Forks.

Mile 0 – Park Entrance

Sol Duc Entrance Sign in Olympic National Park in Washington

Just off of US-101, 28 miles west of Port Angeles or 27 miles northeast of Forks, the entrance sign welcomes you to the Sol Duc area of Olympic National Park. The entrance sign spells the area “Soleduck”. This corruption of the original name is widely and interchangeably used throughout the area.

Mile 2.3 – Aurora Ridge Trailhead

Aurora Ridge Trailhead in Olympic National Park in Washington

The road passes by parking for the Aurora Ridge Trail.

Mile 7.1 – Salmon Cascades

Salmon Cascades in Olympic National Park in Washington

A parking area is on the right. A short trail leads to the Salmon Cascades. Unbelievably, salmon climb this significant waterfall on their way up the Sol Duc River to their spawning grounds. This is a beautiful area well worth the stop.

Mile 8.2 – North Fork Trailhead

North Fork Trailhead in Olympic National Park in Washington

The road passes by the North Fork Trail.

Mile 8.7 – Ancient Groves Nature Trail

Ancient Groves Nature Trail in Olympic National Park in Washington

Parking on the right side of the road is available for the Ancient Groves Nature Trail. This easy loop trail winds through an old growth forest of incredible beauty. See Olympic Hiking Trails for more information.

Mile 11.9 – Eagle Ranger Station

Eagle Ranger Station in Olympic National Park in Washington

The road passes by the Eagle Ranger Station.

Mile 12.1 – Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in Olympic National Park in Washington

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort complex is on the right. Lodging is available here in-season, as well as swimming pools filled with the hot water from the springs. See Olympic Lodging for more information. Just beyond the entrance to the resort is the RV Park. This area is operated by the concessioner responsible for the resort and can be reserved in the same manner.

Mile 12.4 – Sol Duc Campground

Sol Duc Campground in Olympic National Park in Washington

The entrance to Loop A of the Sol Duc Campground is on the right. 0.3 miles further down the road is the entrance to Loop B. See Olympic Camping for details.

Mile 13.8 – Sol Duc Trailhead

Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park in Washington

The road ends at the parking area for the Sol Duc Trail (spelled Soleduck on the current trail sign). This trail leads deep into the backcountry, but it also reaches the amazing Sol Duc Falls in only 0.8 miles. This is one of the nicest short hikes in the park, and the waterfall is truly unique. For more on the hike to the waterfall, see Olympic Hiking Trails.