Discover the Beautiful Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park
A Short Hike With Big Scenery
Few Olympic National Park hikes pack in as much scenery in under two miles as Marymere Falls. The trail begins near the shore of Lake Crescent and winds through centuries-old forest, crosses two picturesque creek bridges, and ends at a 90-foot waterfall dropping into a fern-covered ravine. It is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Olympic National Park and one of the best short hikes for anyone building a nature retreat around the peninsula.
Because the hike is short, you will still have plenty of time to see more of the area afterward. Walk the Spruce Railroad Trail at nearby Lake Crescent, one of Washington’s deepest and clearest lakes, or continue on to other Olympic National Park waterfalls like Sol Duc Falls and Madison Falls. For a different landscape entirely, the Hoh Rain Forest and the Pacific coastline are both within reach. Few parks offer this much variety in such a short drive, which is exactly why so many trip itineraries center on this corner of the peninsula.
If you are looking for lodging in Olympic National Park, our vacation rentals across Port Angeles and Sequim range from romantic treehouses and waterfront cabins to mountain-view retreats and a castle surrounded by Sequim’s lavender fields. Staying nearby keeps you close to the park’s most popular attractions while giving you the space and privacy a real nature retreat should have.
Plan Your Marymere Falls Hike
The Marymere Falls Trail begins near the Storm King Ranger Station on the south shore of Lake Crescent. Within the first few minutes, the trail passes beneath Highway 101 through a short pedestrian tunnel before entering old-growth forest filled with western hemlock, Douglas fir, western red cedar, and moss-covered bigleaf maples. The full hike runs 1.8 miles round trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain. The first half stays fairly level before climbing through switchbacks and wooden stairs to the waterfall viewpoints, crossing bridges over Barnes Creek and Falls Creek along the way. Most visitors spend an hour to an hour and a half on the trail.
Marymere Falls drops about 90 feet into a narrow, shaded canyon, making it one of the most photographed waterfalls in Olympic National Park. Two viewing platforms offer different perspectives: the lower overlook gives a front-facing view of the falls, while the upper platform shows more of the surrounding cliffs and forest. Even in summer, the dense canopy keeps the trail pleasantly cool.
This trail ranks among the busiest in the park from late spring through early fall. Parking at the Storm King Ranger Station often fills before mid-morning, so an early or late-afternoon start gives you the best shot at a spot and fewer crowds. If the main lot is full, you can also start from Lake Crescent Lodge, which adds only a short walk. A valid Olympic National Park entrance pass is required; restrooms are available at both the ranger station and the lodge, and pets are not permitted on the trail. Shoes with good traction are recommended, since sections can turn muddy or slippery after rain.
Because the hike is short, there is time to explore more of the Lake Crescent area afterward. Take a swim in the clear lake, have lunch at Lake Crescent Lodge, stroll the nearby Moments in Time Nature Trail, or tackle the steeper Mount Storm King hike from the same trailhead. Within an hour of Marymere Falls, you can also reach the Hoh Rain Forest, Sol Duc Falls, or the sea stacks at Rialto Beach, making this one of the easiest bases for experiencing the range of things to do in Olympic National Park.
Find the Best Lodging in Olympic National Park
There is no better way to close out a day at Marymere Falls than returning to a vacation rental built for the surrounding scenery. Our lodging in Olympic National Park includes treehouses tucked into the forest canopy, waterfront cabins, mountain-view retreats, and a castle framed by Sequim’s lavender fields.
Staying near Port Angeles or Sequim keeps you close to everything the park offers. After a day on the trail, relax in a private hot tub, cook dinner in a full kitchen, or take in views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca or the Olympic Mountains. Many properties also offer easy access to beaches, hiking trails, and kayaking, so the exploring does not have to stop once you leave the trailhead.
Book Your Nature Retreat Today
A trip built around Marymere Falls and Lake Crescent works best with a home base that matches the scenery. Book your lodging in Olympic National Park and start planning your next nature retreat on the peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Marymere Falls?
The Marymere Falls Trail is 1.8 miles round trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain, and most visitors finish in an hour to an hour and a half.
Are dogs allowed in Olympic National Park?
Dogs are allowed in many areas of the park, including some roads and campgrounds, but pets are not permitted on the Marymere Falls Trail itself.
Do you need a pass for Olympic National Park?
Yes. A valid Olympic National Park entrance pass is required to access trailheads throughout the park, including the one for Marymere Falls.
What is the entrance fee for Olympic National Park?
Entrance fees vary by pass type and vehicle, so check the current rate on the National Park Service website before your visit.