Marymere Falls

Waterfall in Clallam County, Washington, United States

About

What It Is

Marymere Falls is a 90-foot (27.6 m) waterfall located within Olympic National Park, near Lake Crescent in Washington State. ^[5] It sits within an old-growth lowland forest of fir, cedar, hemlock, and alder, and the water originates from Aurora Ridge, descending via Falls Creek before joining Barnes Creek. ^[5] The falls is one of the more visited attractions in the park, owing to its relatively easy trail access and proximity to U.S. Highway 101. ^[5]

Activities & Experiences

Visitors hike a well-maintained trail of 0.9 miles one-way (1.8 miles roundtrip) through old-growth, moss-laden forest, crossing two wooden bridges over Barnes Creek and Falls Creek before ascending to the falls viewpoints. ^[1]^[5] The route forms a loop near the falls, offering both a lower and an upper viewpoint, each described as picturesque. ^[1] The upper overlook provides a view into a secluded, forested amphitheater with the creek far below and mountains visible on the horizon. ^[2]

Practical Access

The trailhead begins at the Storm King Ranger Station, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Port Angeles. ^[1] The trail is rated easy, with a total elevation gain of around 200 feet on the falls loop section and a highest point of 1,100 feet; the first half-mile on compacted gravel is listed by Olympic National Park as accessible, though the route to the falls itself involves stairs, uneven surfaces, and steep sections. ^[1]^[2] The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, though some roads and facilities may be closed or have reduced hours from October through May, and all roads are subject to temporary closures due to weather or construction. ^[4] An entrance pass is required: private vehicle entry costs USD 30 (valid seven consecutive days), motorcycle entry costs USD 25, and per-person entry for those arriving on foot or by bicycle (age 16 and older) costs USD 15; children under 16 are admitted free. ^[3] The park does not accept cash. ^[3]

Restrictions

All visitors must carry a valid entrance pass; the park does not accept cash payments. ^[3] The first half-mile of trail is designated accessible, but the continuation to the falls involves significant stairs and unsteady terrain that may not be suitable for all mobility levels. ^[2] Visitors should check current road and weather conditions before visiting, as temporary closures can occur at any time. ^[4]

What Makes It Distinctive

Marymere Falls combines a relatively short, low-effort hike with an old-growth forest environment and a 90-foot waterfall, making it one of the few dramatic waterfall experiences in Olympic National Park accessible to a wide range of visitors. ^[1]^[5] The trail passes through dense, moss-covered forest with creek crossings and culminates in a viewpoint described as a secluded natural amphitheater, offering a sense of immersion uncommon on trails of this length. ^[2]^[5] Its location near Lake Crescent and U.S. Highway 101 makes it a practical stop for visitors touring the broader Olympic Peninsula. ^[5]

Sources

Typical duration: 2h

Access & fees

children under 16 (fee: free)
motorcycle entry (fee: USD 25 · validity: 7 days)
olympic annual pass (fee: USD 55 · validity: 1 year from purchase month)
per person on foot or bicycle (16+) (fee: USD 15 · validity: 7 consecutive days)
private vehicle entry (fee: USD 30 · validity: 7 consecutive days)

Things to do

birdwatching
forest hiking
hiking (surface: dirt · condition: well-maintained · trail length mi: 0.9)
nature appreciation
old-growth forest exploration
photography
waterfall viewing
wildlife and forest observation

Before you go

check conditions before visiting (contact: Road and Weather line 360-565-3131)
loop direction recommended — go left at fork for fewest stairs to falls overlook
loose gravel on descent — skree present on steep descent from upper overlook
no cell reception near falls — good reception at trailhead, none near falls
reduced facilities oct–may — some roads, campgrounds, facilities closed or reduced hours
stairs and switchbacks — 52+ steep uneven steps on loop; significant for mobility-limited visitors

Amenities

bench at upper overlook (location: upper viewpoint)
ranger station at trailhead (name: Storm King Ranger Station)

Best time to visit

peak visitation season (window: June–September)

Features

90.5 ft waterfall (height m: 27.6 · height ft: 90.5)
dual waterfall viewpoints (viewpoints: lower and upper)
falls creek waterway (flows to: Barnes Creek)
family-friendly hike — one of most popular on Olympic Peninsula
located in olympic national park
nature stairs near falls (gain ft: approx 200)
old-growth forest (species: fir, cedar, hemlock, alder)
two wooden bridges (on trail: true)
upper and lower viewpoints (loop: Falls Loop)
water source (creek: Falls Creek · ridge: Aurora Ridge)

Nearby

aurora ridge (relation: water source)
barnes creek (relation: downstream outflow)
highway access (highway: U.S. Highway 101)
lake crescent
lake crescent lodge (relation: trailhead access point)
nearest city (city: Port Angeles, WA · drive: 30 min)
nearest town (town: Hoodsport, WA)
storm king ranger station (relation: alternate trailhead)
u.s. highway 101 (relation: close proximity)

Good to know

accessible section (surface: compacted gravel · distance: ~0.5 mile)
cash accepted (accepted: no)
difficulty easy
drive from port angeles (duration: 30 minutes)
elevation gain 500 ft (highest point ft: 1100)
family-friendly rating
highest point (elevation: 1,100 ft)
near us highway 101 (park: Olympic National Park)
park hours (hours: 24 hours, year-round)
park jurisdiction (park: Olympic National Park)
trail distance 1.8 mi rt (one way mi: 0.9 · roundtrip mi: 1.8)
trail surface (surface: compacted gravel, soil, roots, stairs)
trail width (width: 4 ft typical)
trailhead location (start: Storm King Ranger Station)
well-maintained trail (difficulty: easy)

Catalog identifier: AVIA-7NN9-ABT56